Prefecture guide
Kochi
高知県
Wild southern Shikoku facing the Pacific, with the clear Shimanto River, Katsurahama beach, Kochi Castle and seared bonito tataki.
Advisories (minor): Thunder, High waves, Strong wind · Alerts for all of Japan
- places to see
- 24
- town guide
- 1
- protected local food
- 1
- traditional crafts
- 2
- Japan Heritage stories
- 2
Map of Kochi
Tap a pin to see the place, or a town name for its guide. You can switch on places to eat and stay too.
Places to see in Kochi
Sukumo Shell Mound
宿毛貝塚A historic site in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine
不破八幡宮A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Okawakami Birafu Shrine
大川上美良布神社A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
- Kochi City
Asakura Shrine
朝倉神社 (高知市)A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
- Kochi City
Former Yamauchi Shimoyashiki Nagaya
旧山内家下屋敷長屋A historic building in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Ashizuri Underwater Observation Tower
足摺海底館An observation tower in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Hie temple ruins
比江廃寺跡A historic site in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Yoshihiro Kofun
吉弘古墳An ancient burial mound in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Edagawa Kofun Group
枝川古墳群An ancient burial mound in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Sagawa Ryoma Shrine
佐川龍馬神社A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Kumano Shrine
熊野神社A Shinto shrine in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Nonaka Temple Ruins
野中廃寺跡A historic site in Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
Town guides in Kochi
The towns with the most to see, each with its own guide.
Taste of Kochi
Foods whose names are protected in Japan. If the label carries the name, it really comes from here.
Traditional crafts of Kochi
Officially recognised crafts that are still made by hand. A good place to start when you look for souvenirs.
Weather in Kochi this week
Today
24 Oct
Rain
High 27°CLow 19°C
Sun
25 Oct
Cloudy
High 26°CLow 23°C
Rain 90%
Mon
26 Oct
Cloudy
High 25°CLow 20°C
Rain 70%
Tue
27 Oct
Cloudy
High 26°CLow 17°C
Rain 50%
Warm: T-shirts and breathable clothes, plus a light layer for air-conditioned trains and shops.
Explore by interest
Japan Heritage stories
Local history told as a route you can follow, with the places that go with it.
Good to know
- Hirome Market in Kochi city is a lively food hall for katsuo tataki.
- The Niyodo River is famous for its very clear blue water.
- Distances are long across Kochi, so a rental car helps.
Questions travellers ask
How do I get to Kochi?
Flying is easiest: Kochi Ryoma Airport has direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe and Fukuoka. By land, take the Shinkansen to Okayama and an express train or bus to Kochi. Rent a car to explore the coast and the Shimanto River.
What is there to see in Kochi?
Kochi Castle, one of only twelve castles with an original keep; the Shimanto River, Shikoku's longest, great for camping and canoeing; the Muroto coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark; and the Pacific surf. In August, the Yosakoi Festival fills the city with around 20,000 dancers.
What should I eat in Kochi?
Katsuo no tataki, bonito seared over a flame outside and left raw inside, Kochi's signature dish. Locals love their sake, and imokenpi, sweet potato sticks fried and coated in sugar, make an easy snack.
More of Shikoku
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.