Kochi faces the Pacific on Shikoku's south coast, and it has a different temperament from the rest of Japan: outgoing, food-loving and proud of its history. Shikoku is increasingly named by international travel press as the region for repeat travellers, and Kochi is where that pays off. It has one of the country's best castles, a street market held for more than 330 years, and the Shimanto River two hours to the west.
Kochi city
- Kochi Castle. One of the twelve castles with an original keep, and unusual because the main palace building beside the keep also survives. The climb is on foot, with stone steps.
- The Sunday Market. Held since 1690 on Otesuji street below the castle, it runs for about a kilometre with several hundred stalls of produce, knives, plants and snacks. It is one of Japan's largest street markets and a strong Sunday-morning activity.
- Hirome Market. An indoor food hall where groups can try katsuo no tataki, bonito seared over a straw fire, at shared tables.
Around the city
- Katsurahama. A curved beach with a shrine on its rocks and a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma looking out to sea. Swimming is not allowed there, so it is a scenic stop.
- Yosakoi. The city's dance festival fills the streets each August, and hotel rooms go fast during it.
- The Iya Valley. The vine bridges and gorges of central Shikoku can be reached on the way to or from Kochi, which avoids backtracking.
The Shimanto River
The Shimanto runs for 196 kilometres and is often called Japan's last clear river. It is crossed by 47 chinkabashi, low bridges without railings built to let floods pass over them. Groups take a covered riverboat, rent canoes or bicycles, and walk across a chinkabashi; the bridges are narrow, so the coach parks nearby. From Kochi city, the river is about two hours by coach or train, and one night in the Shimanto area makes the visit relaxed.
How we plan it
We time Kochi city over a Sunday where possible, book the Hirome Market tables and the riverboat, and route the coach so the group does not drive Shikoku twice. See our Shikoku region guide, our Shikoku 88 pilgrimage guide and our Okayama and Kurashiki guide.
FAQ
How long do groups need in Kochi? Two nights in Kochi city and one on the Shimanto River is a comfortable shape.
Is the Sunday Market held every week? It is held on Sundays through the year, with breaks around New Year and some festival dates. We confirm the dates before each programme.
How do groups reach Kochi? By air to Kochi Ryoma Airport, or by the Nanpu limited express from Okayama in about two and a half hours.
Want Kochi and the Shimanto River in your clients' Japan programme? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
