Kochi prefecture: a little-known treasure

2019年 03月20日


Kochi is located south of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands that make up the Japanese archipelago. Although Kochi may be less popular with foreign tourists, it has natural and historical treasures that are worth seeing.
The present Kochi was formerly called Tosa. It is known in Japan for being the birthplace of the famous Sakamoto Ryoma, one of the leaders of the movement to bring down the shogunate and Japan out of the feudal system in the 1800s. He was in favor of the opening of the Japan on the outside world and is today considered one of the main actors in the establishment of the Meiji government in 1868.

The area has been particularly spoiled by nature: there are large wild areas that range from mountainous landscapes to the seaside (surfing spots are numerous) through rivers, forests and caves. The climate is mild and conducive to agriculture and livestock, so that the cuisine of Kochi called Sawachi (sophisticated bowl dishes)  is famous.

Here is a selection of five activities to discover if you have the opportunity to go through Kochi on your trip to Japan!
 

Yosakoi festival

Kochi city is known for the Yosakoi festival, one of the ten largest festivals in Japan. Yosakoi is a traditional dance common in the region. The dancers are dressed in colorful costumes called happi or yukata and dance with fans and naruko (traditional percussion instruments) in their hands.
The fans are made from washi, papers traditionally made by hand. The version of Kochi called Tosa Washi paper is particularly famous. It is even possible to make a fan or other object yourself at the Kochi washi paper museum for your memory of Kochi.

About 200 dance groups, each with their own style, are spread throughout the city and offer a great show to visitors from across the country during the four days of festivities during the second week of August.


"Click here to see our festival tours."

 

Kochi Castle and Sakamoto Ryoma Museum

Kochi is a prefecture with a rich history. The castle was built in 1603 but was rebuilt in 1749 following a great fire. It is one of the best preserved in Japan and its compact structure makes it easy to photograph the best points of interest in one shot.

The Sakamoto Ryoma Museum

Sakamoto Ryoma is a major and very popular figure in Japanese history. He has inspired a great number of television series, movies, novels and manga.
There is a museum dedicated to his life in addition to a memorial located on his birthplace, Kochi.

 

Monet’s Garden Marmottan in Kitagawa Village

The famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet was touched and influenced by Japanese art. A garden reproducing the Monet garden located in Giverny, was created in the Kitagawa village located south east of Kochi city as an homage for the artist. It consists of three gardens, one for flowers, one of lights, and remain is the special, the water garden, or Mizu no Niwa, the landscape that inspired the famous water lilies.

 

Niyodo River and Shimanto

Kochi is renowned for its beautiful rivers where it is possible to go rafting, canoeing or sailing aboard a pleasure boat while admiring the majesty of nature. Two of these rivers are particularly noteworthy.

  • the Niyodo River, known for its beautiful blue color:

  • The Shimanto River: the longest in Shikoku and considered to be Japan's last clear watercourse:

Discover local specialties

Nature in Kochi is favorable for agriculture, fishing and farming, and its high quality water makes Kochi sake very popular. It is therefore possible to visit the breweries or to join the local fishermen and cook their own catch, including the skipjack that is often tasted in "Tataki": the fish (or meat) is very briefly passed to the flame then marinated and seasoned:

Finally, Shikoku Island is the largest producer of yuzu in the world. This Japanese citrus with delicate scent is even more and more garnish the creations of the greatest Western chefs in recent years.

In Kochi, yuzu seasoning is very common and gives an elegant flavor to the local cuisine.