On southwest Shikoku island, Kochi Prefecture is known for its natural beauty, with Japan’s Pacific and a large bay on its border. The prefecture is 90% covered with mountains, with several rivers flowing through it. There are so many things to do in Kochi Prefecture, from visiting Kochi city and its famous 17th-century castle or Sunday outdoor market to exploring the state’s botanical gardens, beaches, Shikoku Karst Natural Park, or Cape Ashizuri for views from the lighthouse.
You can visit Kochi Prefecture year-round. What you visit depends on what you want to do when you’re there. It gets cold in winter, but you see fewer tourists. New flowers bloom in spring, and the leaves change colors in fall. If you’re into water sports, you might want to visit in summer when temperatures are warmest.
You can rent a car to get around the prefecture, but remember that the roads are narrow, and Japanese road signs can be tricky to navigate. If you’re excited about driving, renting a camper van allows access to explore more remote areas. You can also get around the state by bus, which could be more relaxing. Kochi city has two tram lines crisscrossing the city, so hop on that when you’re in town.
Japan’s culinary game is arguably one of the best in the world, and you won’t have difficulty finding good eats in Kochi Prefecture. You can try different culinary experiences, like wagashi making with a tea ceremony or others, in several areas of the prefecture. Or try making your own katsu no takaki (seared bonito) in the traditional way over flaming straw. You can also learn to make inaka (country sushi) with grilled mackerel, yuzu rice, and more.
