15 Best Things To Do In Kochi, Japan | Reasons To Visit Kochi, Japan

15 Best Things To Do In Kochi, Japan | Reasons To Visit Kochi, Japan

06 March 2024Ava Sato

Kochi, Japan is a beautiful place to visit and one of my favorite places in Japan. Here are my favorite things to do in Kochi, Japan. Check it out!

Top Things To Do In Kochi, Japan

Visit Kochi Castle (Kōchi-jō)

Check out the official site of Kochi castle for more information!

Visit Yosakoi Inari Shrine

things to do in kochi visit shrine

Check Out The Harimayabashi

visit kochi japan harimayabashi

Visiting Harimayabashi is one of the best things to do in Kochi Japan. The Harimayabashi is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kochi. The history behind its popularity is that in the 19th century a monk fell in love with a woman, which is forbidden. They met in secret and were unfortunately caught red-handed here. Needless to say, they were banished after.

Harimayabashi is a small red bridge that is located close to the My-Yu bus stop. And you’ll end up using it so why not have a look. I love walking in this little bridge, it’s super cute. I always go to Harimayabashi bridge and take a lot of pictures here for my Instagram feed.

Visit Kochi Castle Museum of History

While most castles in Japan double as a museum, Kochi has a separate museum dedicated to its castle. The museum takes you through the history of the castle right from the Warring States period to the Meiji Reformation.

kochi japan sightseeing

You will find artworks, historical documents, as well as national treasures in the museum. If you are a history buff, you will appreciate the preciseness and knowledge that you can gather in this museum.

Kids often dislike visiting museums for its lack of fun factors. However, your kids will love this museum as they get the chance to dress like samurai warriors here.

On the third floor of the museum is an observatory that offers spectacular views of the castle. The museum is located right across the street from the castle, so if you are visiting the castle, do not miss out on the museum for an interesting blast of history.

Check out its official site for more information!

Enjoy Thrilling Water Sports in Japanese Rivers

Are you looking for an activity that brings on an adrenaline rush? In that case, Kochi will become one of your favorite destinations. It is a paradise for adventure lovers.

kochi japan water adventure sports

Canoeing, Kayaking, Canyoning, Snorkelling, Whitewater Rafting – you name it, they have it. One of the best things to do in Kochi, Japan and the best part about the whole adventure is that you get to experience all of this in Japan’s best rivers.

The Niyodo River has the best quality of water, The Yoshino River is known to be super clean, and the Shimanto River beats everyone else when it comes to being the clearest stream.

You will love these water activities immensely. Wondering what to do in Kochi? Go for water adventures!

Enjoy the Season at Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

The Makino Botanical Garden was created to honor the father of Japanese Botany, Makino Tomitaro. It is a spacious and luscious park that allows you to spend some time away from the maddening hustle and bustle of the city.

There are all types of gardens to keep you glued to nature – a greenhouse, cherry blossom groves, medicinal plants, and rose gardens are only some of the attractions of this botanical garden. There are ponds in the garden as well, which completes the beautiful and serene scenery.

If you are looking for a picnic spot, the Makino Botanical Garden has perfect lawns that are great for picnics. The place is well worth a visit for its beautiful views and peacefulness. When visiting Kochi, you must have the botanical garden on your list.

Check out the official site for more information!

Eat At Hirome Ichiba (Hirome Market) / Katsuo no tataki

The Hirome Ichiba market is quite unique, for it is both a market and a food court. The first thing you will (and must) notice is the Maneki Neko cat beckoning and welcoming you to this exciting place. It is a buzzing place with restaurants or izakaya (Japanese style pubs).

The place has long shared tables and benches, which according to me, is a great setting. Not only can you relish delicacies, but you also get a chance to meet other people and socialize with them. It is a great way to learn all about local cuisine and culture.

The food-court style restaurants allow you to sample different local cuisines. And that’s not all. You can also buy local and fresh produce as well as souvenirs from here. It’s one of the best Kochi market in Japan.

For more information – click here!

Grill Katsuo no Tataki

Katsuo or bonito is food for the soul. Everyone in Kochi knows Bonito, and if you are visiting Kochi, you should too. If you visit the Hirome Ichiba Market, you must try out this delicacy.

Do not leave the market without watching the grand demonstration of searing bonito and tasting this delicious delicacy. This is the place to be if you want to taste some delicious Kochi, Japan food.

Bonito, as mentioned before, is prepared in a grand demonstration with large flames over straw pits. Katsuo is sliced and seared with a touch of salt. Garlic and onions may sometimes be added.

Sunday Market

Sunday Market in Kochi has been around for more than 300 years, right from the Edo period. It is an open-air market that has a buzzing atmosphere that makes you want to be a part of it.

You will enjoy watching the buyers and sellers bargain and interact pleasantly in a Kochi dialect.

The market opens every Sunday and sees about 500 stores line up in the most perfect fashion on the streets. You will find everything here from local foods to souvenirs.

You can also find a lot of unique fruits, vegetables, cutlery, and traditional crafts in this market. It is a powerhouse of activities, colors, and variety. This expansive Kochi market in Japan will surely not disappoint you.

For more information – click here!

Chikurin-ji (Chikurin Temple)

Built-in 724, Chikurinji temple is one of the stops of the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple is associated with wisdom and sees a lot of students praying for academic success. When compared to other temples, the Chikurinji temple may seem pale, however, the five-story pagoda makes the visit well worth it.

The whole setting of the place is atmospheric, with trees lining up from the spectacular wooden gate and the moss-covered lanterns that add a rustic touch. The grounds are interesting with a small pond and a collection of Buddha statues.

While visiting the temple and most of the grounds is free, you can pay to visit a treasure house that includes many Buddhist statues. With the payment, you can also visit the gorgeous Japanese style garden.

Click here for more information on the official temple site

Visit the 150-million-years-old Ryuga Cave

The limestone Ryuga Cave is known to have inhabited cavemen and is at least 150 million years old. The whole stretch is at least 4 km long, however, you will not be able to venture the entire length of the cave. Only 1 km of the cave has a walkable trail.

During this 1 km trail, you will be able to marvel at the stalactite formations and waterfalls. If you are lucky, you might even spot a bat napping or swooping above. Sightseeing in Koch is surely incomplete without visiting this cave.

Click here for more information!

Muroto World Geopark Centre

Muroto Geopark is where you can learn more information about Mother Earth. Muroto Geopark was also certified as a World UNESCO Geopark in 2011.

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