The Best Spots to See in Kochi Prefecture
Kochi Prefecture is the famous homeland of Ryoma Sakamoto, a prominent samurai during the Bakumatsu era. It’s also a popular tourist destination for its wide range of breathtaking nature and real Japanese history at your fingertips. In this article we’ll show you the best spots in Kochi to see.
1. Kochi Castle
Kochi Castle is one of 12 castles in Japan where you can still the original castle keep that survived since the Edo period. The entire castle grounds include 15 different structures which have been designated collectively as an Important National Cultural Property. Visitors can make their way to the top of the castle keep and enjoy an extra-regal feel while overlooking the Kochi townscape.
Every Sunday, there’s a popular Sunday market that stretches for 1 km from the east walls of the castle, including approx. 300 different street stalls to visit.
2. The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden
This approx. 8-hectar garden includes over 3,000 different varieties of wild plants related to Makino Tomitaro, botanist and Kochi prefecture native who’s called the “Father of Japanese Botany”. Inside there is also a restaurant and picnic area, making for a perfect way to spend a day surrounded by lush greenery.
3. Katsurahama
Welcome to the sprawling coast of Kochi City’s Urado Penninsula between Cape Ryuzu and Cape Ryuo, lush with a beautiful pine forest, sandy beach and sea. This spot in Kochi Prefecture is especially popular for its bronze statue of Ryoma Sakamoto, a prominent historical figure during the end of Japan’s Edo period.
4. Shimanto River
Shimanto River is the longest river in the Shikoku region, flowing through the western part of Kochi Prefecture and boasting a total length of 196km. The river begins at Mt. Irazu in the town of Tsuno.
Known as “Japan’s last clear stream,” the river offers beautiful natural scenery for every season of the year.
