wendy's Reviews Page 18/19

Being immersed in the world of Impressionism is truly so romantic.

Kitagawa Village “Monet’s Garden” in Kochi Prefecture was modeled after Monet’s garden in France, recreating its pond, water lilies, weeping willows, flowers, and wooden bridge. Stepping inside feels like walking straight into one of Monet’s paintings.

The best surprise was how few tourists there were. You can stroll around and take photos at your own pace without the crowds, quietly soaking in the picturesque scenery. Every angle is as beautiful as a postcard. If you like lesser-known spots in Japan and Impressionist art, you’ll really fall in love with this place!

When you come to Kochi, you have to ride the “Tosaden” at least once! This historic streetcar winds through the city streets and has so much character〜 The lines intersect at Harimayabashi, where the streetcars rumble along with their bells ringing, making you feel like you’ve instantly traveled back to Japan’s Showa era.

It’s not just everyday transportation for Kochi residents, but also the best way to see the cityscape. Sit by the window and watch the streets slowly pass by—every scene along the way feels like part of the journey. When you visit Kochi, don’t just rush from one attraction to another. Hop on the Tosaden and take your time experiencing the city!

Katsurahama Aquarium is right next to the famous Katsurahama Beach. It’s a small but super fun local aquarium! It may not be big, but the interactive experiences are surprisingly exciting〜 You can feed sea turtles and penguins up close, and even feed capybaras. The kids had so much fun, and this kind of close-up animal experience is really rare in Taiwan! If you visit Shikoku, don’t miss it〜 Plan to visit Katsurahama and the aquarium together—it’s definitely a great addition to a family trip!

When you visit Shikoku Aquarium, you'll be drawn in by its creative exhibits! With “Shikoku Waterscapes” as its theme, it brings Shikoku's rich marine world indoors in a way that's both fun and educational. The lively dolphins, active otters, soothing penguins, and all kinds of fascinating sea creatures make you want to linger in every area. I especially loved the main hall. Watching the fish swim leisurely by helped me completely unwind, as if time had stopped.

How could you visit the Shimanto River and miss the incredibly distinctive Sada Chinkabashi Bridge? It’s the longest chinkabashi bridge on the Shimanto River. With no guardrails and a narrow deck, you can’t help but slow down as you cross, admiring the clear water while reminding yourself, “Don’t slip!” The river scenery is gorgeous, and you can also take a sightseeing boat to enjoy the Shimanto River from another angle. This up-close experience with nature is both thrilling and soothing, and definitely worth the trip!

How could you come to Kochi and miss the legendary “Niyodo Blue”! The Niyodo River is famous for its crystal-clear water. When the sunlight hits it, the whole river looks like someone spilled a palette of blue paint—so beautiful it doesn’t seem real.

This time, I took a yakatabune boat ride, enjoying the pleasant afternoon breeze and slowly drifting downstream while taking in the scenery along the banks. I felt so relaxed I didn’t want to get off the boat. Along the way, we also passed distinctive bridges, dams, and caves, with a different surprise around every bend.

I have to say, this boat ride was truly romantic and soothing. Just sitting there, zoning out and watching the river, was already so worth it!

When you come to Kochi, don’t focus only on Katsurahama! Godaisan Park was also a pleasant little surprise on this trip. From here, you can look down on miniature-looking Urado Bay and Katsurahama Beach, and even see the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma in the distance. Although you can drive straight up the mountain, I recommend taking your time walking along the mountain path. The moment I reached the observation deck, the entire view suddenly opened up before me, and I really felt like, “I made the right choice!” The weather was great that day, and the blue sky and magnificent scenery were so beautiful I didn’t want to leave. There weren’t many tourists either, so it unexpectedly became a very relaxing stop on my trip. I’ve heard the night view is even more captivating, so I’ll definitely have to come back next time!

When visiting Kochi, Katsurahama is definitely not to be missed!

The deep blue sea meets the beautiful curved coastline, and at first sight, you can't help but exclaim, "It's so beautiful!" Walking along the beach, feeling the pleasant sea breeze and listening to the waves instantly puts you in relaxation mode. This is also an iconic spot associated with Ryoma Sakamoto, and you can see a towering statue of him by the sea. It's so impressive! When visiting Shikoku, don't just rush from one attraction to another. Set aside some time to gaze at the sea and unwind at Katsurahama. It's truly so soothing〜

While visiting Kochi, I found a place that's perfect for families: Wanpark Kochi.

Admission and parking are both free, and you can see adorable animals such as lions, zebras, cheetahs, gorillas, and guinea pigs up close. At certain times, there are also hands-on experiences with rabbits and other animals. Kids are sure to have a great time!

The park isn't very big, so it's just the right size for a leisurely visit. There's also a small amusement park, and those looking for a little more excitement can pay separately to ride the attractions. It's free and fun, so it's no wonder it makes you want to visit again!

Chikurinji Temple, one of the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku, is really easy to include on a road trip! From Kochi Station, we headed to Katsurahama, then on the way back made a detour to the Godaisan Observatory. Follow the signs for a short distance and you'll reach Chikurinji Temple's west gate. The temple grounds are fairly large, and besides the main hall, the most eye-catching sight is the majestic five-story pagoda. Continue toward the botanical garden, and you can also visit the Treasure Hall and garden. Chikurinji Temple, the Godaisan Observatory, and the Makino Botanical Garden are all close together, making them just right to visit in one trip! Even if you're not a temple enthusiast, it's well worth stopping by.