Kochi: Attractions, Food, Transportation, and a Suggested Itinerary

Contents

About Kochi
Tourist attractions in Kochi
Kochi Cuisine
Transportation in Kochi
Suggested Itineraries in Kochi
A Detour in Kochi

About Kochi

Kochi is the capital of Kochi Prefecture. Kochi Prefecture was formerly known as Tosa.

During the Sengoku period, Chōsokabe Motochika unified Tosa. He was poised to unify all of Shikoku as well, but Hideyoshi defeated him in the so-called “Shikoku Campaign,” weakening his power. Furthermore, Motochika's son Morichika sided with the Western Army at the Battle of Sekigahara, decisively sealing the decline of the Chōsokabe clan.

Tosa then came under the rule of Yamauchi Kazutoyo. His wife, renowned as the epitome of devoted spousal support, was Chiyo. Their lives are depicted in the NHK historical drama series “Kōmyō ga Tsuji.”

Kazutoyo built a new castle on Mount Ōtakasa in the center of the Kochi Plain. That castle is Kochi Castle. From then until it was decommissioned in 1871 (the fourth year of the Meiji era), Kochi Castle was the residence of the Yamauchi family.

During the Edo period, Kochi grew considerably as the castle town of Kochi Castle. Today, visitors can still trace the history of the Yamauchi family and the castle town at Kochi Castle and in the surrounding area.

A well-known historical figure associated with Kochi is Ryoma Sakamoto. The airport is also named Kochi Ryoma Airport. Ryoma's life was portrayed in the NHK historical drama series “Ryomaden.”

Tourist attractions in Kochi

Here are the recommended attractions in Kochi, presented as a ranking.
October 4, 2026 We checked each attraction’s official information.

1stKochi Castle

Kochi Castle is a major attraction that reflects Kochi’s history as a castle town. Visitors can tour the surviving main keep and Kaitokukan Palace and enjoy views over the city from the castle grounds.

Statues of Yamauchi Kazutoyo and Chiyo, as well as Itagaki Taisuke, can also be seen around Otemon Gate.

For more about Kochi Castle’s history, buildings and statues, as well as its opening hours, admission fees and access, see the article below.

Kochi Castle: Highlights, Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access
This guide covers the highlights of Kochi Castle—including the castle tower and Kaitokukan, Otemon Gate, and the statue of Chiyo Yamauchi—as well as opening hours, admission fees, and access, based on official information and on-site visits as of 20269.
michikusatravel.com
2nd placeKatsurahama

Katsurahama is a scenic spot with a crescent-shaped shoreline, a pine grove, and views across the Pacific Ocean. It has long been renowned as a place for moon viewing and is also celebrated in the folk song “Yosakoi-bushi.”

The statue of Sakamoto Ryōma standing and facing the sea is one of Katsurahama’s best-known attractions.

For details about Katsurahama’s scenery, the statue of Sakamoto Ryōma, the time needed for a walk, and access, see the article below.

Katsurahama: Highlights, the Sakamoto Ryoma Statue, Time Required, and Access
We explain Katsurahama’s coastal scenery, the statue of Sakamoto Ryōma, the time needed for a walk, and access, based on official information and on-site research as of 2026 9.
michikusatravel.com
3rd placeKochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

Image: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden showcases the achievements of plant taxonomist Tomitaro Makino and a diverse range of plants. Visitors can explore the exhibition hall and outdoor plant displays.

Image: User:chocopeanut / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The greenhouse is also open to visitors. Godaisan Park surrounds the botanical garden, and its observation deck offers views of Kochi city and the Urado Bay area. A visit can be combined with nearby Chikurinji Temple.

For more details about the highlights, opening hours, admission fees, and access to Makino Botanical Garden, see the article below.

Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden: Highlights, Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Access
We explain the highlights of Makino Botanical Garden in Kōchi Prefecture, including the exhibition hall, greenhouse, and plants in the garden, as well as opening hours, admission fees, and access, based on official information as of September 2026.
michikusatravel.com
4thHirome Market

Located near Kochi Castle, Hirome Market brings together fresh fish shops, butcher shops, general-goods stores, restaurants, and more. Food purchased from the vendors can be enjoyed at shared tables, making the market a convenient place to eat while exploring the area around Kochi Castle.

Details about the market and its location are available on Kochi City’s official tourism website.

ひろめ市場 - 観光情報サイト - 高知市ホームページ（観光魅力創造課）
www.city.kochi.kochi.jp
5thChikurinji Temple

Image: Naokijp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)Chikurinji Temple on Mount Godaisan is a stop on the pilgrimage to Shikoku’s eighty-eight sacred sites and is easy to visit together with the Makino Botanical Garden. Within the grounds, visitors can explore the five-story pagoda, main hall, garden, and treasure house.

For details about Chikurinji Temple’s main hall, five-story pagoda, garden, treasure house, visiting hours, fees, and access, see the article below.

Chikurinji Temple: Highlights, visiting hours, admission fees, and access
This guide explains Chikurin-ji Temple’s highlights, including the main hall, which is designated an Important Cultural Property, the five-story pagoda, garden, and treasure house, along with visiting hours, admission fees, and access, based on official information as of September 2026.
michikusatravel.com
6thKochi Sunday Market

Image: 無料画像・フリー画さんより引用掲載 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The Sunday Market on Otesuji Street is a street market with a history spanning more than 300 years. Stalls selling vegetables, fruit, Kochi foods, metalware, plants, and more line a stretch of approximately 1 km.

See the article below for details on the Sunday Market's highlights, opening hours, recommended visit duration, and access.

Kōchi Sunday Market: Highlights, opening hours, time needed and access
This guide explains the highlights of the Kōchi Sunday Market, including its stalls stretching for approximately 1 km, Kōchi’s food culture and more than 300 years of history, along with opening hours, time required and access, based on official information as of September 2026.
michikusatravel.com
7thKochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum

Image: 京浜にけ / Wikimedia Commons (Copyrighted free use, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum presents Ryoma's life and the history of the closing years of the Edo period through his letters and related materials. You can combine a visit with a walk along Katsurahama Beach.

See the article below for details about Sakamoto Ryoma's letters, materials from the closing years of the Edo period, opening hours, admission fees, and access.

Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum: Highlights, opening hours, admission fees, and access
This guide explains highlights such as Ryoma Sakamoto’s letters, materials from the end of the shogunate, and exhibits related to John Manjiro, along with opening hours, admission fees, and access, based on official information as of 2026 9.
michikusatravel.com
8thHarimaya Bridge

Along with the Sapporo Clock Tower and Dutch Slope in Nagasaki, Harimaya Bridge is sometimes called one of “Japan’s three most disappointing sights.” Paradoxically, this very reputation also enhances its appeal as a tourist attraction.

The bridge is known as the setting of the forbidden love between Junshin and Oma. The folk song “Yosakoi-bushi” also sings: “At Harimaya Bridge in Kochi, Tosa, I saw a monk buying a hairpin.”

The love story of Junshin and Oma is available in the official guide from Kochi Prefecture.

はりまや橋 | 高知県
www.pref.kochi.lg.jp
9thKochi Castle Museum of History

Located near the Otemon Gate, the Kochi Castle Museum of History presents the history and culture of Kochi, with a particular focus on artifacts passed down through the Yamauchi family, the former lords of the Tosa Domain. Together with Kochi Castle, the museum offers insight into the history of the Yamauchi family and the castle town.

利用案内 - 高知城歴史博物館
高知城歴史博物館の利用案内ページです。開館時間、観覧料、交通アクセスなどの基本情報の他、音声ガイドや館内各種設備などをご案内しています。
www.kochi-johaku.jp
10thTosa Shrine

Tosa Shrine is an ancient shrine revered as the ichinomiya of the former Tosa Province. A long approach leads from the rōmon gate through the forested grounds, where visitors can explore the shrine buildings.

The shrine's history and information about the grounds are available on its official website.

土佐一ノ宮土佐神社 - 土佐の一ノ宮にある土佐神社。
土佐の一ノ宮にある土佐神社。5世紀の創建と伝わる古社で広大な境内をもち、国道脇の楼門から長い参道が続き、正面奥には樹齢数百年の杉や檜が鬱蒼と茂る中、本殿、拝殿、幣殿、鼓楼、楼門など重要文化財の建築物が立ち並ぶ。幣殿・拝殿は左右に翼...
tosajinja.com
11thKatsurahama Aquarium

Katsurahama Aquarium is a distinctly local aquarium on the beach in Katsurahama Park. It was the first registered museum in Kochi Prefecture, and visitors can explore its exhibits while enjoying views of Katsurahama and Tosa Bay. It is easy to combine a visit with a walk around Katsurahama.

Details about the aquarium, its opening hours, admission fees and access are available on the official website.

桂浜水族館
高知県の名勝・桂浜にある、小さな水族館。でも他の水族館にも負けない特色ある水族館です!ぜひお越しください。
katurahama-aq.jp
12thKochi Yosakoi Information Exchange Center

The Kochi Yosakoi Information Exchange Center introduces the history and appeal of the Yosakoi Festival, which originated in Kochi. Audiovisual exhibits and opportunities to try dancing with naruko wooden clappers offer an introduction to the festival’s culture.

Information about the exhibits and hands-on activities is available on the official Kochi City website.

高知よさこい情報交流館 - 観光情報サイト - 高知市ホームページ（観光企画課）
www.city.kochi.kochi.jp
13thKochi City Ryoma's Birthplace Memorial Museum

The Kochi City Ryoma's Birthplace Memorial Museum is in Kamimachi, where Ryoma Sakamoto was born and raised. It traces his relationships with his family and local residents, presenting his personal development and the castle town of Kochi during the final years of the shogunate.

See the official website for information about the exhibits and facilities.

龍馬の生まれたまち記念館 | 龍馬の生まれ育った高知市上町周辺
龍馬の生まれたまち記念館は、龍馬の人間形成の基盤となる家族やまちを紹介し、さまざまな困難を乗り越え、近代国家へ尽力した龍馬を顕彰するため、2004年３月誕生地・上町に開館いたしました。展示館機能と公民...
ryoma-hometown.com
14th placeKochi Tabi Hiroba

Kochi Tabi Hiroba, by the south exit of JR Kochi Station, has the Tosaterasu tourist information center, a souvenir and rest facility, and a counter that issues the Ryoma Passport. You can also see the Three Tosa Patriots Statue, making this a convenient place to gather information before sightseeing.

Details about the facilities, including Tosaterasu and the Three Tosa Patriots Statue, are available on the official website.

こうち旅広場 | 高知県観光情報Webサイト「こうち旅ネット」
kochi-tabi.jp

Kochi Cuisine

The information below was checked against official sources on September 16, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.

Kochi specialties

Katsuo no tataki: A popular way to enjoy it is to savor its straw-seared aroma with salt or ponzu sauce.
Sawachi cuisine: A Tosa banquet meal featuring sashimi, simmered and fried dishes, sushi, and more arranged on a large platter for everyone to share.
Tosa maki: A thick sushi roll filled with katsuo no tataki and aromatic garnishes.
Imoten: A popular snack, also found at the Sunday Market, made by battering and frying sweet potato.

You can find information about Kochi's local specialties on the official Kochi Prefecture tourism website.

高知に来たら絶対食べたい！　名物グルメ10選 | 高知県観光情報Webサイト「こうち旅ネット」

You can find information about sawachi cuisine in Kochi City's tourist information.

皿鉢料理 - 観光情報サイト - 高知市ホームページ（観光魅力創造課）

Renowned establishments in Kochi

Izakaya Tosa

At this izakaya in front of Kochi Station, you can enjoy seared bonito.

The bonito tataki was so delicious that it made us wonder what we had been eating until then. It really does taste different in the place where it originated.

Basic information about the restaurant is available on its listing page.

楽天ぐるなび - 土佐（高知市/居酒屋）

土佐（高知市/居酒屋）の口コミや情報、地図・☎電話番号などを【楽天ぐるなび】がご紹介。高知市周辺の居酒屋情報も掲載。

Shukoku Chosokabe

This izakaya serves dishes made with agricultural and livestock products from Kochi Prefecture, as well as straw-grilled specialties such as seared bonito.

Opening hours and information about the dishes are available on the establishment's profile page on the JA Kochi website.

酒國　長宗我部 - 【公式】JA高知県

Transportation in Kochi

The information below was checked against official sources on September 16, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.

Rail

Kochi Station is the starting point for sightseeing around the city. Train schedules and service updates are available from JR Shikoku's official information.

ＪＲ四国＜四国旅客鉄道株式会社＞：ＪＲ四国

JR四国の公式サイト。列車の運行・時刻表・駅の情報や、おすすめ列車の旅情報をご案内。企業・採用情報もご覧いただけます。

Trams and buses

Tosaden Traffic trams and buses provide access to Harimayabashi Bridge, Kochi Castle, Mount Godaisan, and Katsurahama Beach. Check the company’s official information for routes, timetables, and fares.

とさでん交通株式会社

Suggested Itineraries in Kochi

This 1-day route starts at Kochi Station and takes you on foot to Kochi Castle and Harimayabashi Bridge in the city center, then by MY Yu Bus to Chikurinji Temple on Godaisan and the seaside Katsurahama Beach. Before setting out, you can gather information at the visitor information center in front of the station. On Sundays, you can also stop at the Sunday Market along Otesuji Avenue near Kochi Castle. For a meal, visit Hirome Market near the castle before or after touring it, or on your way to Harimayabashi Bridge.

Open the same route in Google Maps

Walk from Kochi Station to Kochi Castle and Harimayabashi Bridge, then take the MY Yu Bus to Chikurinji Temple and Katsurahama Beach. With a meal stop in the city center, this route takes you to Godaisan and the coast in a single day.

Loading the map.

①Kochi Station → ②Kochi CastleCalculating the route in Google Maps
Begin your trip at Kochi Station. Kochi Tourist Information Center Tosa Terrace, in front of the station, is a new, interactive visitor information center. Walk southwest for about 18 minutes to reach Kochi Castle, built by Kazutoyo Yamanouchi.
Also visit ⒶKochi Tourist Information Center Tosa Terrace in front of the station.
②Kochi Castle → ③Harimayabashi BridgeCalculating the route in Google Maps
After touring Kochi Castle, walk east for about 13 minutes to Harimayabashi Bridge. For a meal, stop at Hirome Market near the castle before or after your visit, or on the way to the bridge. On Sundays, you can also visit the Sunday Market along Otesuji Avenue, which extends east from Otemon Gate. After seeing the bridge, continue from here on the MY Yu Bus.
③Harimayabashi Bridge → ④Chikurinji TempleCalculating the route in Google Maps
Take the MY Yu Bus from Harimayabashi Bridge, ride for about 21 minutes to Chikurinji-mae, and head to Chikurinji Temple. This is not a walking segment.
Nearby attractions include ⒷGodaisan Park and ⒸThe Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden.
④Chikurinji Temple → ⑤Katsurahama BeachCalculating the route in Google Maps
Take the MY Yu Bus from Chikurinji-mae and get off at Katsurahama after about 23 minutes. This is not a walking segment. At Katsurahama, you can also see the statue of Ryoma Sakamoto.
ⒹThe Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum is also worth visiting.

A Detour in Kochi

Here we share scenes we happened upon in Kochi and views that caught our eye.

The stylish chain baron.

The Enokuchi River flows from east to west to the north of Kochi Castle.

Tram

This is the “Heart Tram,” a third-generation Tosaden Kotsu Type 100 streetcar. Built in 2002, this ultra-low-floor streetcar is nicknamed the “Heart Tram.”