Experience
the real Kochi
through its streets permeated
with tradition and culture
Kochi Prefecture, home to townscapes vividly reflecting the history of late Edo Period, and the traditional culture of Tosa.
Enjoy moments of strolling through historic towns, discover local culture, and let yourself be soothed by the grandeur of nature.
Here, the history passed down through ages blends with the culture of present generation.
The numerous charms of Kochi are presented through cultural experience, towns, and cuisine.
Kochi Cultural Experience
Discover the culture of Tosa
passed down through the ages
The Kochi of today is infused with the unchanged mastery and the spirit that have been nurtured here throughout the ages.
Katsuo-no-tataki, seared over a bold flame, infused with the fragrance of straw fire.
The warmth of Tosa washi paper, made through refined blessings. And Tosa Uchi-hamono knives, honed with the pride of skilled artisans.
Experiencing these traditions goes beyond sightseeing and becomes a precious opportunity to encounter the history, culture, and stories that still live on in Kochi today.
Why not experience the culture of Kochi, woven through its rich history, with all five senses for yourself?
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Straw-Seared Bonito
Experience Kochi traditional gastronomy: whole bonito seared over a straw fire.
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The boldly rising flames and the savory aroma of burning straw are a spectacular sight! The flavor is exceptional, with a fragrant surface and a moist interior. Enjoy it fresh off the fire as you discover the local food culture and way of life. -
Tosa Washi Paper
In the Tosa washi papermaking experience, encounter the historic art of papermaking using Kochi’s pure water and natural materials. With guidance from skilled artisans, experience the warmth and depth that only handcraft can offer through the papermaking process. Adults and children alike can enjoy taking part.
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Tosa Uchi-hamono Knives
Tosa Uchi-hamono knives showcase the skills of artisans and are known for free forging, in which each piece is made to suit its purpose and place of use.
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While learning the fundamentals of master craftsmanship through careful instruction, create a one-of-a-kind piece of your own.
You can also encounter tatara ironmaking, the rare traditional ironmaking technique essential to the making of Japanese swords, and experience the beauty that appears on the polished surface after heat treatment, along with the depth of Tosa’s blacksmithing culture.
Experiences in Kochi
Towns of Kochi
Walk through charming townscapes
where the spirit of the late Edo Period and nature live on
In Kochi, history shaped by the upheavals of the late Edo Period and a rich culture still quietly live on today.
In Aki City, where the atmosphere of an old castle town remains to this day, reflect on the era when the patriots of the time once raced through these streets. In Yusuhara Town, nestled in the mountains, visit the places connected to patriots of the Meiji Restoration and discover a way of life that coexists with nature. And in Kochi City, street markets are held on four days each week, where local vendors line the streets with produce, food, and handicrafts. Walking through the towns of Kochi, where history, nature, and human warmth come together. With every step, the visitor is sure to catch a glimpse of the spirit of Tosa that has been passed down in this land.
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Aki City
Known as a place connected to patriots of the late Edo Period, Aki City is a town that still retains traces of that past today. Walking through its historic streets, represented by samurai residences and the Doikachu area, the visitor can feel the lifestyle and culture of that time up close. The town’s calm atmosphere, surrounded by nature, blends with the warmth of its people to create a distinctly Kochi charm.
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Yusuhara Town
Known as the Dappan-no-Michi route taken by Sakamoto Ryoma when he left the Tosa domain, Yusuhara Town is a mountain town where traces of history still remain today. Within streets that still evoke the atmosphere of a former post town, wooden architecture by Kengo Kuma is dotted throughout, creating a beautiful harmony between history and the present. Please enjoy experiencing the townscape and way of life that are unique to Yusuhara.
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Kochi City [Street Markets]
Even among the street markets that support local daily life, the Sunday Market lining Otesuji Street in the Kochi Castle area is one of Japan’s most renowned street markets, with a history of more than 300 years. Held every Sunday, it is filled with rows of seasonal vegetables and fruit, handmade prepared foods, crafts, and more. Conversations with the producers are also part of its charm, making this lively and much-loved market a place where the visitor can feel the warmth and everyday life of Tosa up close.
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in Kochi
Food of Kochi
Enjoy delicious food experiences filled
with the blessings of nature
Kochi’s food brings together seafood nurtured by the Kuroshio Current and the blessings of mountain villages shaped by the warm climate. A leading example is katsuo-no-tataki or seared bonito, distinguished by the savory aroma of straw-searing.
Sawachi cuisine, served in generous platters, adds color to celebratory gatherings and brings people together. Yuzu, with its refreshing fragrance, is widely used in dishes, sweets, and condiments, adding depth of flavor. Tosa sake, born from pure water, is also an excellent match for food. Rare Tosa Akaushi beef is known for the rich umami of its lean meat and the gentle sweetness of its moderate marbling, with deep flavor that spreads with every bite.
The bold yet simple flavors that make the most of each ingredient shape a food culture that is uniquely Kochi.
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Yuzu Citrus
Yuzu in Kochi, one of the leading producers in Japan, is grown in a warm climate and amid the temperature differences of mountain valleys, giving it a refreshing and layered aroma. Its juice is widely used in ponzu sauce and drinks, while its peel is used to flavor dishes and sweets, and it also appears in Kochi’s traditional cuisine. Yuzu brings seasonal touch to the table. It is one of Kochi’s signature agricultural products, nurtured by abundant nature.
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Tosa Akaushi Beef
Raised with great care in Kochi’s rich natural surroundings, Tosa Akaushi beef is a rare wagyu even within Japan. It is known for the rich umami of its lean meat, the gentle sweetness of its moderate marbling, and its tender texture. Light yet full of depth, its true meaty flavor expands with every bite. It is a brand of beef born from the climate of Tosa, with a flavor that is both bold and refined.
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Tosa Sake
Tosa sake, which symbolizes Kochi’s sake culture, is known for its crisp dry character and clean finish. It pairs especially well with fresh seafood and sawachi cuisine, adding to the liveliness of gatherings. The custom of okyaku gatherings, where people share cups and conversation with those close to them, is a culture unique to Kochi that connects people through sake. It has been passed down together with Kochi’s bright and bold spirit.
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Food of Kochi
