Visit Kochi Japan (2024)

15/06/2024

Traditional crafts of Kochi Vol. 1

✨Tosa Washi✨

Washi, as traditional Japanese paper is called, has a history of over 1,000 years!

Blessed with high-quality lime and a reliable supply of clear river water, both essential for making high-quality washi, Kochi’s natural environment ideal made it ideal for papermaking.

The tradition continues to this day and there are several places in Kochi Prefecture where you can try your hand at making washi for yourself.

👉Ino-cho Paper Museum

The economy of Ino Town, near Kochi City, is said to have been built on washi production, and many factories that produce paper products are still based here. It is a great place to try a casual washi-making experience and is easy to get to by public transport.

More info: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10156

👉Tosa Washi Kogei Mura QRAUD

About 15 minutes by car from Ino Station, located on a beautiful stretch of the crystal-clear Niyodo River is Tosa Washi Kogei Mura QRAUD. As well as washi paper making, you can also sign up for fun river activities here. Bicycles are available for rent from Ino Town Tourist Association for those who would like to make the 8-km ride under their own steam.

More info: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10157

👉Washi Studio Kamikoya

For those who want to take a deep dive into the art of papermaking, head into the hills to Washi Studio Kamikoya. This rustic atelier in Yusuhara is the base of operations of Dutch-born washi artist Rogier Uitenboogaart. Rogier faithfully follows traditional methods and grows his own natural materials without the use of pesticides. Here, you cannot only immerse yourself in the tradition of washi paper making and Yusuhara's beautiful nature, but also be inspired by Rogier’s passion and love for washi and his craft.

More info: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10158

✨Hands On Kochi✨
Learn more about traditional arts and crafts in Kochi:
https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/handsonkochi

10/06/2024

Don’t let rain stop play on your trip to Kochi!

People flock to nature-rich Kochi to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities under clear blue skies, but there are also plenty of things to do during the annual rainy season.

Among these, a visit to Hirome Market in Kochi City should be high on your list. An indoor market with a retro and funky atmosphere, Hirome Market is packed with places to eat and drink, clothing and souvenir shops and even a massage parlor!

It is, however, the many food stalls that most people come for. The market’s friendly and open atmosphere makes it a fun place to enjoy Kochi’s famously delicious food and drinks. Make a circuit to see what‘s on offer, then order any tasty treats that catch your eye before finding a seat in the communal dining area. Everyone in your group can choose something from a different place and still eat together😎

First-timers should not miss out on Kochi's soul food, seared bonito (katsuo-no-tataki) –– a generous portion of lightly seared bonito sashimi 😋

And how about a glass of Kochi's local sake to go with it? Kochi's traditional light and dry sake is the perfect match for the local cuisine 🍶✨

Popular with locals and tourists alike, you are sure to meet friendly folks at Hirome Market. The casual and fun atmosphere makes for great conversation and the people at the next table may well be friends for life by the end of the night 😁😝

📍 Hirome Market [ひろめ市場]
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/DERkVWTY2TFq9Ar48
👟 5-minutes walk from Kochi Castle

For more information about Hirome Market, visit: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10024

05/06/2024

Beat the rainy season blues at Kochi’s Hydrangea Shrine💙

Japan’s rainy season may be wet and humid, but it is also the season for gorgeous hydrangea blooms. Haruno-cho, located about 45 minutes by bus from Kochi City, is a lovely place to enjoy these colorful flowers, where they bloom against the backdrops of wooden shrines and picturesque waterways. They are also the product of a heartwarming story of local pride🥰

✨Rokujo Hachimangu Shrine✨

Rokujo Hachimangu Shrine in Haruno is now known as “Hydrangea Shrine”, but this was not always so. About 20 years ago, the shrine’s grounds were overgrown with only a single hydrangea growing in front of the main hall. Around this time local volunteers began to work on improving the grounds, planting more and more hydrangeas over time. After two decades of loving effort, some 80 different varieties of hydrangeas burst into color with the coming of the rainy season every June. Appropriately, Rokujo Hachimangu Shrine’s ema votive picture tablets and go-shuin shrine stamps also feature their signature flower⛩

Nearby, is “Hydrangea Road”. Here, the blossoms of around 10,000 hydrangeas are reflected in the irrigation channels that provide local fields with clear water drawn from the Niyodo River. It makes for an idyllic rural scene that makes you forget about the rain🥹✨

Learn more about flowers in Kochi:
https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/Flowers

📍 Rokujo Hachimangu Shrine [六條八幡宮]
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/x8FGDVfH15PDVrLC8
🚌 45 minutes by bus from Kochi Station
🚘 25 minutes by car from Kochi Station

30/05/2024

Time to refresh and unwind at Takasu rice terrace🌾✨
�
Could there be a landscape more calming than a rice terrace in the charming Japanese countryside? It’s always been one of my happy places to refresh and unwind especially when life gets a bit overwhelming🥹

Although the view of golden stalks swaying heavy with rice in the autumn breeze is breathtaking, I particularly love visiting rice terraces during the spring planting season when pools of water cover the fields. I could gaze at the glassy liquid canvas for hours, painted by slowly-moving clouds reflected in the water, where the palette changes throughout the day🎨�

Takasu rice terrace is one of my favorite spots, located only about an hour from Kochi City by car. After immersing yourself in the beautiful landscape, how about spending the night? Sameuraso Lakeside Hotel is just 15 minutes away by car😊🚗

📍 Takasu rice terrace
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/mRaGpTQHxmdpBJLT8

📍 Sameuraso Lakeside Hotel
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/1RtFf2ZpFgPo4oBf9
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/taste-of-kochi/10216

25/05/2024

We are ready to welcome you at Kochi Castle🏯

A local guide is a great way to learn about the fascinating history of Kochi Castle and pick up some local tips and recommendations for the rest of your time here. Plus, you get to hang out with some of Kochi’s famously hospitable people😀

The Kochi SGG Goodwill Interpreter Club offers free guided tours of Kochi Castle in English on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Reservations are not required and you can easily spot the guides as they wear distinctive blue vests and big smiles! (photos 1 and 2)

Those interested in going beyond the castle can reserve a free walking tour of the city for any day of the year. Just contact the Kochi SGG Goodwill Interpreter Club by email at [email protected]

🏯Kochi Castle🏯
📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/TY9cRCCzrxqyC8dEA
👟 25 minutes walk from Kochi Station Station
🚃 20 minutes by tram from Kochi Station

Read more about Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s 12 surviving original castles:
https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/KochiCastle

20/05/2024

Explore the home of Tosa Washi paper with a samurai guide✨

The manufacture of Japanese washi paper in Kochi is said to go back well over 1,000 years, and Tosa Washi (named after the old name for the Kochi region) is one of Japan’s big three washi papermaking centers.

The town of Ino on the banks of the crystal clear Niyodo River prospered as a major production center of Tosa Washi, and, although the heyday of washi paper manufacture may be in the past, traditional buildings built by paper wholesalers and merchants that line the town’s narrow white-walled streets are reminders of the bounty that it brought to the town.

Ino has an excellent paper museum where you can try your hand at making Japanese washi paper, but, to gain a deeper appreciation of the town's history and culture, we highly recommend taking a walking tour. One of the guides even dresses up as a samurai complete with a replica sword!

See Ino's samurai guide in action with Only In Japan’s John Daub here https://www.youtube.com/live/cndKsvBk-ZA?si=DOaFuVYV1UFSrqGL　

The two-hour tour includes entry to Ino-cho Paper Museum, a papermaking experience, and a little souvenir.

☀️Ino Town Walking Tour☀️
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/p13xWXQSCoaJpAhN8
🚈 About 10 min walk from JR Ino Station
🚃 About 10 min walk from Ino tram stop
✅ 2,500 yen (includes museum visit and paper-making experience）
✅ Choose to start your tour from Ino-cho Paper Museum or JR Ino Station.
✅ Reserve 3 days in advance through Ino Town Tourism Association (088-893-1211)

Read more about Ino-cho Paper Museum here: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10156

15/05/2024

Must-Try Foods at Kochi’s Amazing Sunday Market😋

Kochi's Sunday Market has been held almost every week for over 300 years! Every week, the 1.3-km route is thronged with locals and visitors alike, picking up fresh, seasonal produce from the surrounding countryside, handmade souvenirs, and delicious street food🍡

With the warmer weather, it is the perfect time of year to wander the market while sampling tasty treats. Here are some of our top recommendations👇

👉 Kochi-style tacos from MASACASA TACOS
👉 Imoten (fluffy sweet potato tempura)
👉 Inaka Sushi (traditional vegetable sushi)
👉 Aisukurin (creamy sherbet) - especially good in summer!
👉 Sweet Potato Mochi (rice cake filled with sweet bean paste)
👉 Shiawase (happiness) Warabi Mochi (jelly-like mochi made from bracken starch, coated in kinako sweet roasted soybean flour)

These are just a few mouth-watering delicacies to get you started. We recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time to explore and to avoid disappointment!

😋 ✅ If you are not in Kochi on Sunday, don't worry!
This map shows the location of other weekly markets in the city; Tuesday Market (yellow pins), Thursday Market (orange pins), and Friday Market (green pins):
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit?mid=1RmAT7xuZIANfWmw5bfuYJUvTKgYBYxk&usp=sharing

Read more about Kochi’s Sunday Market: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/sundaymarket

10/05/2024

Shimanto River season is almost here🛶

Viewing the striking contrast between the greenery of the densely forested valley and the clear water of the magnificent Shimanto River alone is enough to soothe the spirit. However, if you want to truly immerse yourself in its charm, there is nothing better than taking to the river itself😊

Good River offer fun guided canoeing, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), and rafting tours for people of all fitness levels, young and old, along a stunning stretch of the river which is virtually free of man-made structures. Perfect for beginners and families with children, adults will also love acting like kids again, splashing about in the river✨

After a day of fun, head to nearby Nakamura and sample local food and sake at one of its many izakaya (Japanese-style gastropubs)🍣🍶

☀️Good River☀️
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/nCz6Tiggz9GRGcvL7
🚙 Approx 1 hour by car from Shimanto-cho Chuo IC

Read more about Good River here: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10550

05/05/2024

Fly high over the crystal clear waters of the Niyodo River🙌

Add an extra thrill to your visit to Kochi’s gorgeous Niyodo River with a NIYO FLY challenge.

NIYO FLY offers a chance to take on “Japan’s First Screaming Suspension Bridge”. This 100-meter-long suspension bridge is constructed from a variety of different materials that include logs, swinging nets, and ropes and hangs 30 meters above the river below😱

Safety harnesses make it all very safe, but somehow your brain doesn’t quite get the message and it certainly gets your heart pumping❤️‍🔥

Enjoy the return journey by zip line and, once you are back on solid ground, treat yourself to locally-grown tea and sweets at CHA CAFE ASUNARO, run by a local tea farm, while enjoying the spectacular view😊

☀️NIYO FLY☀️
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/iQLKAgUjSaoy7ush6
🗓 Closed Thursday（Closed the following day if Thursday is a National Holiday）
✅ 5,000 yen
🚙 80 minutes by car from Kochi City

🔗NIYO FLY https://niyodo-flyhigh.com/
🔗CHA CAFE ASUNARO https://www.asunaro-cafe.com/

Read more about exploring the Niyodo River here: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/niyodoriver

01/05/2024

Kochi’s annual seaside T-shirt Art Exhibition starts today!

Every year, during the Golden Week holiday, the beautiful Irino Coast in Kuroshio Town is transformed into an open-air art gallery, creating a spectacular natural art space✨

The sight of hundreds of uniquely designed T-shirts from all over Japan fluttering in the wind against the blue sky and the sea is wonderful😌

Wander among the exhibit looking for your favorite designs and imagine the story behind each T-shirt as it blows in the ocean breeze.

As well as the T-shirt display, other fun events are held throughout the week, including a barefoot beach run, or my favorite... a beach sandal-kicking contest😆 You may even catch a beach wedding❤️

☀️Sunabi Museum's T-shirt Art Exhibition☀️
📍 https://goo.gl/maps/yRHaTHaDo5kW6g6A8
🗓 May 1 - May 6, 2024
✅ Free admission
🚃 1 hour and 45 minutes by train from Kochi Station
👟 10 minutes walk from Tosa Irino Station

🎉 You can see the program of events here: https://sunabi.com/works-art/36th-t-shirt-art-info/

Sunabi Seaside Gallery: https://sunabi.com/english-about/

If you are looking for a place to stay on the Irino Coast, check out this amazing glamping spot, located right next to the beach: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10535

30/04/2024

Delicious coffee and friendly cows...up in the sky!🐮🧡

Bucolic scenes of cows grazing on grassy highlands may not be what comes to mind when you think of Japan. However, we are in Kochi after all–a place full of surprises!😉😁

Peaking at 1,485 meters above sea level, the Shikoku Karst Natural Park is home to breathtaking views of exposed limestone clusters spread across the rolling expanse of mountains, one of Japan’s 100 most scenic roads nicknamed the “Road in the Sky” and more😌

Here, you will also find Karst Coffee, an adorable coffee truck that offers all kinds of drinks including yuzu citrus juice, ginger ale, beer, and hot chocolate. However, the cafe au lait is certainly my favorite, made with hand drip coffee and naturally-sweet milk straight from the dairy farm nearby☕✨

📍 Shikoku Karst Natural Park
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/9HtqFwr8jsyACkTP7
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10037

📍 Karst Coffee
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/iGAyzGZHs6K9VcHe8
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/karstcoffee/

📸 Special thanks to Instagram user for the first three photos!

: https://www.instagram.com/kyustyle_hiromi/

29/04/2024

From the mountains to the ocean…on the Dosan Line!🚃💚

The Dosan Line connects three of the four prefectures on the island of Shikoku, namely, Kochi, Tokushima and Kagawa. It runs 198.7 kilometers from Tadotsu (Kagawa) all the way to Kubokawa (Kochi) stations, meandering through extraordinary landscapes from rugged mountains and crystal-clear rivers to the dynamic Pacific Ocean✨

The first photo here shows the “Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoakeno Monogatari” (Tale of the Dawn of an Era) sightseeing train that mainly runs from Kochi to Kubokawa stations on the Dosan Line. During the approximately 2.5-hour journey one way, passengers can enjoy a range of majestic views of the serene countryside, sparkling Pacific Ocean and more☀️

One of the many highlights along the Dosan Line route include Susaki City, home to atmospheric Otonashi Shrine that faces the beautiful Uranouchi Bay. Another one, near Kubokawa Station, is the crystal-clear Shimanto River, which is Japan’s last free-flowing river. If you’re an avid cyclist, check out the link at the very end to learn about the cycling loop along the river called the Shimanto Heaven’s Road🌟

Learn all about the “Shikoku Tosa Toki no Yoakeno Monogatari” (Tale of the Dawn of an Era) train:
https://www.facebook.com/visitkochijapan/posts/pfbid0sJeN62Q5i8cC197pvpLV5kVQghCTSehbb1DRgxn1B4kLcZnK7etKCWKZ776rKFGTl

📍 Susaki City
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/LV4YPw2UgW5au2nz8
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/visitkochijapan/posts/pfbid028LFWFWwP2X2EgXe58Kohsu8NinPLuTfTY8pG7wZXPDenVeCh9p5KEMm5jDjcs17rl

📍 Shimanto River
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/gmMNk2TarVEh7Px6A
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/shimantoriver
🚴‍♀️ https://www.facebook.com/visitkochijapan/posts/pfbid02pphpeT7rr1P2xp79ULrf6pt5BdTgj9gmaMMHx9bD5K2gkQNLDuMUdfbPkijVJZT1l

24/04/2024

In search of treasure at Yasui Gorge💎

Just like a treasure chest–overflowing with jewels in a children’s story book–Yasui Gorge is filled with an array of dazzling colors that will take your breath away🥹��

The crystal-clear water that flows through the Niyodo River and its tributaries glisten in infinite shades of emerald and sapphire that change depending on the time of day and season🌈��

One of the joys of hiking through Yasui Gorge is that no visit is ever the same, making it a place that urges you to be present and savor every fleeting moment for the precious gift that it is🧡

📍 Yasui Gorge
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/kEuUxnEKvppzmTNa8
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10015

22/04/2024

From small beginnings, great things flow😌✨

The 196-kilometer Shimanto River starts as a mere stream that emerges from the slopes of Mt. Irazu (about 1.5 hours from Kochi City by car). From there, the Shimanto–Japan’s last free-flowing river–grows in size and grandeur along its many twists and turns, eventually flowing into the Pacific Ocean💙

There are many ways to enjoy the Shimanto River, such as gliding over its limpid waters in a yakatabune (traditional leisure boat), taking the short but rewarding trail to the source of the river, or devouring charcoal-grilled wild unagi (eel) caught straight from the crystal-clear river😋

Learn all about the Shimanto River:�https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/shimantoriver/

19/04/2024

Only have a few hours in Kochi City? No problem!😎🌟

Especially for those arriving in Kochi on a cruise, you may only have several hours to explore the area, and that’s definitely doable! You may not be able to see as much as you would ideally like to, but you’ll certainly gain a good glimpse of what this magical place has to offer. Check out these must-visit spots😊

✅ Kochi Castle

This over 400-year-old castle located at the heart of Kochi City (approximately 30 minutes by car from Kochi Port) is one of the last twelve remaining original castles in Japan.

✅ Hirome Market

Just a short walk away from Kochi Castle is Hirome Market, where you can try a range of Kochi’s local cuisine. Whatever you do, don’t miss the katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) that is prepared in a blazing rice straw fire!

✅ Kuroshio Kobo

Speaking of blazing rice straw fires…if you have a couple more hours to spare, I recommend heading over to Kuroshio Kobo (about 1.5 hours from Kochi Station by train) where you can experience this traditional technique of searing bonito for yourself! The retro fishing town of Kure is also a great place to take a stroll and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Japanese countryside and local life.

✅ Niyodo River

Another spot worth visiting if you have the time is the crystal-clear Niyodo River, which is often ranked as one of Japan’s most beautiful rivers. Hidaka Village and Ino Town are one of the closest spots to Kochi City with easy access to the Niyodo River.

📍 Kochi Castle
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8TNE4wYpUYu4mw7LA
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10009

📍 Hirome Market
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/sdFKn3wiFo1k8RL6A
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10024

📍 Kuroshio Kobo
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8XrTj7tHc9f7CKAC8
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10434

📍 Niyodo River
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/7R9tW4BB6sdvFmFg7
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/niyodoriver
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10508

18/04/2024

An earthquake centered in the Bungo Channel occurred at 23:14 on April 17 (Wed.).
*The Bungo Channel is a strait separating the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku.

It is estimated to have had a magnitude of 6.4, with the western part of Kochi Prefecture measuring a lower 6 on the Japanese seismic scale.
Kochi Prefecture immediately set up a disaster headquarters to deal with the situation.

As of 8:00 a.m. on April 18, no damage has been confirmed in the prefecture.
However, there is a possibility that earthquakes and aftershocks of the same magnitude may occur later on.

Please remain alert and pay close attention to the information you receive from municipalities, TV, radio, and the Internet.

◆Traffic Information
〇JR Shikoku Yodo Line
　No service between Kubokawa and Uwajima Stations all day (4/18)

◆Information websites
〇Kochi Disaster Prevention Information
http://kouhou.bousai.pref.kochi.lg.jp/
*Click the button on the upper right to change the language setting.

〇VISIT KOCHI JAPAN website
Emergency information
https://visitkochijapan.com/en/tourist-information/emergency-information

〇NHK News
Real-time disaster news and other updates
On the NHK World JAPAN website and app, NHK news and TV/radio programs are available in 19 languages.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ja/app/

17/04/2024

Witness Niyodo Blue at a sacred spot💎

Nikobuchi is the perfect place to witness the phenomenon known as Niyodo Blue–the surreal sapphire and emerald hues of the crystal-clear Niyodo River. It is located in a valley surrounded by lush trees just over an hour from Kochi City by car and may take some effort to reach, but the glorious sight makes every second of the journey worth it😊

Fun fact! According to an old legend, Nikobuchi is home to a serpent-shaped incarnation of the water god. Locals consider this place sacred, which is why swimming in the pool is prohibited and all visitors must behave respectfully🐉✨

📍 Nikobuchi�
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ED4YYJ7B9EYN8S6W6
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10016

15/04/2024

Experience making pure, sun-dried salt!🧂☀️

Located in the beautiful town of Kuroshio, Saltybe is one of Japan’s only places that exclusively specialize in making 100% sun-dried salt (without using firepower). It is a magnificent process that requires constant adjustment to and communication with a variety of earth’s elements, including wind, humidity, climate and season. The artisans at Saltybe offer enlightening, fun and interactive workshops where you can watch salt crystals form before your eyes!😌

While you’re in town, I highly recommend heading over to Michi-no-Eki Bios Ogata to savor Kochi’s soul food…katsuo no tataki (seared bonito)! Not to mention, it’s topped with a sprinkle of delicious sun-dried salt–just like the one you would experience making at Saltybe! Another dish worth trying is the burger version offered there, featuring seared bonito sandwiched between buns (that incorporate bonito flakes in the dough), with tomato and other veggies as well as a creamy tartar sauce–an innovative and delicious twist to a classic Kochi dish!😋

📍 Saltybe
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/L4wXwGVD5DSHZ9Pm9
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/activities/10140

📍 Michi-no-Eki Bios Ogata
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/qgRsNf2K5HAWWfhT6
🔗 https://hinataya.biz/index.html

12/04/2024

A basic guide to train etiquette in Japan!🚃✨

There is no doubt one of the many fun experiences to be had in Japan is to ride the trains. From the high-speed shinkansen to local trains that leisurely make their way through stunning countryside vistas, riding a train in Japan is special. But what are the manners to follow? Are there any unspoken rules? Here is a basic guide to ensure a smooth ride😉

✅ Join the queue. Respect the queue!

Let’s begin with the code of conduct before getting on trains. When you’re on a platform, especially at crowded stations, you will see passengers lining up in front of the arrows on the ground indicating where the train doors will open. Even if you’re in a rush to get onboard, do not cut the line! Simply join the queue at the tailend, swiftly move aside to let all of the passengers get off first when the train arrives, and then, get onboard.

✅ Keep your voice down

Once you enter the train, you may notice something…quietness (well, besides the rumbling of the train😆)! People generally keep to themselves and speak quietly to ensure everyone can enjoy a peaceful, comfortable ride. Talking on the phone is generally a no go too.

✅ No eating (but there is an exception)

Generally, you’re not allowed to eat on trains, especially hot meals that might fill the entire car with its scent. Again, it’s all about respecting and recognizing that you’re in a shared space. However, if you’re on a long-distance train like a shinkansen, snacking, drinking, and eating is perfectly acceptable (if not encouraged)! One of the most fun aspects of riding a shinkansen is to pick up an ekiben, which are lunch boxes sold at train stations. They are numerous in variety and absolutely delicious!

✅ Priority Seats and women-only cars

Priority Seats are reserved for the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, those with small children and other passengers who have special needs. If the train is empty, anyone can use these seats but please be prepared to offer it up to someone who may need it. Some commuter trains also have special cars reserved only for women, which are typically marked with a pink sign.

Learn more about train etiquette in Japan: https://matcha-jp.com/en/118

Kochi is home to all kinds of fun trains! Check them out here: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/train

11/04/2024

What bamboo teaches us🎋✨

“Ever since I was little, my family and elders told me that our local bamboo grove was the safest place to take shelter during an earthquake. It wasn’t until later on that I learned why–a reason that I now take to heart as an important reminder. Although each bamboo plant seemingly grows independent from one another, they’re actually all connected underground. Bamboo have special stems called rhizomes, which are linked together, creating lands that are so non-erosive they’re often compared to reinforced concrete. That’s why bamboo can withstand strong earthquakes–because they are all supporting each other. In a world where the challenges are relentless, the wise bamboo reminds us that solidarity is power.”

🎋🎋🎋🎋

Yoshihiro Yamagishi is the fourth-generation owner of Taketora, a bamboo company that was established in 1894. The small village of Awa, located just over 45 minutes from Kochi City by car, is home to a unique type of bamboo called torafudake or toratake (tiger bamboo) that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Yoshihiro’s company turns this beautifully-patterned material into all kinds of products including vases and accessories, but also…a fully-functioning electric vehicle! Yoshihiro will be showcasing this truly one-of-a-kind car upon participating in this year’s World Bamboo Congress in Taiwan later this month!😆💚

📍 Taketora
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/mypkniN7nB19m4jq5
🔗 https://www.taketora.co.jp/c/special/english

Read more about Yoshihiro's story here: https://www.facebook.com/visitkochijapan/posts/pfbid02gMUaV9QHX8rwkHkzcLwEgAVj17QFPmt3daT4Cs8mjdV9LMstxAgicuqQxsMNQ5YHl

I also recommend exploring the nearby retro Kure Town if you ever get to visit Yoshihiro in Awa Village: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10415

09/04/2024

A guide to the beautiful varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan🌸

Although it’s easy to think cherry blossoms are all the same, it is in fact said that there are possibly more than 600 varieties to discover across Japan today! So, here are some of the beloved types and where to find them in Kochi😊

💎 Hyotan (gourd-shaped) Sakura

The top photo here showcases majestic Hyotan Sakura, which have unique gourd-shaped buds. Hyotan Sakura Park in Niyodogawa Town is home to an over 500-year-old hyotan cherry tree that is designated a Natural Monument by Kochi Prefecture. Surrounding the tree also blooms another pretty spring flower called shibazakura (moss phlox).

💎 Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree)

This variety is easily recognizable by its drooping branches, which to me, resembles a waterfall flowing with soft pink petals. The weeping cherry tree shown in the bottom left photo is over 200 years old, and located in Niyodogawa Town at the home of the Nakagoshi family (who were leaders in the area during the feudal era).

💎 Somei Yoshino

This is one of the most widespread varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan. You can find more than 200 of them blooming on the grounds of 400-year-old Kochi Castle.

💎 Hanamomo (peach blossoms)

This one isn’t quite a variety of cherry blossoms but equally worth seeing in spring! The bottom right photo shows the symphony of red, white and pink peach blossoms that bloom around Hikichi Bridge, which is located along the crystal-clear Niyodo River.

📍 Hyotan Sakura Park
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/1PuzHTX5ayRiNxBfA
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10048

📍 Shidarezakura at the home of the Nakagoshi family
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/K4nLa26nnn5tmAdXA

📍 Kochi Castle
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/SHP6MFUcFRKCSEE86
🔗 https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10009

📍 Hikichi Bridge Peach Blossoms
🗺 https://maps.app.goo.gl/b1RvnMgHDetbtfiq9

📸 A heartfelt thank you to Instagram user for the gorgeous photos!

: https://www.instagram.com/akimrn/

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