1
Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

One of Japan's leading botanical gardens, where you can immerse yourself in the world of Dr. Makino's plants

Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a botanist from Kochi Prefecture. Known as the father of Japanese plant taxonomy, he is also famous for being the model for the protagonist of the NHK serial TV novel "Ranman." The "Kochi PrefecturalMakino Botanical Garden" was opened in 1958 to commemorate the achievements of Dr. Makino.

The vast 8-hectare garden is colored by over 3,000 types of plants, including wild plants associated with Dr. Makino. With a focus on landscaping, the environment is recreated to look as if the plants are actually growing in nature. In addition to outdoor planting areas and greenhouses, there are also restaurants and museum shops.

The vast grounds are well-equipped with spots for resting and dining

For first-time visitors, we recommend a route with a total length of about 1.5 km, which allows you to tour the garden in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. First, head to the main building of the "Makino Tomitaro Memorial Hall," which houses the "Makino Library (not open to the public)" containing Dr. Makino's books and personal belongings, then pass through the "Fumu-Fumu Plaza" where you can enjoy plants with your five senses, and head to the exhibition hall with its hands-on exhibits. If you walk along the connecting paths colored by various plants, visit the greenhouse where tropical plants welcome you, and tour the "Plant Research and Exchange Center" where you can see the laboratory, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of plants.

There is also a plaza where you can spread out a leisure sheet and eat, so it's also fun to visit with the feeling of going on a picnic.

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The museum shop at the Makino Botanical Garden's Plant Research and Exchange Center, which opened in 2023, offers a wide variety of goods related to Dr. Makino. With their stylish designs, they make great souvenirs.

Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

• 4200-6 Godaisan, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 20 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
• Take the "MY Yu Bus" sightseeing loop bus from JR Kochi Station and get off at "Makino Shokubutsuen Seimon-mae" (Makino Botanical Garden Main Gate).
• 9:00–17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
• December 27 to January 1 (closed for maintenance at other times as well)
• Admission: 850 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger
• 088-882-2601
• Free

2
Chikurin-ji Temple

One of the temples on the pilgrimage route, and the most prominent ancient temple in Kochi

Located near the summit of Mt. Godai in the eastern part of Kochi City, this temple was founded in 724 (the first year of the Jinki era) by the monk Gyoki at the behest of Emperor Shomu. After traveling throughout Japan, Gyoki chose this location for the temple because it resembled Mt. Wutai (in present-day Shanxi Province, China), a sacred site for Buddhism in Tang Dynasty China, and named the area Mt. Godai. It is also designated as the 31st temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

The lush temple grounds are also appealing for the seasonal natural scenery they offer. Visitors can enjoy the various expressions of each season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery leading into early summer, and autumn foliage.

Gaze at the view from the scenic garden, which changes its expression with the seasons and the time of day

The garden, which was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 2004 (Heisei 16), is also not to be missed. It is designed to surround the shoin (study hall), which is a National Important Cultural Property, and is divided into a north garden and a west garden. According to temple records, it was created by the high-ranking Zen monk Muso Kokushi, who visited Tosa in 1318 (the second year of the Bunpo era) during the late Kamakura period. Its beauty is so captivating that you might lose track of time while gazing at it.

Other highlights include the main hall, built in 1644 (the 21st year of the Kanei era) and designated as a National Important Cultural Property, and the treasure house, which enshrines 17 Buddhist statues that are also designated as Important Cultural Properties. Why not experience the history, culture, and natural beauty woven by the passage of time?

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It is common to pass by pilgrims on the temple grounds. Chikurin-ji Temple also offers a pilgrimage experience, with a 3-hour course from morning to noon and an 8-hour full-day walking course available. It is recommended for those who want to try the pilgrimage experience.

Chikurin-ji Temple

• 3577 Godaisan, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 20 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
• Take the "MY Yu Bus" sightseeing loop bus from JR Kochi Station and get off at "Chikurin-ji-mae"
• Temple grounds 8:00–17:00, Scenic Garden & Treasure Museum 8:30–17:00
• Open every day
• Scenic Garden & Treasure Museum admission: Adults 400 yen, High school students 200 yen, Junior high students 150 yen, Elementary students 100 yen
• 088-882-3085
• Free

3
Hirome Market

A culinary wonderland where you can enjoy all of Kochi's delicacies at once

This iconic indoor market is a place many visitors to Kochi City make a point to visit. About 60 diverse shops are packed together, ranging from restaurants where you can taste local delicacies like seared bonito (katsuo no tataki) and moray eel dishes, to fresh fish shops and souvenir stores. The storefronts are lined with such appealing fresh fish and side dishes that you won't know what to choose. The lively atmosphere only adds to the appetite-whetting experience.

Even on weekdays, people gather one after another as soon as it opens, and the shared table seating can be full before 12:00 PM. It is a reliable gourmet spot in the heart of the city that supports the appetites of not only tourists but also the citizens of Kochi.

Bring your favorite dishes to the shared table and have a toast!

At Hirome Market, the classic way to enjoy yourself is to buy your favorite food and drinks and bring them to a shared table to enjoy with others. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find an empty table during lunch or in the evening. In such cases, you can check if you are allowed to bring food into a restaurant with its own dining area, or if you find an empty seat at a shared table where others are already sitting, don't be afraid to ask to share the table and strike up a conversation about your travels with the people next to you.

It can be used for various occasions, from lunch and a quick drink to souvenir shopping. Once you visit, you will surely want to come back again and again.

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At Hirome Market, one of the real pleasures is sharing a table with locals and enjoying drinks together. You can feel the warm nature of the people of Kochi, who become friends with anyone as soon as they share a drink.

Hirome Market

• 2-3-1 Obiyamachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 8 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
  Approx. 3 minutes on foot from Tosaden Kotsu Ohashidori Station
• Take a local bus from JR Kochi Station, get off at "Ohashidori," and walk for about 3 minutes
• 10:00–23:00, Sundays 9:00–23:00 *Varies by store
• Approx. 6 days per year *Varies by store
• 088-822-5287
• Paid

4
Kochi Castle

The only castle in Japan where the main keep's building complex still exists.

Built in 1601 (Keicho 6) by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, who entered the province for his achievements in the Battle of Sekigahara. It is one of the 12 existing castle keeps in Japan, and the only castle in Japan where all the main enclosure buildings, including the keep, the main palace called 'Kaitokukan,' and the Otemon Gate, still exist. There is a theory that it was nicknamed 'Hawk Castle' because the white walls of Tosa plaster and the gray tiled roof resemble hawk feathers. Kochi Castle has overcome numerous crises, including the Abolition of the Han System during the Meiji Restoration, the Pacific War, and natural disasters. It welcomes visitors with a graceful appearance worthy of its reputation as the finest castle on the southern coast.

Enjoy a panoramic view of Kochi city from the castle tower.

A total of 15 buildings, including the castle keep, the Kaitokukan, the Otemon Gate, and the Kurogane Gate, are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

At the Kaitokukan, you can visit the 'Jodan-no-ma,' the lord's seat which was built one step higher than the rest. The 'musha-kakushi' (warrior hiding place) built to protect the lord is also a must-see. Furthermore, it leads to the 18.5-meter-high castle keep, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kochi city while feeling like a feudal lord.

Kochi Castle stands in the center of Kochi City as if gently watching over its citizens. Why not take a look at its beautiful figure when you walk around the city of Kochi?

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You can enjoy a day-trip hot spring at Sansuien, a ryokan located on the site of the former lower residence of the Yamauchi family, the lords of the Tosa Domain, within a 10-minute walk. There is also a gallery in the building that displays materials related to the Yamauchi family, making it a great place to visit before or after touring Kochi Castle.

Kochi Castle

• 1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 7 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
  Approx. 5 minutes walk from Tosaden Kotsu Kochi-jo-mae Station
• Take a local bus from JR Kochi Station and get off at "Kochi-jo-mae" (immediately accessible)
• 9:00–17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
• December 26 – January 1
• Admission fee for the Main Keep/Honmaru Palace, etc. is 500 yen; free for those under 18
  *Kochi Park is free to enter
• 088-824-5701 (Kochi Castle Management Office)
• Paid

5
Katsurahama Park

A scenic spot representing Kochi, beautiful with its white sands and green pines.

Katsurahama Beach is said to be the place that Sakamoto Ryoma loved most in his hometown of Tosa, and it is one of the most representative scenic spots in Kochi Prefecture. Facing the magnificent Pacific Ocean, a beautiful bow-shaped sandy beach stretches out. It has been known as a famous spot for viewing the moon since ancient times, and the scene is even included in the lyrics of the 'Yosakoi-bushi' folk song.

Although swimming is prohibited, the beach features a promenade accessible by stroller, as well as the Motohama Rest House, "Goshiki Terrace," a spot where you can take a break while gazing out at the sea. You can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery.

A heroic statue of Ryoma greets you, looking out over the vast Pacific Ocean.

The Katsurahama area was developed in 1951 and opened as "Katsurahama Park." It offers various attractions, including the Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, the Katsurahama Aquarium, and Ryuo Cape, which houses two shrines. There is also a bronze statue of Kochi's hero, Sakamoto Ryoma, whose heroic figure gazing out at the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean is quite impressive.

Furthermore, in March 2023, a new commercial area called "Katsurahama Umino Terrace" opened as a new tourist attraction. With a variety of restaurants and shops offering local gourmet food and souvenirs, the enjoyment of your stay at Katsurahama has increased significantly.

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For about two months starting in early April each year, and for about two months surrounding November 15th—the date of Ryoma's birth and death—a special observation deck is set up next to the Ryoma statue. You can gaze out at the Pacific Ocean from the same eye level as Ryoma.

Katsurahama Park

• 6 Urado, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 30 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
• From JR Kochi Station, take a local bus or the "MY Yu Bus" sightseeing bus and get off at "Katsurahama," right nearby
• 24 hours (Katsurahama Sea Terrace 8:30–18:00 *varies by shop)
• Open every day
• 088-841-4140 (Katsurahama Park Management Office 9:00–17:00)
• Paid

6
Niyodo River

Come and see the breathtakingly beautiful "Niyodo Blue."

High transparency and a vivid cobalt blue. Local photographers began calling the mysterious beauty of the Niyodo River "Niyodo Blue," and the name gradually became established.

The Niyodo River flows for approximately 124 km, originating from Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, located in Ehime Prefecture. It captivates visitors with different shades of blue depending on the location, but the most popular spot is the "Nikobuchi" basin in Ino Town, Kochi Prefecture. On sunny days, the light filtering through the trees enhances the blue, creating a beauty that looks like a jewel. You can also experience Niyodo Blue at the Nakatsu Gorge and Yasui Gorge in Niyodo River Town.

Try out activities that let you become one with nature.

If you want to fully enjoy the great outdoors of the Niyodo River, river activities are recommended. The "Niyodo River Outdoor Center" offers SUP and crystal kayak experiences in the upper reaches of the river. You can participate under the careful guidance of instructors, making it safe for children and beginners alike. Once you are on a board or in a kayak, you will be amazed by the transparency of the river, to the point where you might feel as if you are floating in mid-air. There is also a delightful service where they film your experience with a drone and give you the video as a gift. Why not experience the magnificent natural beauty of Kochi through these activities?

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When visiting Niko-buchi, Nakatsu Gorge, or Yasui Gorge, we recommend wearing comfortable sneakers as the footing is often poor. In addition, there are various spots suitable for river play and campsites scattered throughout the Niyodo River basin.

Niyodo River

• 6 Nagaya, Niyodogawa-cho, Agawa-gun, Kochi Prefecture (Niyodogawa Outdoor Center) MAP
• Approx. 70 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station (Niyodogawa Outdoor Center)
• https://niyodoblue.jp/ (Niyodo Blue Tourism Council)
  https://www.niyodo.jp (Niyodogawa Outdoor Center)

7
Karst Terrace

Learn about the origins and natural environment of the Shikoku Karst in a fun way.

Shikoku Karst is one of the three great karst plateaus in Japan, alongside Akiyoshidai in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Hiraodai in Fukuoka Prefecture. Straddling Ehime and Kochi prefectures, it reaches a maximum elevation of approximately 1,400m, with the karst plateau extending for about 25km.

In 2022, "Karst Terrace" opened as a facility where visitors can learn about the formation and natural environment of Shikoku Karst. Inside, various exhibits regarding the plants and creatures of Shikoku Karst are on display, including a diorama of the surrounding Tengu Highlands, as well as videos and photographs. From the roofed terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the karst plateau, which is a sight to behold in both the lush green summer and the snow-covered winter.

Be moved by the large-scale natural beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see.

A karst is a landscape formed by the erosion of surface limestone by rainwater and groundwater. Because of its idyllic scenery, where white rocks stand out against green meadows and cattle graze, Shikoku Karst is also known as the "Switzerland of Japan."

At Karst Terrace, tours are also available where you can stroll through the magnificent nature with a forest therapy guide. There are 4 or 5 routes set up, ranging from a casual 90-minute course to a full-scale 5-hour course. On your way back, we also recommend driving along Prefectural Road 383, also known as the "Road to the Sky," which offers panoramic views.

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In addition to the exhibition space, the facility also features a cafe and a kids' area. It would also serve as a great rest stop when driving to Shikoku Karst.