Kōchi Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the scenic region of Kochi in Japan, the city of Kōchi offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Known for its lush green landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant festivals, Kōchi is a hidden gem that will captivate every traveler.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Kōchi is the Kochi Castle, a magnificent structure that dates back to the 17th century. With its elegant black walls and stunning architecture, the castle stands as a testament to the city's feudal past. Visitors can explore the castle's interior, which houses a museum displaying historical artifacts and samurai armor, offering a glimpse into Japan's fascinating history.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Katsurahama Beach is a must. This picturesque beach, with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, is not only a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, but also a place of historical significance. It is said to be the spot where the famous samurai Ryoma Sakamoto set sail on his journey to bring about political change in Japan. The nearby Ryoma Memorial Museum offers insight into his life and the pivotal role he played in shaping Japan's modernization.

No visit to Kōchi would be complete without experiencing the city's vibrant festivals. The Yosakoi Festival, held in August, is a mesmerizing spectacle of colorful costumes, lively music, and energetic dance performances. Participants from all over Japan come together to celebrate this unique fusion of tradition and modernity, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.

For those seeking tranquility, a visit to the Chikurinji Temple is highly recommended. Surrounded by lush bamboo groves, this Buddhist temple exudes a serene atmosphere that invites visitors to find inner peace. The temple's beautiful gardens and stunning architecture provide the perfect setting for quiet contemplation and reflection.

Local name: 高知市 Population: 328.9 thous. (2019)Area: 119.31 mi²Elevation: 30 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 33°33'35"N, 133°32'35"E

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Kōchi Top Attractions

Kōchi Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kōchi offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kōchi Castle, Sakamoto Ryōma Memorial Museum, Ryōma's Birthplace Memorial Museum, Kōchi Castle Museum of History. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historic site with exhibits and city views
Kōchi Castle
Kōchi Castle is a castle located in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan.
Museum • History museum
Sakamoto Ryōma Memorial Museum
The Sakamoto Ryōma Memorial Museum opened in the grounds of the former Urado Castle in Katsurahama, Kōchi, Japan on 15 November 1991. The collection includes correspondence and other documents by Sakamoto Ryōma and his contemporaries and there is also a library of over two thousand books relating to the Meiji Restoration.
Museum • History museum
Ryōma's Birthplace Memorial Museum
Ryōma's Birthplace Memorial Museum opened in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan in 2004. It is dedicated to the life and times of Sakamoto Ryōma and to the local area of Kami-machi and Kōchi more generally during the Bakumatsu period.

Museum
Kōchi Castle Museum of History
Kōchi Castle Museum of History opened in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan, in 2017. Located beside the main gate of Kōchi Castle, the collection tells the history of the Tosa Domain and of the Prefecture, and comprises the 67,000 items formerly preserved, researched, and exhibited at the Tosa Yamauchi Family Treasury and Archives.
Temple
Zenraku-ji
Zenrakuji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Kōchi, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 30th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Museum
Kōchi Literary Museum
Kōchi Literary Museum opened in the grounds of Kōchi Castle, Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan in 1997. It is dedicated to the men of letters and literary life of the area from Tosa Nikki, through locally born Five Mountains master Gidō Shūshin, up until today.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Sekkei-ji
Sekkei-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Kōchi, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 33rd temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Chikurin-ji
Chikurin-ji is a Shingon temple in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. Temple 31 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, the main image is of Monju Bosatsu. The temple is said to have been founded by Gyōki in the early eighth century. The temple houses a number of important sculptures and its late Edo-period gardens are a Natural Monument.
Garden • Park • Botanical garden
Makino Botanical Garden
The Makino Botanical Garden, also known as the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden, is a botanical garden located at Godaisan 4200-6, Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. It is open to the public daily except Mondays; an admission fee is charged.
Museum • Art museum
The Museum of Art
The Museum of Art, Kōchi was established in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan in 1993. It is one of Japan's many museums which are supported by a prefecture. The permanent collection includes works by local artists as well as Marc Chagall and there is also a stage for Noh and other performances.
Museum • History museum
Tosa Yamauchi Family Treasury and Archives
The Tosa Yamauchi Family Treasury and Archives in Takajō-machi, Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan, now permanently closed, formerly housed historical materials related to the Yamauchi clan, rulers of the Tosa Domain.
Sacred and religious sites • Temple
Tosa jinja
Tosa jinja, also known as Tosa nimasu jinja, Tosa takakamo Taisha, is a Shinto shrine located in the east of Kōchi in Kōchi Prefecture in Japan. Japan's government has designated the sanctuary as an Important Cultural Property.
33°29'50"N • 133°34'30"E
Katsurahama
Katsurahama Beach is located in Urato, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean. The beach is also the subject of a Tosa folk song, "Yosakoi-bushi," and the bronze statue of Ryoma Sakamoto standing overlooking the Pacific Ocean is...
33°33'42"N • 133°31'59"E
Gao zhi xian li wen xue guan
Museum
33°33'20"N • 133°31'52"E
Former Yamauchi Residence
The Former Yamauchi Residence in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan belonged to the Yamauchi lords of the Tosa Domain. The nagaya of 1864, 33.4m x 5.7m, twin storey, with a hip-and-gable tiled roof, is an Important Cultural Property.
Bridge
Harimayabashi Bridge
Harimaya Bridge is a road bridge in central Kochi City, a girder bridge approximately 20 meters long. It is often written in hiragana as Harimaya Bridge.
Universities and schools
Kochi Gakuen College
Kochi Gakuen College is a private junior college in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan, established in 1967.
Universities and schools
Kōchi University
Kochi University is a national university in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. The predecessors Toya-gakusha was founded in 1874, Kochi Higher School in 1922, Kochi prefecture Teacher Training Institute for Agriculture Associated School in 1923, and it was chartered as a university in 1949.
Universities and schools
University of Kochi
University of Kochi is a public university in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. The predecessor of the school was founded in 1944, and it was chartered as a university in 1949.

Day trips

Kōchi – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kōchi, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kotohira-gū (Kotohira), Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyama), Imabari Castle (Imabari).

46 milesN
Shinto shrine on the side of Mount Zōzu
Kotohira-gū, Kotohira
Nestled in the quaint town of Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, Kotohira-gū, also known as Kompira-san, is a revered Shinto shrine that beckons pilgrims and tourists alike with its blend of spiritual heritage and natural beauty.
49 milesNW
Restored feudal castle in a park
Matsuyama Castle, Matsuyama
Perched atop Katsuyama Hill in the city of Matsuyama, Japan, Matsuyama Castle stands as a testament to the country's rich feudal history. This well-preserved fortress, constructed between 1602 and 1628, is considered one of Japan's most significant castles and is a...
46 milesNW
Historical place, Forts and castles
Imabari Castle, Imabari
Imabari Castle, a historical fortress in the city of Imabari, Japan, is a picturesque destination for travelers with an interest in Japanese history and architecture. Constructed in 1604 by the feudal lord Tōdō Takatora, a renowned castle builder and daimyo of the...
49 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Botchan Stadium, Matsuyama
The Matsuyama Central Park Baseball Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Matsuyama Central Park, Matsuyama, Ehime, Shikoku, Japan. It is currently used mostly for baseball matches. The stadium holds 30,136 people. The nickname is "Botchan Stadium".
45 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Football, Sport venue
Ningineer Stadium, Matsuyama
Ningineer Stadium a.k.a. Ehime Matsuyama Athletic Stadium or Ehime Prefectural Sports Park Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan, home of Ehime FC.