Kochi, Capital city in Shikoku Island, Japan
Description
Kochi sits on the Tosa plain, hemmed by mountains, and opens southward to Tosa Bay along the Pacific Ocean. The city spreads along the Kagami River, reaching from the coastal strip to the forested slopes in the north.
History
The castle was built in 1603 and served as the administrative center of Tosa Province throughout the Edo period. After World War II the city grew rapidly and became the capital of Kōchi Prefecture.
Culture
Every August the Yosakoi Festival brings thousands of dancers to the streets, each group wearing costumes and shaking wooden clappers as they move through the downtown area. The event mixes folk traditions with modern choreography, turning the entire city center into an open-air stage.
Practical
From the train station you can walk to the city center, while trams connect the main streets along the waterfront promenade. In summer the Pacific rainy season brings heavy downpours, so waterproof clothing helps.
Did you know?
The city is the leading producer of dried bonito flakes in Japan, and many workshops continue the traditional smoking and drying process passed down through generations. Along the docks you can often catch the characteristic smell of the processing.
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Sawada Mansion
3.1 km
Kōchi Castle
254 m
Harimayabashi Bridge
1.1 km
Katsurahama
8 km
Okō Castle
9.4 km
Tosa Shrine
5.7 km
Chikurin-ji
4.4 km
Hirome Market
469 m
Makino Botanical Garden
4.5 km
Shouryuu-ji
16.6 km
Urado Castle
7.8 km
Katsurahama Aquarium
7.9 km
Otepia
578 m
Sekkei-ji
6.6 km
Kiyotaki-ji
12.4 km
Zenraku-ji
5.7 km
Noichi Zoological Park of the Kochi Prefecture
16.3 km
Zenjibu-ji
8.3 km
Dainichi-ji
16.3 km
Tanema-ji
8.5 km
Chikyū 33 Banchi
2.4 km
Yamauchi Shrine
371 m
The Museum of Art, Kōchi
3.9 km
Asakura-jinja
4.6 km
Urato Bridge
7.4 kmKochi City Culture-Plaza CUL-PORT
935 m
Anraku-ji
901 m
Kochi Professional University of Rehabilitation
12.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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