Contents
1.Basic Information
Kochi Castle (Kouchijyo)
Kochi Castle was started in 1601 by Yamanouchi Kazutoyo and nearly completed in 1611. Most of it was destroyed in a fire in 1727 but was rebuilt in 1753. It remains in beautiful condition, one of the 12 original wooden castles in Japan, surviving many disasters and historical changes. The park also features statues of Kazutoyo’s wife, Chiyo, and Itagaki Taisuke.
Katsurahama
Katsurahama is a scenic spot with white sand and blue pines, located between Ryuzukazaki and Ryuo Cape. The area, developed as Katsurahama Park, features a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma in traditional clothes and boots, gazing at the Pacific Ocean, symbolizing the bravery of the revolutionaries of the Restoration.
Harimaya Bridge (Harimayabashi)
In the early Edo period, a wealthy merchant nearby built “Harimaya Bridge” for crossing the Horikawa River. The bridge has been rebuilt several times, and although Horikawa was landfilled, it is now recreated as “Harimaya Bridge Park”. The current bridge is made of granite, but a replica of the old red-painted drum bridge is nearby.
Niyodo River (Niyodogawa)
The Niyodo River is known for its beautiful blue water, “Niyodo Blue.” The water quality is rated as the best in Japan, with famous spots like “Niko Pool,” “Crystal Pool,” and “Nakatsu Valley.” “Niko Pool” is in a remote mountainous area, a hidden gem on the way to the waterfall, surrounded by trees and beautifully lit by sunlight around noon.
Ryuga Cave (Ryugadou)
Ryuga Cave in Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, formed over 175 million years, is one of Japan’s most famous caves along with Ryusendo in Iwate Prefecture and Akiyoshido in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Of its total length of 4 km, about 1 km is open to the public, displaying natural beauties like Tenshoseki and Senmaiiwa. The cave also has historical sites like traces of Yayoi period cave dwellings and the “Pot of the Gods.”
2.Reviews
Yosakoi Festival (Yosakoi Maturi)
The Yosakoi Festival in Kochi City starts with a pre-festival on August 9, main festivities on August 10 and 11, and concludes with a national contest and post-festival on August 12. The pre-festival is characterized by about 4,000 fireworks. The festival, started in 1954 by the Kochi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Youth Division in response to the Awa Dance of Tokushima Prefecture, features trucks equipped with sound systems followed by dancers performing the Yosakoi dance.
Monet’s Garden in Kitagawa Village
The only recreation of Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France, in Kochi, Monet’s Garden spans about 30,000 square meters and is planted with 100,000 flowers and trees. It comprises three areas: the Water Garden, the Flower Garden, and the Light Garden, capturing the light and colors loved by Monet.
3.Local Food
4.Transportation Information
How to Get to Kochi Prefecture
Shikoku Tourism Creation Organization Official Website (available in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French)
https://shikoku-tourism.com/access
5.Map Information
