What to Expect
Ships dock at Kochi Port (Kōchi-kō), 15 minutes by bus or taxi from the city centre. A local bus (100 yen flat fare within the central area on the My-Yu observation bus) connects the port to the main attractions. Kochi is the capital of Kochi Prefecture — a city of 330,000 on the south coast of Shikoku. The city is known for its castle, its market, its food, and its outsized reputation for wabi-sabi aesthetics. The Kochi tram (densha, ¥200 flat fare) runs east–west through the city centre.
Getting Around
Tram Route 3 runs from Harimayabashi (the city's main intersection) to Godaisan, passing the castle and the Hirome Market area. Kochi Castle is a 5-minute walk from the Kōchi-jō-mae tram stop; the castle keep is 10 minutes' steep walk from the gate. Hirome Market is two blocks from the Harimayabashi tram stop. The Sunday Tosa Folkcraft Market runs the entire length of Chuo Park Road (Sanbashi-dōri) on Sundays — it is within walking distance of the tram line. Taxis from the port are metered and honest; a ride to Harimayabashi costs ¥800–1,200 ($6–9).
Kochi Food
Bonito (katsuo, skipjack tuna) is Kochi's signature product — the city claims to eat more bonito per capita than anywhere in Japan. The tataki preparation (straw-seared, lightly smoked exterior, raw inside, served sliced with ginger, garlic, and ponzu) is specific to Tosa Province and has been the local method for 400 years. Hirome Market near the castle is an enclosed food hall open from 8 am with 60+ stalls; arrive early and order the katsuo tataki directly from one of the fish stall vendors. The Sunday market sells local produce, mountain vegetables (sansai), dried fish, and Tosa pottery.
Tipping and Costs
No tipping in Japan. Kochi Castle entry ¥420 ($3). The Hirome Market is inexpensive — budget ¥1,000–1,500 ($7–11) for a full meal. Katsurahama beach, 12 km south of the city, has the Sakamoto Ryoma Museum (the local hero of the Meiji Restoration; ¥500 entry) and good surfing context even if you don't get in the water.