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Kochi Prefecture is a hidden gem that remains relatively unknown even within Japan. It has been gaining attention in recent years, particularly from foreign tourists, as a place with a fresh and unique culture and nature. In this article, we'll provide detailed information on recommended trips to Kochi Prefecture for foreign tourists, covering everything from tourist spots to transportation access, interactive activities, local cuisine, and accommodations. We'll provide easy-to-understand tips on how to create memories that will make foreign visitors to Kochi want to come back!

What is Kochi Prefecture like? Why is it becoming so popular among foreigners?

Kochi Prefecture is located in the Shikoku region, facing the Pacific Ocean and is a region rich in nature. It is also known as the "Land of Clear Rivers," thanks to its many beautiful rivers, such as the Shimanto River and the Niyodo River, and its ability to offer a relaxing natural experience is a major attraction. Kochi is also characterized by its deep-rooted history of the end of the Edo period, including that of Sakamoto Ryoma, and is a treasure trove of history and culture.

The charm of a hidden gem with relatively few foreign tourists

Compared to major tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Okinawa is still a new destination for Western travelers, so it has the advantage of being less crowded and allowing you to enjoy the original Japanese scenery in a relaxed atmosphere. It meets the needs of inbound tourists who want to experience the real Japan that they cannot get on a group tour.

English and multilingual support is also in the works

Kochi Prefecture is gradually improving its tourist hubs, transportation facilities, and major tourist spots with multilingual signage and the placement of English-speaking guides, and the number of areas where English is spoken is increasing. This is creating an environment where foreigners can travel with peace of mind.

How to get to Kochi: Routes accessible from all over Japan and overseas

Many foreign tourists access Kochi from hub cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Below we will introduce the most common ways to get there.

Access by plane

Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ) is located about 30 minutes by car from Kochi City. Regular flights operate from Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Itami), Nagoya (Chubu), and other airports, making it easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan and Kansai areas.

By train and express bus

If you are using the JR Shinkansen, change to the Nanpu Limited Express at Okayama Station and head to Kochi Station. You can also use night buses and express buses, with many departures from Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, and other cities.

Top 10 tourist spots in Kochi popular with foreigners

1. Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle is famous as one of the few castles with a surviving Edo-period castle tower. English pamphlets and guidebooks are available inside the castle, making it a popular spot for foreigners interested in Japanese history.

2. Katsurahama

The Sakamoto Ryoma statue stands on a beautiful beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is also a popular photo spot with a theme of "samurai" and "the sea" and is loved by foreigners. The Ryoma Memorial Museum has exhibit guides in English, Chinese, and Korean, and is packed with information for foreign visitors.

3. Hirome Market

It's popular as a place where you can experience Kochi's food culture all at once. It offers seared bonito, local sake, and Japan's unique food stall culture, and an increasing number of English-language menus are available. It's an ideal place for travelers who want to enjoy food, as it allows for a different dining experience from their home country.

4. Shimanto River

The Shimanto River is known as "Japan's last clear river." You can try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and river rafting here, making it extremely popular with foreign tourists looking to experience nature. It is especially popular with ecotourism-minded tourists from Europe and the United States.

5. Niyodo River

The crystal clear "Niyodo Blue" has been featured by many travel YouTubers and Instagrammers, and is attracting attention from foreign tourists as a photogenic spot for social media. It is also popular as a photo spot.

6. Nakatsu Valley

A tourist destination with deep mountainous nature where you can enjoy trekking. Hiking while enjoying the forest bathing is a soothing experience for travelers who want to release their daily stress.

7. Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

The museum's exhibits on botanist Tomitaro Makino and its gardens, which display rare plants from Japan and abroad, are recommended for foreign visitors with an academic interest. It is also popular with tourists interested in gardening and natural sciences.

8. Hotel Above the Clouds and Onsen Above the Clouds in Yusuhara Town

This resort hotel in the mountains offers a natural experience and an open-air hot spring facility that is open to foreigners. It is a place of rest for travelers who value a Japanese-style stay.

9. Cape Muroto

This area has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark and is of great geological value. Tourism products that make use of the dynamic geological layers and deep waters are being developed, and it is attracting attention as part of science tourism.

10. Aki's Iwasaki Yataro Birthplace and Historical Road

Many foreign tourists find the residence of Iwasaki Yataro, a merchant from the end of the Edo period, fascinating in its historical context. Walking along the streets lined with samurai residences, you can gain an understanding of Japanese lifestyles and architectural culture.

Hands-on activities for foreigners in Kochi

Traditional cultural experience: Washi paper making and Tosa-uchi knife demonstration

You can experience a part of Japanese culture through workshops where you can experience hand-making Tosa washi paper and sword-making culture. Interacting with artisans will be a memorable experience that overcomes language barriers.

A unique village experience in Kochi: Staying in a marginal village

This experience of reusing vacant houses as private lodgings allows you to interact with local residents while experiencing farm work. It is a popular new travel style for foreign tourists who want to experience the unspoiled scenery of Japan.

Popular with foreigners too! Recommended gourmet food in Kochi

Seared bonito

This is a Takamatsu specialty that is grilled over straw to bring out its fragrant flavor. At interactive stores, you can even grill it yourself over the heat of the straw. For foreigners, it's a unique dining experience that uses all five senses.

Yuzu products

Yuzu, which is hard to find overseas, is available in sweets, seasonings, drinks, and more, and is popular among health-conscious foreigners.

Tosa sake and local snacks

Sake tasting experiences at local sake breweries are popular among foreigners who love Japanese sake. Brewery tours are also available, providing a valuable opportunity to learn firsthand about Japan's sake culture.

Safe for foreigners! Choosing accommodation in Kochi

English-speaking inns and hotels

There is an increasing number of hotels, especially in Kochi City, that have English-speaking front desks and menus in foreign languages. Facilities with high reviews also offer attentive English-speaking staff, making your stay safe even for first-time visitors to Japan.

A unique stay in an old Japanese house

Staying in a traditional Japanese inn offers an experience that can only be had in Japan. The space, with its shoji screens, tatami mats, and hearth, feels very exotic to foreigners, making for a memorable trip.

Issues and solutions for foreign tourists other than tourism

Wi-Fi environment and translation tools

Free Wi-Fi is now available in many public facilities and accommodations, and tourist information centers also lend out voice translators and multilingual pamphlets for your convenience.

Food allergies and religious needs

To provide peace of mind to travelers with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians and Muslims, some facilities have signs indicating allergens and providing information on dishes that do not contain pork or alcohol.

Manners and cultural precautions that foreigners should observe in Kochi

Hot spring and dining etiquette

For example, you can make your experience go more smoothly by understanding some basic rules beforehand, such as not putting your towel in the bath at a hot spring, or how to use chopsticks when eating Japanese food. Some hot springs also provide English videos and pamphlets.

Quietness on public transport

People are asked to be quiet on trains and buses. People are also warned to be careful about using loud phones and keeping carry-on bags under control.

Travel tips for a successful trip to Kochi

Book a local guided tour

Tours with English-speaking local guides will deepen your understanding of the culture and history, and give you a sense of depth that you cannot experience through regular sightseeing.

Check the schedule of events and festivals

Be sure to check out local events such as the Yosakoi Festival, where live performances of traditional performing arts are well worth seeing.

summary

Kochi Prefecture is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations, with a rich mix of nature, history, culture, and cuisine. For foreign visitors in particular, it's a valuable "undiscovered land" with many hidden gems. Beautiful rivers, tranquil old houses, hearty local cuisine, and interactions with the warm local people—each of these experiences will make for an unforgettable trip to Japan. Make use of the information we've introduced here to create special memories in Kochi. Now, with the wave of inbound tourism surging, it's especially worth rediscovering Kochi's charms and promoting them globally.

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