Exploring Kochi, Japan: A 3-Day Journey Through Nature, Cuisine, and History – Day 2

Hello, I’m Kaito from Shizuoka, Japan. I recently had the chance to visit Kochi for the first time, and it was an amazing journey full of discoveries. Initially, my knowledge of Kochi was limited—I only knew about its famous Katsuo (bonito), Harimayabashi (a famous bridge), and Sakamoto Ryoma (a historical figure). But this trip, my first to Shikoku, surprised me pleasantly. I enjoyed the local cuisine and explored beautiful tourist spots; each experience was a revelation.

Kochi’s unique vibe and nostalgic charm make it stand out from other places in Japan. I quickly grew fond of it. So, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Kochi to experience its authentic charm, a true jewel of Japanese culture. This article will share the experiences of my second day in Kochi, including the famous Sakamoto Ryoma statue and the recently popular Makino Botanical Garden. Check it out!

Lunch on the Second Day

After enjoying drinks yesterday, I started my day late – waking up at 10 a.m., getting ready, and heading out for lunch. We chose “Nabeyaki Ramen,” a special kind of ramen, for our meal.

– What is Nabeyaki Ramen?

Nabeyaki Ramen is a classic Japanese ramen with a soy sauce chicken broth, served in a clay pot to keep it hot. It features firm, thin noodles with simple toppings like green onions, chikuwa, and a raw egg. This dish stands out for its warm, nostalgic feel and the unique touch of being served in a clay pot, enhancing both flavor and warmth.

Feeling excited, I went to a place my friend highly recommended.

I noticed that the prices at Kochi’s local restaurant are much lower than in Tokyo!

When the Nabeyaki Ramen came, it looked delicious. The soup and noodles were hot. Normally, Nabeyaki Ramen has a chicken-based soy sauce broth, but without knowing, I ordered one with boar miso flavor.

This turned out to be a lucky choice – it was very tasty, especially when I mixed the noodles with a raw Japanese egg.

But, being in Kochi, I also wanted to try the traditional flavor. So, we went to another place for more Nabeyaki Ramen!

This time, it was the classic version. It didn’t disappoint.

Makino Botanical Garden

Next, we visited the Makino Botanical Garden. After lunch, our plan included the garden and Katsurahama Beach.

First, we went to the Makino Botanical Garden. A friend’s suggestion made us curious. I had my doubts at first – “A botanical garden? Is it really worth visiting in Kochi?” I thought.

It’s just a short 30-minute drive from the city center, or you can take the MY Yū Bus that goes to tourist spots. We reached the garden soon.

The entrance to the Makino Botanical Garden was surprisingly modern and stylish.

It’s named after Dr. Tomitaro Makino, whose story inspired a character in the 2023 hit morning drama “Ranman.” The garden was busy with visitors, showing the drama’s popularity.

Inside, the variety of plants was amazing, each with a plaque explaining the species.

The garden showcases more than plants; it also displays Dr. Makino’s research and collaborations with companies.

<牧野植物園の写真、展示や標本など。あとは建物。>

The design of the whole place was elegant, and the well-kept gardens added to the charm. Some pictures of the Makino Botanical Garden would be great – images of the building, inside views, and Dr. Makino’s specimens.

Next, we looked around the research wing, opened in May 2023. They focus on developing well-known medicines in Japan. Smelling the medicinal herbs was a pleasant surprise, different from what I expected.

There are also nice shops and restaurants in the garden, perfect for a relaxed lunch or buying souvenirs.

The visit was better than I expected. The facility combined the best of a museum, art gallery, and botanical garden perfectly.

Even if you’re not usually interested in botanical gardens, I recommend visiting. It’s a place you must see!

KATSURAHAMA

My first trip to Katsurahama showed me a beautiful beach. It has cafes, an aquarium, and even a shrine, so it seems great for all ages! But the day I went, a typhoon was coming, and the weather was bad.

On a sunny day, it looks like this.

Before I went, I thought the beach would be calm, where families swim and play in the sand. But the waves were crashing loudly because of the typhoon – it was quite a scene!

Swimming is not allowed there, even when there’s no typhoon. If you get too close to the water, a warning is announced – it’s funny!

Katsurahama also has a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma!

It was my first time seeing Sakamoto Ryoma in Kochi since learning about him in my middle school textbooks! Sakamoto Ryoma is quite a handsome historical figure. I can understand why he’s so popular.

For Dinner on the Second Day

Tonight’s dinner was at a traditional and nostalgic Izakaya in Kochi.

The atmosphere inside was perfect! Here, you can enjoy classic Japanese dishes.

I relished oden and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) while sipping on some drinks.

The oden was rich in flavor, deeply seasoned. Sometimes, the simplest oden tastes the best! Next, the tamagoyaki – I believe it’s the best in the world. The flavor, the way it’s cooked, and the perfect balance of ingredients made it perfect.

We tried various other dishes and left with our stomachs full!

But in Japan’s Izakaya culture, you move on to the next place! Our second stop was a unique yatai (street food stall). We headed there for gyoza and ramen.

The gyoza were bite-sized with a crispy texture, making them easy to eat even when you’re already full.

They also had a mild-flavored soy sauce ramen – the perfect dish to end the dinner ! In Japan, there’s a tradition of finishing a night out with ramen. In the end, the light soy sauce ramen was the tastiest!

After filling up at the second spot, it was finally time to go to our accommodation. With a full belly, I was ready for a good night’s sleep! That concludes today’s adventures! Look forward to the final day’s article!