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

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 talk about my last day in Kochi. I went to see  “Submerged Bridge”, which is quite rare in the world. I also visited the local market and Hirome Market, a famous place for trying Kochi’s food and buying souvenirs. I can’t wait to share these great experiences with you!

Final Day in Kochi: A Visit to the “Submerged Bridge”

On the last day of my first trip to Kochi, I ventured out of the city, taking a car for a little excursion. My first destination was the “Submerged Bridge”.

The bridges over the Shimanto River and Niyodo River are famous, but this time, I headed for the submerged bridge over the Niyodo River. It’s about an hour’s drive from the city.

Surrounded by mountains, the area lets you truly immerse in nature. Such beautiful scenery!

Arriving at the  “Submerged Bridge”

In Kochi, there are special bridges called “submerged bridges.” These bridges go under water when it rains a lot. This happens because there are no railings on the bridges, so when the river rises, the water can go over them without breaking them.

These bridges are made of wood or concrete and are found on smaller rivers. They are simple but very clever. Crossing these bridges is exciting because they are narrow and have no sides.

The submerged bridges show how people in Kochi live with nature.

Crossing the bridge by car is terrifying due to the lack of railings, and the narrow width adds an extra thrill.

There’s an unspoken local rule that the first car to enter the bridge has the right of way, and others must wait their turn.

Kure Taisho Machi Market

After the Niyodo River’s submerged bridge, I headed to the Taisho Town Market in Kure, Nakatosa Town.

Delicious fish awaited me there!

At the market, I first watched cooking seared bonito fish. The fire was much stronger than I expected, and they seared the fish in just a few seconds.

Besides bonito, the market also sells other fish like tuna and swordfish, along with vegetables and fruits.

You can buy fish from the market’s fishmonger and have it immediately prepared and served at the adjoining diner. Not just fish, but rice sets and other dishes are also available, allowing you to enjoy fresh seafood right on the spot.

I tried tuna, swordfish, and bonito sashimi – all were incredibly delicious and beautiful.

Final Stop: Hirome Market

Finally, I went to Hirome Market in the city to grab lunch and buy souvenirs.

The market is always bustling and hosts many food stalls where you can buy whatever you like and eat on the spot. From bonito and other fish to ramen, gyoza, and Indian curry, there’s plenty to choose from.

I had bonito for my last meal in Kochi – both as sashimi and lightly salted. The salted style, a recent trend, lets you taste the flavor of the bonito more directly compared to ponzu or soy sauce. It’s delicious!

In Kochi, it’s a faux pas to eat bonito with wasabi. Instead, you should have it with sliced garlic – that’s the local way.

Heading Back to Tokyo or Osaka

After enjoying Hirome Market, I took the airport shuttle bus from Harimayabashi bus stop to Kochi Ryoma Airport.

The airport has plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops. It’s good to arrive about an hour and a half before departure for a relaxed experience.

There was a huge naruko (Japanese clapper) at the airport, and a viewing deck where you can watch airplanes if you have time.

The flight back was also about an hour and a half, landing at Haneda Airport before 5 PM, so I got back to Tokyo while it was still light out!

Summary of My First Trip to Kochi

Kochi Prefecture, my first-time visit, was an incredibly charming place.

What stood out the most was how friendly the people were. The staff at diners and shops were always eager to chat, giving a real sense of family and warmth.

Kochi is definitely the place to go for delicious fish in Japan. Not just for bonito, but for a wide variety of tasty seafood.

It’s a quick flight from major urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. For those wanting to experience the authentic local culture and nature of Japan, Kochi is a great destination to consider.

Two nights and three days are enough to thoroughly enjoy the area. I highly recommend it to all who love Japan – it’s a wonderful place to explore!