Best Souvenirs in Kochi, Japan: Top 5 Picks and Shopping Guide

When visiting Japan, you will find a wide variety of souvenirs popular with tourists, which include sweets, local foods, Japanese sake, traditional crafts, and anime or manga merchandise. Many visitors end up buying plenty of souvenirs as part of their travel experience. One of the highlights of shopping in Japan is discovering unique local specialties, which vary by region. This means that when you visit places outside major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, you can find different souvenirs unique to that area.

In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best Japanese-style souvenirs and unique gifts that can only be found in Kochi.

Where to Buy Souvenirs in Kochi

Mainichi-ya Ohashi Street Store (Supermarket)

Located near popular tourist spots like Kochi Castle and Hirome Market, this supermarket is a convenient stop for travelers. Along with fresh foods, it offers a variety of daily essentials and local products. Here, you will find an array of local snacks, alcoholic beverages,

seasonal fruits,

sushi,

and sashimi—all at reasonable prices.

If you enjoy discovering unique local ingredients and seasonings not typically available in souvenir shops, this is a great place to explore. Please note that in-store dining is not available, so all items are for takeout only.

Store Information:

Address: 2-4-7 Obiyamachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed: Open every day except January 1-2

AEON MALL Kochi (Shopping Mall)

AEON MALL Kochi, located about a 15-minute walk from JR Kochi Station, is one of the largest shopping mall in Shikoku.

It has over 150 specialty stores, including restaurants, fashion boutiques, a supermarket, and an arcade.

In the mall’s specialty souvenir section, you can find local products from Kochi, such as sweets and sake, along with popular snacks from other areas like Shikoku and Osaka.

With its extended hours, it’s a convenient spot to visit after dinner.

The mall also offers familiar fast-food options like McDonald’s and KFC, as well as Japanese dining choices such as ramen, udon, and tonkatsu. There is even a movie theater, making it a great spot for a full day of entertainment.

Store Information:
Address: 1-4-8 Hata Minamimachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
Website: AEON MALL Kochi
Hours: Specialty Shops: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Restaurants: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Supermarket: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Where to Find Unique Kochi Souvenirs

Tenko-su

Tenko-su is a souvenir shop located near Obiyamachi Arcade and Kochi Central Park.

The shop offers a wide selection of food items, many of which make perfect gifts.

You will find cold beverages like Kochi-grown tea and yuzu-flavored juice — a local favorite — along with chilled craft beers and Kochi-made sake.

Beyond food, Tenko-su features wooden crafts that highlight Kochi’s rich forestry heritage. The delicately carved wooden coasters, for example, make great souvenirs.

“Tenkosu” offers a wide variety of products, from food items to wooden crafts. Located in the heart of Kochi City, it’s a must-visit shop when you’re looking for souvenirs.

Store Information:
Address: 1-11-40 Shin-Kyobashi Plaza, Obiyamachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: Open every day

Hirome Market

Hirome Market is a popular food court in central Kochi, featuring numerous small food stalls.

Alongside the local dishes, you will find around five souvenir shops offering Japanese sake, bonito fish products, sweets, and seasonings.

This spot is perfect for those who want to take their time exploring different products. Enjoy local food while shopping for souvenirs, making Hirome Market a must-visit spot in Kochi.

Store Information:
Address: 2-3-1 Obiyamachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sun: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Closed: Check the website for holiday closures

Kochi Ryoma Airport

Kochi Ryoma Airport has three souvenir shops, each with a unique selection, making it ideal for last-minute gift shopping.

Big Sun (2F Departure Lobby)

This shop offers the largest selection, with over 600 items, including local sake, various processed foods, and sweets, some of which are limited-editions.

Hours: AM6:20〜PM7:40

ICHIBA (2F Departure Lobby)

Modeled like a market, ICHIBA offers fresh seasonal produce, snacks, and drinks from across Kochi. You might even find special pop-up stalls from local restaurants.

Hours: AM6:20〜PM7:40

Agri Farm Kochi (1F Arrival Lobby)

As the name suggests, Agri Farm Kochi offers a variety of agricultural products, including seasonal fruits and famous bonito fish products.

Hours: AM6:20〜PM7:50

There are also two restaurants and one café operating on the 2nd-floor departure lobby, where you can enjoy meals made with local Kochi ingredients before leaving the area.

Address: 58 Hisae Otsu, Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture
Business Hours: Vary by store

Top 5 Recommended Souvenirs from Kochi

Japanese Sake

Kochi is known for its love of sake, ranking second in Japan for per capita alcohol consumption.

With many famous breweries, it is a top sake-producing region. Each brewery offers unique flavors, so take the chance to sample a few and find your favorite.

Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi)

Famous for its bonito fish, Kochi offers Katsuobushi as one of the best souvenirs.

Unlike sashimi or tataki, which can be hard to transport, Katsuobushi is easy to take home. It can be enjoyed on its own, sprinkled over rice, or used to make dashi soup stock.

Millet Biscuits (Mirei)

Mirei is a beloved local snack in Kochi.

These simple fried biscuits are widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Their nostalgic flavor may remind you of classic childhood treats.

Imo Kenpi

Imo Kenpi are thinly sliced sweet potatoes fried to a crispy texture and coated in sugar syrup. A classic Kochi souvenir which is also enjoyed as a healthy snack option.

Yuzu Products

Yuzu, a fragrant citrus fruit, has gained global popularity, and Kochi is Japan’s largest producer. Look for yuzu-based products like dressings, candies, and essential oils. Authentic yuzu products from Kochi offer a unique aroma and flavor you won’t want to miss.

Conclusion

Kochi offers a variety of unique souvenirs that reflect the region’s rich culture and heritage. From traditional Japanese items to local delicacies, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to visit these recommended spots to find the perfect gifts and take a piece of Kochi home with you.
Happy souvenir shopping, and enjoy your time in Kochi!