First-Time Kochi, Japan Travel Experience! A 4-Day, 3-Night Food & Sightseeing Guide (Part 1)

Day 1

Arrival in Kochi – A Journey Through Nature and Culture

At around 4:00 AM, before the break of dawn, I dragged my luggage onto the airport shuttle. After checking in my bags in the airport, I stopped by the duty-free lounge for a comforting bowl of shrimp wonton soup. The wontons were plump and juicy, and as I took my first bite, the warm broth exploded with flavor—a perfect way to kick off my Kochi adventure.

With great anticipation, I boarded my flight. Outside the window, the sky was a brilliant blue, quickly washing away any lingering fatigue from my early wake-up. Upon landing in Kochi, I immediately felt the warmth of this charming city.

The airport staff even handed out a local specialty—sweet potato cookies—as a welcome gift! Expecting the weather to be dry and chilly compared to Taiwan, I was pleasantly surprised by the mild and comfortable climate.

As we drove into the city, the road took us through multiple tunnels. My local guide explained that nearly 80% of Kochi Prefecture is covered by mountains, giving the region its lush, untouched beauty. The natural surroundings were so immersive that I couldn’t help but feel relaxed.

Niyodo Blue – Niyodo River and Nagoya Submersible Bridge

Our first stop was Nagoya Submersible Bridge, a unique bridge with no railings, stretching over the stunningly clear Niyodo River, known as “Japan’s last pristine stream.” The water was so transparent that I could easily see the pebbles and sand on the riverbed.

Walking across the bridge, I felt a slight thrill looking down at the calm, glass-like surface. It was a peaceful yet striking sight that made me pause and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Spiritual Exploration – Niiida Shrine and Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine

Our next stop was Niiida Shrine, where I performed the hand-washing ritual at a beautifully carved dragon-shaped water spout. The flowing water and the soft rustling of bamboo in the breeze created a peaceful atmosphere. After ringing the shrine bell, I closed my eyes and wished for my family’s well-being.

A fun surprise here was the Bonito Fortune Fishing. Visitors use a small toy fishing rod to “catch” a fish, which holds a fortune slip inside. I got to take both home as a souvenir—a simple but memorable experience.

A 15-minute drive later, we arrived at Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine, a quiet and sacred place.

Wooden ema plaques hung everywhere, each carrying prayers and wishes from past visitors. The atmosphere was calm and reflective, and I silently hoped that everyone’s wishes would come true.

Culinary Delight – Tosa Cuisine

Back in the city, it was time for dinner. Tosa cuisine is known for its incredibly fresh seafood, and this meal did not disappoint. My plate was filled with a variety of sashimi, including raw whitebait (shirasu), conger eel, and yellowtail. Each bite was packed with rich, natural flavors—fresh, slightly sweet, and full of umami. It was a great way to end the first day.

Dinner at Tosa Ryori-tsukasa (Kochi Main Store):

・Tosa Grand Platter[Sawachi Ryori] (for 2 people) – 10,000 JPY (approx. USD 70)

Day 2

Sunday Market – A Local Treasure Trove

Early in the morning, I headed to the Sunday Market, one of the activities I had been looking forward to the most!

Kochi’s Sunday Market is one of Japan’s oldest open-air markets, held every Sunday in the city center. With over 300 stalls, it offers fresh local produce, seafood, handmade crafts, and street food such as grilled sweet potatoes and bonito dishes. It’s the perfect place to experience the local culture!

The market was clean and well-organized, with the entire street closed off for pedestrians, making it easy to explore at a leisurely pace. The first thing that caught my eye was a taco stall with a long line of customers. To my surprise, the owner spoke fluent English and enthusiastically introduced the different fillings and homemade sauces. I ordered two tacos, and the rich sauce blended perfectly with the minced meat—absolutely delicious!

The fresh fruits here were also impressive—grapes and tomatoes were incredibly sweet and juicy. But the biggest surprise was the sweet potato balls, which were completely different from the ones in Taiwan.

The crispy outer layer and soft, delicate inside created a perfect bite of happiness. I wrapped up my market visit with a refreshing cup of homemade yuzu ginger soda from an elderly vendor.

MASACASA TACO
・Specialty Taco (Pork Innards, Sweet Potato, Bell Pepper): 500 JPY (USD 3.5)
・Mexican Tortilla Soup: 400 JPY (USD 2.7)

Ohira Store (Sweet Potato Tempura)
・Sweet Potato Tempura: 400 JPY (USD 2.7)

A Quirky Aquarium in an Abandoned School

The next stop was the abandoned school-turned-aquarium, a place I had been eager to visit.

The building still retained its old blackboards and student desks, with children’s handwriting left on the walls—instantly transporting me back to childhood.

The most impressive features were the two giant cylindrical fish tanks. One was packed with hundreds of tiny fish swimming in sync, while the other housed a cheerful-looking stingray that occasionally popped up to spray water at visitors. It was adorable!

Lunch – Rice bowl&Ochazuke with Seared Kinmedai

For lunch, I stopped at a traditional Japanese restaurant and tried red bream Rice bowl&Ochazuke.

This was my first time eating seared kinmedai (golden eye snapper), and it was incredible. The slightly charred surface added a hint of smokiness, while the meat was firm, sweet, and completely free of any fishy taste. It was a dish I could eat over and over again.

Ryotei Kagetsu
・Mini Muroto Kinmedai Don: 1,200 JPY (USD 8.1)

A Hidden Gem – Ioki Cave

After lunch, I visited Ioki Cave, a local hidden gem. The entrance was dark and damp, making me feel a bit uneasy at first. But as I stepped through the cave, the scenery opened up into a magical landscape—lush bamboo groves, crystal-clear streams, and the soothing sounds of flowing water and chirping birds. The path led me over a small bridge and through some rocky sections where a rope was provided for support. Finally, I reached a small but picturesque waterfall, a view that felt straight out of a fairy tale.

NORA Clock & Sunset

In the evening, I visited NORA Clock, a charming wooden clock tower built by a local landowner. The area in front of the clock featured a sunflower field, which wasn’t in full bloom since it was winter, but I could still imagine how stunning it must look in summer.

Walking further along the road, I discovered a beautifully preserved historical bell tower. It was once the tallest structure in the area, serving as an early warning system for fires. Now, it stands as a reminder of the past, blending seamlessly into the peaceful surroundings.

Taking a short break by the roadside, I watched as the sunset painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, casting a warm glow over the ocean. It was a serene and poetic moment.

Dinner at a Cozy Izakaya – Hirosueya

For dinner, I chose Hirosueya, a small but cozy Okonomiyaki izakaya. Their specialty was garlic chive salt yakisoba, which was packed with flavor yet not overly rich. Paired with a cold draft beer, it was the perfect way to end the day.

Hiromesuya

・Garlic Chive Salt Yakisoba (Large): 1,200 JPY (USD 8.1)
・Mixed Okonomiyaki (Pork, Shrimp, Squid): 1,200 JPY (USD 8.1)

That’s a wrap for Part 1! But there’s still so much more to explore in Kochi. Don’t miss out on the next adventure—check out Part 2 at the link below! 🚀✨