Sightseeing
Winter Wonders in Kochi, Japan : Where Sunshine Meets Frost
2025/10/17
Contents

When people think of downtown Kochi, the first place that comes to mind is Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade.
This lively covered street is lined with everything from long-established shops to trendy cafés and restaurants. It’s also located near the famous Sunday Market, held every week along the main street, making it a bustling spot for both locals and tourists.

One of the best-known landmarks in Obiyamachi is the Avenue Building, operated by Hirosue Hardware Store, which was founded in 1893 (Meiji 26).
You’ll recognize it right away — it’s the building with the McDonald’s on the first floor and a giant Ultraman statue standing by the escalator entrance.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Avenue Building, a local hotspot attracting young residents, tourists, and international visitors alike.
A familiar favorite! This McDonald’s is always busy with students and shoppers taking a break.

A colorful ice cream shop offering fun seasonal flavors.

A stationery and design shop where you can create custom cards, business cards, and paper goods, even from just one sheet! Perfect for those who love creative paper items.

A dream come true for Studio Ghibli fans!
This shop is packed with official Ghibli character goods and whimsical items from movies like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away.
© Studio Ghibli
From the nostalgic original Ultraman to the latest Ultraman Omega, this shop offers a wide range of character merchandise loved by fans of all ages.





© Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd.
A capsule toy paradise with about 400 gachapon machines!
The lineup changes regularly, so there’s always something new to discover each time you visit.


3F — Zakka ZOO
3F — Mot-Co Men’s Hair Salon Kochi Obiyamachi
3F — AGA Skin Clinic
Avenue Building
Address: 1-13-23 Obiyamachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
Phone: +81-88-822-4411
Mail: avenue@etude.ocn.ne.jp