写真提供：（公財）高知県観光コンベンション協会

Kochi Sunday Market is a large open-air street market held every Sunday in the center of Kochi City, on the island of Shikoku, Japan.

The market stretches for about 1 kilometer along Otesuji Street, near Kochi Castle, and features around 300 stalls. Every week, more than 17,000 people visit — locals buying fresh food for the week and travelers eager to experience Kochi’s culture up close.

What makes Sunday Market truly special is its history.
Founded in 1690, it has been held for over 330 years, making it the longest-running street market in Japan.

What It’s Like to Visit Kochi Sunday Market

Visiting Nichiyoichi feels less like sightseeing and more like stepping into everyday Kochi life.

You’ll see farmers arranging freshly harvested vegetables, locals chatting casually with vendors, and visitors strolling slowly while eating street food. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and lively — conversations happen naturally, even if you don’t speak Japanese.

As you walk down the long boulevard, the scenery keeps changing: colorful produce, sizzling food stalls, handmade tools, flowers, and the smell of fried sweet potatoes drifting through the air.

Why Kochi Sunday Market Is So Special

Kochi Sunday Market is not a market created for tourists — it is a place locals genuinely rely on.

・It is officially operated by Kochi City
・It has continued almost every Sunday for over three centuries
・It is considered the longest street market in Japan

While many traditional markets have disappeared, Kochi Sunday Market remains an essential part of local life, which is why the experience feels authentic and alive.

What You Can Find at the Market

Although food is a major highlight, Nichiyoichi offers much more than snacks.

・Fresh vegetables and fruit from local farms
・Ready-to-eat street food and traditional dishes
・Local crafts, tools, and everyday goods
・Flowers, plants, and seasonal items

Sweet Potato Tempura (Imo-ten)

One of Kochi’s most famous street foods.

Imo-ten is made from locally grown sweet potatoes, coated in a light batter and fried until crispy. The outside is crunchy, while the inside stays soft and naturally sweet.

The stall Ohira Shoten is especially popular and often has a line, but service is fast. Many locals say this snack is addictive once you try it.

Inaka-zushi (Country-Style Sushi)

A regional specialty unique to Kochi.

Instead of seafood, inaka-zushi uses mountain vegetables such as bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, myoga ginger, and konjac. The rice is lightly seasoned with citrus like yuzu or mandarin orange, giving it a refreshing flavor.

Each stall prepares it differently, so tasting several versions is part of the experience.

Ice Kurin

A nostalgic local dessert perfect for warm days.

Ice kurin is lighter than regular ice cream and closer to a sorbet. It is mildly sweet, refreshing, and available in several flavors — ideal for a short break while exploring the market.

Ame-yu (Sweet Ginger Drink)

A traditional drink made with starch syrup and fresh ginger juice.

・Served cold in summer
・Served hot in winter

It gently warms or cools the body and is a comforting local favorite rarely found outside western Japan.

Imo-kenpi & Shio-kenpi

Deep-fried sweet potato sticks coated in syrup.

・Imo-kenpi: sweet and crunchy
・Shio-kenpi: lightly salted, with a balanced sweet-salty taste

They are popular souvenirs and enjoyed by all generations.

Tosa Knives

Nichiyoichi is known for Tosa forged knives, a traditional craft with over 400 years of history. These knives are durable, practical, and surprisingly affordable.

A popular souvenir is the whale-shaped knife, reflecting Kochi’s historical connection to whaling.

Dried Fish(Himono)

Stalls sell a wide variety of dried fish from the Tosa coast. Horse mackerel is especially popular and often sells out before noon.

Flowers and Plants

From cut flowers to seedlings and bonsai, these stalls show another side of everyday Kochi life and are especially loved by local residents.

Mochi Rice Cakes

Colorful mochi flavored with shrimp, mugwort, red beans, or brown sugar make great snacks or souvenirs.

Ginger and Yuzu Products

Kochi is Japan’s top producer of ginger.

You’ll find ginger ale made with local ginger, as well as yuzu vinegar (yunosu), a staple seasoning used in dishes like bonito tataki.

How to Get There

From JR Kochi Station

・About 10 minutes on foot
・Or take the Tosaden Tram to Hasuikemachi-dori stop

From Kochi Airport

・Airport bus to Hasuikemachi stop
・Short walk to Otesuji Street

Final Thoughts

Kochi Sunday Market is more than a place to shop.
It is a weekly gathering where history, food, and everyday life come together.

From crispy sweet potato tempura to friendly conversations with local vendors, Kochi Sunday Market offers a side of Kochi that guidebooks alone cannot show.

If you are in Kochi on a weekend, Sunday morning belongs to Kochi Sunday Market.

Practical Information

Location
Otesuji Street, Kochi City
(From Kochi Castle’s Otemon Gate, walk east for about 1 km)

Hours
Around 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Best time to visit: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Open
Every Sunday
Closed on: January 1–2, During the Yosakoi Festival (Aug 10–12, if they fall on Sunday)

The market is usually held rain or shine.

The post Kochi Sunday Market: A 330-Year-Old Street Market at the Heart of Local Life first appeared on [Kochi Prefecture Official]The comprehensive website 'Kochike's 〇〇' provides all sorts of information about Kochi Prefecture..

What is Kochi? And why does it matter?

Kochi is a prefecture in southern Japan, located on the island of Shikoku.
It’s known for its beautiful mountains and rivers, fresh local produce, traditional crafts, and warm-hearted people.

But here’s the challenge — Kochi is not easy to visit.

・By air: about 1 hour from Osaka Itami Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport
・By train: around 3.5 hours from Osaka (Shinkansen + limited express)
・By car: about 4 to 5 hours drive

That’s why Super Local Shop TOSATOSA is so valuable.
It brings the flavors, craftsmanship, and culture of Kochi directly to the heart of Osaka.

Explore Kochi, Japan: 7 Must-Visit Attractions and What Makes It Unique

What is Super Local Shop TOSATOSA?

Super Local Shop TOSATOSA is an official antenna shop operated by Kochi Prefecture Government.
Located just 1 minutes from JR Osaka Station, with easy direct access, it introduces people to Kochi’s best: local foods, drinks, crafts, and tourism.

Inside, you'll find a bright, open space filled with carefully selected products.
TOSATOSA is not just a place to buy souvenirs — it's a chance to experience authentic, small-scale, high-quality goods from rural Japan.

More than a store – a cultural experience

TOSATOSA offers a curated selection of Kochi's regional specialties:

・Food and drink items made with local ingredients
・Traditional handicrafts from rural workshops
・Seasonal displays and featured products from different towns
・Special events, tastings, and pop-up booths on weekends

Many visitors describe it as a “mini Kochi” in the middle of Osaka — and for good reason.

Recommended Items

We asked the shop manager, Mr. Komatsu, who has been with TOSATOSA since day one, to introduce some of her top recommendations. Here are three popular items worth trying:

Shiokenpi (Salted Sweet Potato Sticks)

A Kochi-style snack made from thinly cut sweet potatoes, deep-fried until crispy, then coated with a light sugar glaze and sprinkled with sea salt.
The result is a unique sweet-and-salty flavor that’s crunchy, addictive, and surprisingly sophisticated.

Gokkun Umajimura Yuzu Drink

Produced in the small village of Umaji, this drink is made with just yuzu juice, spring water, and a touch of honey.
Refreshing, lightly sweet, and not too sour, it showcases the purity of Kochi’s famous citrus. It’s especially popular among people who want a natural, non-carbonated drink.

Dashi Soy Sauce

Dashi Infusion Soy Sauce Bottle
This product contains sticks of dried bonito inside the bottle.
Just pour in your favorite soy sauce, let it sit for a few days, and it transforms into dashi-infused soy sauce.

No need for cooking or additives — just natural ingredients doing their magic.
Perfect for people who love making things their own way, the Kochi way.

Manager’s Recommendation: seared bonito and yuzu ponzu

One of the most beloved food traditions in Kochi is katsuo no tataki (bonito seared over straw flame), enjoyed with a splash of citrusy yuzu ponzu.

This iconic pairing — smoky, tender slices of fish and the bright aroma of local citrus — is a staple of home dining in Kochi.
It’s not a TOSATOSA invention, but a taste deeply rooted in Kochi’s everyday life.

At TOSATOSA, you can find high-quality frozen katsuo tataki and several types of yuzu ponzu sauces.
Bring them home, serve with sliced onion and garlic, and you’ll have a traditional Kochi meal — simple, vibrant, and unforgettable.

Traditional Crafts and Handmade Goods

TOSATOSA also features handmade items from across Kochi Prefecture:

These items reflect the lifestyle and craftsmanship of rural Kochi — simple, durable, and beautiful.

Special Events and Pop-ups

sometime on weekend, different municipalities and local producers from Kochi take turns showcasing their products in-store.
These events may include:

・Seasonal product tastings (such as yuzu juice, sake, or citrus fruit)
・Direct-to-customer sales from farmers and small producers
・Tourism consultations and regional guides

Many of these events are interactive, and even if you don’t speak Japanese, the staff are friendly and happy to help. It’s a great chance to engage with “super local” Japan in a casual way.

Access and Basic Information

Store name: Super Local Shop TOSATOSA
Location: 2nd floor, KITTE Osaka, 1 minute walk from JR Osaka Station WEST Exit
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM 
Official website: https://www.tosatosa-kochi.com/

Final Thoughts

Super Local Shop TOSATOSA is not a typical souvenir store.
It’s a place where visitors can discover a lesser-known side of Japan — one rooted in deep local pride, handmade quality, and seasonal flavors.

If you’re in Osaka and looking for something unique, authentic, and memorable, this is a must-visit.
Whether you’re planning a future trip to Kochi, or just want to experience a taste of Japan’s rural culture, TOSATOSA offers a warm welcome.

Your journey to Kochi can start right here, in Osaka.

The post Super Local Shop TOSATOSA: Discover Kochi’s Local Food, Crafts, and Culture in Central Osaka first appeared on [Kochi Prefecture Official]The comprehensive website 'Kochike's 〇〇' provides all sorts of information about Kochi Prefecture..

Katsuo no Tataki (Seared Bonito)

As Kochi’s signature dish, katsuo no tataki features fresh bonito seared over burning straw, leaving the inside deliciously rare. This traditional cooking method enhances the fish's natural flavor, making it a beloved local specialty.

Why It’s Delicious

• Made with premium bonito carried by the Kuroshio Current, ensuring unparalleled freshness.
• The straw-searing process impacts a rich, smoky aroma while keeping the interior tender.
• Served with an array of garnishes including garlic and onions, and paired with salt or ponzu sauce for a burst of flavor.

Inaka Sushi (Rustic Sushi)

Unlike the more familiar nigiri sushi, Kochi’s inaka sushi highlights the resourcefulness of its mountain communities by using locally grown vegetables as the main ingredients.

Why It’s Unique

• Originated in mountainous regions where fresh seafood was scarce.
• Sushi rice is flavored with Kochi’s signature yuzu juice, offering a refreshing tang.
• Toppings feature seasonal vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, lotus root stems, and myoga ginger, showcasing local flavors.

Tosa Akaushi (Tosa Red Wagyu)

Tosa Akaushi is a rare breed of wagyu beef raised in Kochi’s lush pastures. Renowned for its lean yet flavorful meat, it offers a healthier alternative for wagyu lovers.

Why It’s Special

• Features a bold and deeply satisfying red meat flavor.
• Contains less fat than other wagyu varieties, making it a lighter and healthier choice.
• Highly sought-after due to its limited production and exclusivity.

Nabeyaki Ramen

This unique ramen is served in a traditional earthenware pot, which keeps it hot and flavorful until the very last bite.

Why It’s Memorable

• The clay pot retains heat, ensuring every warm and satisfying meal.
• Features a light soy-based chicken broth, perfectly balanced with toppings like chicken, green onions, raw egg, and fish cake.
• Each shop adds its own creative twist to this Kochi classic.

Yatai Gyoza (Dumplings)

A beloved late-night snack in Kochi, these bite-sized dumplings are a staple at cozy food stalls, perfect for after an evening of drinks.

Why It Stands Out

• Cooked to perfection with a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Small and snackable, making them the ideal treat to enjoy after a few drinks.
• Many stalls stay open late, creating a relaxed spot for a midnight treat.

Yuzu Products

As one of Japan’s largest producers of yuzu, Kochi showcases this fragrant citrus fruit in a wide variety of dishes and products.

Why Yuzu is Special

• Its juice serves as a substitute for vinegar, including in sushi rice.
• Combined with soy sauce to create ponzu, a versatile condiment perfect for dishes like katsuo no tataki.
• Used in drinks, candies, and desserts, yuzu imparts a refreshing citrus note to every bite or sip.

Unagi (Freshwater Eel)

Kochi’s rivers, including the renowned Shimanto River, are home to wild eels, a regional delicacy. The prefecture also excels in eel farming, ensuring this dish is available year-round.

Why You’ll Love It

• Prepared jiyaki style (grilled over charcoal without steaming), creating a perfectly crispy skin.
• Coated with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce that complements the tender eel.
• While wild eel is a seasonal treat, Kochi’s farmed eel is equally delicious and readily available.

Tosa Sake (Local Sake)

No meal in Kochi is complete without Tosa sake. Renowned for its dry, crisp profile, this sake perfectly complements the region’s flavorful cuisine.

Why Tosa Sake Shines

• Its clean, dry flavor enhances dishes like katsuo no tataki.
• Crafted with Kochi’s high-quality water, resulting in a smooth and refined finish.
• Enjoyed alongside traditional foods, sake is deeply embedded in Kochi’s dining culture.

A Unique Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Kochi’s food scene offers a delightful fusion of fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and the heartfelt hospitality of its people. From the smoky aroma of katsuo no tataki to the vibrant tang of yuzu, every bite is a journey into Kochi’s rich heritage. Whether indulging in late-night gyoza or pairing your meal with the crisp flavors of Tosa sake, Kochi guarantees a dining experience you will never forget.

The post 8 Must-Try Local Delicacies in Kochi: A Culinary Journey Through Nature and Tradition first appeared on [Kochi Prefecture Official]The comprehensive website 'Kochike's 〇〇' provides all sorts of information about Kochi Prefecture..