{"id":326639,"date":"2025-03-10T16:26:11","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T07:26:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/?post_type=column&p=326639"},"modified":"2025-03-10T16:32:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T07:32:42","slug":"first-time-kochi-japan-travel-experience-a-4-day-3-night-food-sightseeing-guide-part-1","status":"publish","type":"column","link":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/column\/326639\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Time Kochi, Japan Travel Experience! A 4-Day, 3-Night Food & Sightseeing Guide (Part 1)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 1<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Arrival in Kochi \u2013 A Journey Through Nature and Culture<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

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<\/strong>. The wontons were plump and juicy, and as I took my first bite, the warm broth exploded with flavor\u2014a perfect way to kick off my Kochi adventure.<\/p>\r\n

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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<\/strong>, I immediately felt the warmth of this charming city.<\/p>\r\n

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The airport staff even handed out a local specialty\u2014sweet potato cookies\u2014as a welcome gift!<\/strong> Expecting the weather to be dry and chilly compared to Taiwan, I was pleasantly surprised by the mild and comfortable climate.<\/p>\r\n

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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<\/strong>, giving the region its lush, untouched beauty. The natural surroundings were so immersive that I couldn\u2019t help but feel relaxed.<\/p>\r\n

Niyodo Blue \u2013 Niyodo River and Nagoya Submersible Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Our first stop was Nagoya Submersible Bridge<\/strong>, a unique bridge with no railings, stretching over the stunningly clear Niyodo River<\/strong>, known as \u201cJapan\u2019s last pristine stream.\u201d<\/strong> The water was so transparent that I could easily see the pebbles and sand on the riverbed.<\/p>\r\n

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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.<\/p>\r\n

Spiritual Exploration \u2013 Niiida Shrine and Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Our next stop was Niiida Shrine<\/strong>, where I performed the hand-washing ritual at a beautifully carved dragon-shaped water spout<\/strong>. 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\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\r\n

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A fun surprise here was the Bonito Fortune Fishing<\/strong>. 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\u2014a simple but memorable experience.<\/p>\r\n

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A 15-minute drive<\/strong> later, we arrived at Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine<\/strong>, a quiet and sacred place.<\/p>\r\n

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Wooden ema plaques<\/strong> hung everywhere, each carrying prayers and wishes from past visitors. The atmosphere was calm and reflective, and I silently hoped that everyone\u2019s wishes would come true.<\/p>\r\n

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Culinary Delight \u2013 Tosa Cuisine<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Back in the city, it was time for dinner. Tosa cuisine<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. Each bite was packed with rich, natural flavors\u2014fresh, slightly sweet, and full of umami. It was a great way to end the first day.<\/p>\r\n

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Dinner at Tosa Ryori-tsukasa (Kochi Main Store):<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\u30fbTosa Grand Platter[Sawachi Ryori] (for 2 people)<\/strong> \u2013 10,000 JPY (approx. USD 70)<\/p>\r\n

Day 2<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

Sunday Market \u2013 A Local Treasure Trove<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Early in the morning, I headed to the Sunday Market<\/strong>, one of the activities I had been looking forward to the most!<\/p>\r\n

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Kochi\u2019s Sunday Market<\/strong> is one of Japan\u2019s oldest open-air markets, held every Sunday in the city center. With over 300 stalls<\/strong>, it offers fresh local produce, seafood, handmade crafts, and street food such as grilled sweet potatoes and bonito dishes. It\u2019s the perfect place to experience the local culture!<\/p>\r\n

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\u2014absolutely delicious!<\/p>\r\n

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The fresh fruits here were also impressive\u2014grapes and tomatoes were incredibly sweet and juicy<\/strong>. But the biggest surprise was the sweet potato balls<\/strong>, which were completely different from the ones in Taiwan.<\/p>\r\n

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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.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

MASACASA TACO
\r\n<\/strong>\u30fbSpecialty Taco (Pork Innards, Sweet Potato, Bell Pepper):<\/strong> 500 JPY (USD 3.5)
\r\n\u30fb<\/strong>Mexican Tortilla Soup:<\/strong> 400 JPY (USD 2.7)<\/p>\r\n

Ohira Store (Sweet Potato Tempura)
\r\n<\/strong>\u30fbSweet Potato Tempura:<\/strong> 400 JPY (USD 2.7)<\/p>\r\n

A Quirky Aquarium in an Abandoned School<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

The next stop was the abandoned school-turned-aquarium<\/strong>, a place I had been eager to visit.<\/p>\r\n

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The building still retained its old blackboards and student desks<\/strong>, with children\u2019s handwriting left on the walls\u2014instantly transporting me back to childhood.<\/p>\r\n

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

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Lunch \u2013 Rice bowl&Ochazuke with Seared Kinmedai<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

For lunch, I stopped at a traditional Japanese restaurant and tried red bream Rice bowl&Ochazuke<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

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This was my first time eating seared kinmedai (golden eye snapper)<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\r\n

Ryotei Kagetsu
\r\n<\/strong>\u30fbMini Muroto Kinmedai Don:<\/strong> 1,200 JPY (USD 8.1)<\/p>\r\n

A Hidden Gem \u2013 Ioki Cave<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

After lunch, I visited Ioki Cave<\/strong>, 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\u2014lush bamboo groves, crystal-clear streams, and the soothing sounds of flowing water and chirping birds<\/strong>. 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<\/strong>, a view that felt straight out of a fairy tale.<\/p>\r\n

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NORA Clock & Sunset<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

In the evening, I visited NORA Clock<\/strong>, a charming wooden clock tower built by a local landowner. The area in front of the clock featured a sunflower field<\/strong>, which wasn\u2019t in full bloom since it was winter, but I could still imagine how stunning it must look in summer.<\/p>\r\n

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Walking further along the road, I discovered a beautifully preserved historical bell tower<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\r\n

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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<\/strong>. It was a serene and poetic moment.<\/p>\r\n

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Dinner at a Cozy Izakaya \u2013 Hirosueya<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

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

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Hiromesuya<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\u30fbGarlic Chive Salt Yakisoba (Large):<\/strong> 1,200 JPY (USD 8.1)
\r\n\u30fbMixed Okonomiyaki (Pork, Shrimp, Squid):<\/strong> 1,200 JPY (USD 8.1)<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

That\u2019s a wrap for Part 1! But there\u2019s still so much more to explore in Kochi. Don\u2019t miss out on the next adventure\u2014check out Part 2 at the link below! \ud83d\ude80\u2728<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":326835,"parent":0,"template":"","tags":[5556,5560,5558,5554,5550,5551,5549,5559,5555,5557,5553,5270,5552],"column_area":[5548,5547,5546,5203,5080,5099,5078],"class_list":["post-326639","column","type-column","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-abandoned-school-aquarium","tag-hiromesuya","tag-ioki-cave","tag-masacasa-taco","tag-nagoya-submersible-bridge","tag-niiida-shrine","tag-niyodo-blue","tag-nora-clock","tag-ohira-store","tag-ryotei-kagetsu","tag-sunday-market","tag-tosa-cuisine","tag-wakamiya-hachimangu-shrine","column_area-konan-city","column_area-aki-city","column_area-muroto-city","column_area-niyodogawa-town","column_area-kochi_city","column_area-nankoku-city","column_area-central","column_cat-kochi-ryoma-airport","column_cat-transportation","column_cat-bonito","column_cat-niyodo-river","column_cat-submersible-bridge","column_cat-sashimi","column_cat-specialty","column_cat-sightseeing","column_cat-gourmet"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/column\/326639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/column"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/column"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/column\/326639\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/326835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=326639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=326639"},{"taxonomy":"column_area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/column_area?post=326639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}