{"id":326697,"date":"2025-03-10T16:27:19","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T07:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/?post_type=column&p=326697"},"modified":"2025-03-11T16:51:11","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T07:51:11","slug":"first-time-kochi-japan-travel-experience-a-4-day-3-night-food-sightseeing-guide-part-2","status":"publish","type":"column","link":"https:\/\/kochike.jp\/en\/column\/326697\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Time Kochi, Japan Travel Experience! A 4-Day, 3-Night Food & Sightseeing Guide (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 3<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n

A Nostalgic Morning at a Showa-Era Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

On the third morning, I stepped into Kissa Depot Kyomachi<\/strong>, a charming retro caf\u00e9 with a nostalgic Showa-era ambiance. Their Kochi breakfast set<\/strong> was a popular choice, and when it arrived, the beautifully arranged plate made my mouth water. The fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp fresh salad, rice ball, fruit, and miso soup<\/strong> all came together in a well-balanced meal.<\/p>\r\n

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But the highlight? The toast<\/strong>\u2014perfectly crispy on the outside, producing a satisfying crunch with each bite. Paired with homemade chunky strawberry jam<\/strong>, it was just the right amount of sweetness, encapsulating the warmth of a slow morning in Kochi.<\/p>\r\n

Kissa Depot Kyomachi
\r\n<\/strong>\u30fbKochi Breakfast Set Part 4:<\/strong> 750 JPY (USD 5)
\r\n\u30fbPancake Breakfast Combo:<\/strong> 750 JPY (USD 5)<\/p>\r\n

Katsurahama Beach \u2013 A Scenic Coastal Walk<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

After breakfast, we headed to Kochi\u2019s most iconic seaside spot\u2014Katsurahama Beach.<\/strong> The crescent-shaped coastline<\/strong> was stunning, and with fewer visitors than expected, parking was easy.<\/p>\r\n

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Along the way, I passed by the famous statue of Sakamoto Ryoma<\/strong>, a legendary samurai and political figure. Walking down the stone steps, I was greeted by an expansive stretch of golden sand glittering under the sun.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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A short walking trail led me to a viewpoint where the deep blue ocean stretched endlessly into the horizon.<\/strong> Next to the observation deck was a small shrine<\/strong> where I decided to draw an omikuji (fortune slip). To my delight, I got a Daikichi (Great Fortune)!<\/strong> A lucky start to the day.<\/p>\r\n

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A Tranquil Visit to Chikurin-ji Temple<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

We then drove to Chikurin-ji Temple<\/strong>, surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere and maple trees just starting to turn red<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

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The air carried a crisp autumn scent, and along the way, I spotted a couple taking gorgeous wedding photos<\/strong>, making the scene feel even more cinematic.<\/p>\r\n

The temple’s architecture was beautifully traditional<\/strong>, and I took my time appreciating the details.<\/p>\r\n

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At the souvenir shop, I carefully selected lucky charms<\/strong> for my family and a small, smiling Buddhist figurine<\/strong> for my grandmother. I hoped this little gift from Kochi would bring her happiness and protection.<\/p>\r\n

Hirome Market \u2013 A Foodie\u2019s Paradise<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

After a peaceful temple visit, it was time to indulge in some local flavors!<\/p>\r\n

On the way to Hirome Market<\/strong>, we stopped by a popular fried food stall<\/strong>, where the staff recommended their deep-fried chicken skewer<\/strong>. One bite in, and I was hooked\u2014the crispy golden crust<\/strong> gave way to juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly seasoned balance of salt and a hint of sweetness. Absolutely addictive!<\/p>\r\n

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Finally arriving at Hirome Market<\/strong>, I was greeted by a giant beckoning cat statue<\/strong> at the entrance, as if welcoming every visitor with open arms. Inside, the market was bustling with energy<\/strong>, resembling a Japanese take on a Taiwanese night market<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

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From oden (Japanese hotpot) to bonito fried rice<\/strong>, I tried a bit of everything. One of the highlights was the pan-fried gyoza<\/strong> and the freshly seared bonito tataki<\/strong>, which filled the air with an irresistible smoky aroma. Paired with a glass of local craft beer<\/strong>, it was a meal to remember.<\/p>\r\n

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Yatai Gyoza Yasubei \u2013 Hirome Market
\r\n\u30fb<\/strong>Yatai-style Gyoza:<\/strong> 600 JPY (USD 4)<\/p>\r\n

A Walk Through Kochi Castle Museum of History<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

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Just a three-minute walk<\/strong> from the market, we arrived at the Kochi Castle Museum of History<\/strong>. The modern yet minimalistic design<\/strong> of the museum blended tradition with a contemporary feel, creating an inviting space to learn about Kochi\u2019s past.<\/p>\r\n

The exhibits showcased the unique architecture of Kochi Castle and its historical evolution<\/strong>, giving me a deeper appreciation for the city\u2019s heritage. One of my favorite parts was the third-floor observation deck<\/strong>, offering a perfect view of the castle gates and keep.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Before leaving, I collected a few beautifully designed stamp prints<\/strong>, a unique keepsake to remember my visit.<\/p>\r\n

A Nostalgic Streetcar Ride and Unexpected Pok\u00e9mon Encounter<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Wandering through Kochi\u2019s streets<\/strong>, I spotted a vintage red streetcar<\/strong> that exuded old-school charm. Kochi has many different types of trams, and I had seen quite a variety over the past few days.<\/p>\r\n

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But today, I got lucky\u2014I hopped on a special edition tram decorated with Kochi\u2019s official Pok\u00e9mon mascot!<\/strong> The cute, sky-blue otter-like Pok\u00e9mon added an extra touch of fun to the ride, making the journey even more memorable.<\/p>\r\n

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Learning About Yosakoi Dance and Local Culture<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Arriving at the Yosakoi Information Exchange Center<\/strong>, I took a deep dive into the history of Yosakoi<\/strong>, a traditional Japanese dance born in Kochi.<\/p>\r\n

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The passion and craftsmanship behind this art form truly fascinated me, and I gained a newfound respect for the dedication of Japanese artisans who keep these traditions alive.<\/p>\r\n

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Evening Exploration and a Sake Tasting Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Next, we visited the famous Harimaya Bridge<\/strong>, but unfortunately, it was under renovation, so we could only glimpse it from behind the railings\u2014a small disappointment.<\/p>\r\n

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At a local souvenir shop, I discovered a drink called Ripple, a lactic acid-based beverage<\/strong>. The stylish packaging immediately caught my eye, and after taking a sip, I was hooked\u2014the sweet and tangy flavor was refreshing and unique.<\/strong> I grabbed a box to take home for my family to try.<\/p>\r\n

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As night fell, we stopped by a small but elegant sake bar, Tosa Sake Bar<\/strong>. The bar offered an excellent selection of local sake, ranging from light and smooth to rich and bold.<\/p>\r\n

Among the varieties, my favorite was Bijofu<\/strong>, a beautifully balanced plum sake<\/strong>. The gentle sweetness at the start was soon followed by a refreshing tartness<\/strong>, creating a perfect harmony that had me ordering another glass.<\/p>\r\n

A Unique Izakaya Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

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For our final stop, we visited a self-service izakaya<\/strong> with an interesting concept\u2014instead of ordering at the counter, guests placed a marble into an acrylic box<\/strong> to get their next drink. This honor system approach made for a fun and interactive way to enjoy the night.<\/p>\r\n

Day4<\/h2>\r\n

Kure Taishomachi Market<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

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For the final highlight of my trip, I visited Kure Taishomachi Market<\/strong>, a true paradise for cat lovers! The moment I stepped in, I was greeted by friendly, lazy cats roaming freely between the stalls.<\/strong> Some were relaxing in the sun, while others strolled around curiously. I even spotted one casually sipping water\u2014absolutely adorable! The cats here seemed well cared for<\/strong>, with fluffy coats and chubby, content expressions<\/strong>. It felt as if they were cherished mascots, lovingly fed by the local vendors.<\/p>\r\n

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Straw-Grilled Bonito \u2013 A Must-Try Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Aside from the adorable cats, the market offered a truly special experience\u2014straw-grilled bonito.<\/strong> Under the guidance of a skilled chef, I watched as the fresh bonito was seared over roaring flames<\/strong>, with the fragrant aroma of charred straw<\/strong> filling the air.<\/p>\r\n

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When served, the outer layer had a perfect smoky crust<\/strong>, while the inside remained juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful.<\/strong> Grilling it myself made the experience even more satisfying\u2014hands down, one of the best bites of the trip!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

A Cozy Caf\u00e9 Run by an Elderly Couple<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Right next to the market, I stumbled upon dessert at Kokuya<\/strong>, a charming old-style caf\u00e9 run by an elderly couple. Stepping inside felt like entering a warm, nostalgic home<\/strong>. Sunlight streamed gently through the windows, casting a soft glow on the wooden interior, decorated with cute figurines and homey touches.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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One of the most unique features of the caf\u00e9 was a beautifully pruned tree inside the house<\/strong>, with lush green leaves reaching towards the skylight<\/strong>, adding a tranquil atmosphere to the space.<\/p>\r\n

The elderly owner, standing behind the counter, carefully prepared tea with calm, practiced movements<\/strong>, exuding a quiet sense of warmth. I ordered a yuzu hot tea and a plate of warabi mochi.<\/strong> The tea had a gentle citrus aroma<\/strong> that filled the air, while the mochi was soft, chewy, and lightly coated with fragrant roasted soybean powder<\/strong>. Each bite was subtle yet satisfying<\/strong>. Meanwhile, the owner\u2019s wife chatted with us, making us feel as if we were visiting a relative\u2019s home, rather than just another caf\u00e9.<\/strong> It was a simple yet heartwarming experience.<\/p>\r\n

Makino Botanical Garden \u2013 A Serene Green Escape<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

The final stop of my journey was Makino Botanical Garden<\/strong>, a breathtakingly lush and poetic oasis. The entire garden was blanketed in greenery, with winding paths weaving through the gentle slopes.<\/strong> Along the way, various viewpoints and treehouses<\/strong> offered stunning perspectives of the landscape.<\/p>\r\n

Walking through the garden, the air was filled with the crisp scent of plants<\/strong>, and the soft rustling of leaves created a peaceful soundtrack to the experience.<\/strong> Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting golden specks on the ground<\/strong>, making me instinctively slow my pace to fully absorb nature\u2019s beauty.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

One tree that truly caught my attention was a massive bald cypress<\/strong>, its towering canopy spreading like a giant umbrella.<\/strong> The orange-tinted leaves glowed under the sunlight<\/strong>, gently swaying with the breeze. Standing beneath it, I felt a deep sense of awe and tranquility<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

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A Hidden Ghibli-Like Tower<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

Among the many wonders in the garden, one structure stood out the most\u2014a tower that looked like something straight out of a Ghibli film.<\/strong> Stepping inside, I realized it was completely hollow<\/strong>, allowing me to gaze directly up at the brilliant blue sky framed by its walls.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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The way the sunlight streamed down<\/strong> created a dreamlike, almost surreal atmosphere<\/strong>, as if I had stumbled into another world.<\/strong> Time seemed to pause as I stood there, soaking in the moment of quiet wonder.<\/p>\r\n

A Sweet Farewell \u2013 Caf\u00e9 in the Garden<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

To wrap up my visit, I stopped by the garden\u2019s caf\u00e9<\/strong>, a peaceful spot with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the room in warm sunlight.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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I ordered a strawberry mousse cake<\/strong>, which was delicately balanced in sweetness with a silky smooth texture<\/strong>. Paired with a blue lemon soda<\/strong>, which was lightly fizzy and refreshing<\/strong>, it was the perfect way to conclude my journey.<\/p>\r\n

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Reflections on Kochi \u2013 A Hidden Gem of Serenity<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n

As I left Kochi, my heart was filled with countless memories and emotions.<\/strong> Beyond its natural beauty and incredible food, Kochi offered something truly special\u2014a sense of peace and connection with nature<\/strong> that I hadn\u2019t experienced anywhere else.<\/p>\r\n

It\u2019s not just a paradise for outdoor lovers but a place where one can find quiet moments of reflection and warmth.<\/strong> A hidden sanctuary that lets you slow down, breathe, and rediscover a sense of inner calm.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

With one last deep breath of the fresh Kochi air, I knew this trip was one I would cherish forever.<\/p>\r\n