Kochi
Wild nature of beautiful Shimanto river, Japan’s last pristine river
Kochi prefecture is located on the south coast of the Shikoku Island. Kochi preserves wild nature of beautiful Shimanto river, which is said to be Japan’s last pristine river. Due to its mild weather throughout a year, the production of vegetables in greenhouses is popular in Kochi.
Kochi is also known as a birth place of Ryoma Sakamoto who played a leading role in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate in the middle of the 19th century.
Katsuo no tataki - Kochi is known for bonito migrated with Kuroshio, the Black Current. Katsuo no tataki is seared bonito and it is the most famous way of eating bonito in Kochi.
Pickled Ginger - Ginger grown near the Shimango river is large and less fiber. Picked ginger is made in various ways with honey or vinegar or plum vinegar.
Kochi is home of the Shimanto river, a 196 kilometers long beautiful and wild watercourse known as the Japanese last pristine river. The Shimanto river is also famous for its narrow bridge without guard-rails.
Kochi Castle has about 400 years of history and it is one of the 12 remaining castles that were built during or before the Edo period.
Near Otemon Gate of Kochi Castle, Nichiyo Ichi, Sunday market, is held and this is where you can get local foods and crafts.
Former name of Kochi is Tosa. Tosa Washi is traditional Japanese paper made in Kochi for over 1000 years. Its quality is highly acclaimed and is used for various purposes such as traditional Japanese houses, artworks, and wrapping paper.
Tosa Uchi Hamono, is another popular local product in Kochi. It is blades forged in Kochi by following special steps. Kochi is also known for Tosa Kumiko, Japanese woodwork made by putting together pieces of wood without using nails.
