Kochi

Kochi Prefecture faces the grand Pacific Ocean and is a place where abundant nature and passionate history live on. Historically, it is known as the hometown of Sakamoto Ryoma, a hero of the late Edo period, and spots where you can feel the breath of history are scattered around, such as the giant Ryoma statue standing at Katsurahama and Kochi Castle, one of the 12 surviving original keeps. A stroll through the castle town, which retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, is a must for history fans. Turning to nature, the Niyodo River, known for its crystal-clear "Niyodo Blue," and the Shimanto River, Japan's last clear stream, flow here, with plenty of activities such as canoeing and camping. At Muroto Geopark you can also feel the dynamism of the Earth firsthand. And the highlight of sightseeing in Kochi is "food." The famous "katsuo no tataki" (seared bonito) is superb for its smoky straw-grilled aroma and rich fat. At the lively "Hirome Market," you can chat with locals while enjoying Tosa local sake and regional dishes in a festival-like buzz. In summer, the "Yosakoi Festival" is held and the whole town is swept up in excitement. The warm hospitality of the people, known as "okyaku culture," also never fails to charm visitors.