Kochi

From MaxTravelz

Asia : East Asia : Japan : Shikoku : Kochi (prefecture) : Kochi

You may also be looking for the Indian city of Cochin.

Kōchi (高知), known in ancient times as Tosa (土佐), is the eponymous capital of Kochi prefecture on the Japanese island of Shikoku.

Get in

The JR Dosan Line (土讃線) runs down from Okayama on Honshu via Takamatsu and the Oboke gorge, passing through Kochi on its way to the terminus Kubokawa.

The fastest way to get to Kochi from Okayama is to take the Nanpu Limited Express train, which departs every hour. It costs ¥5990 (no cost with the Japan Rail Pass) and takes 2 1/2 hours.

Get around

See

Kochi Castle, Sunday Market, Katsurahama Beach, Mt. Godaisan, Makino Botanical Gardens, Harimaya-Bashi (Harimaya bridge)

Avoid

AEON, Louis Vuitton

Do

YOSAKOI A loud and colorful festival that makes Rio's Carnival look like a tea ceremony.

NICHI O ICHI (Sunday Market) Every sunday rain or shine, Kochi's skilled farmers and fisherman flock to the capital to present their goods. At the market you will find friendly vendors offering everything from Antiques to Zucchini.

Buy

Katsuo Bushi--Bonito flakes. This is a staple of the Japanese diet and is best in Kochi. It is used as a toping for many dishes and will surely be appreciated by a Japanese friend.

Eat

KATSUO NO TATAKI This is Kochi's specialty dish and does not taste as good anywhere else! Katsuo is a type of Tuna fish which in English is called Bonito. Tataki is the style in which it is prepared. The Tataki style means that the Fish is held over a fire and cooked only on the outside layer (about 3mm to 1cm deep), leaving the inside of the fish red and raw. After the firing it is cut into thick juicy slices that look like oversized sashimi, and served with sliced garlic and onions, shiso (a Japanese leaf with a distinct and delicious taste), some other garnish, a special sauce that may vary, and ofcourse some fresh wassabi. Once it is at your table clutch a slice with your chop sticks along with a generous portion of the garlic, onions, wassabi etc... Take it all in in one bite and "BAM". You're gonna love it! Katsuo is best during the Summer and early Fall when the fish arrive off the coast of Kochi after fattening up in the tropics during the winter. Katsuo No Tataki can be found in many many restaurants throughout Kochi Prefecture, but for the cream of the crop go to KUROSON in Kochi City. Kuroson is a small sushi restaurant near OhashiDori, nestled in a narrow alley just behind the Mos Burger on the East West Densha Dori. On most nights you will need a reservation booked well in advance, but if you are on your own or as a couple, you might get lucky and find a spot on a week day. Good luck! If you make it in ask for Shiyo Tataki. A specialty of Kurson. It is the same dish though prepared in salt, giving it an even more unforgetable taste. For the bolder among you, ask for Chichiko (Katsuo hearts) as an appetizer. Mmmmm...my mouth is watering. Enjoy.

Drink

Liquor in all forms. The people of Kochi are hands down the biggest drinkers in Japan. The women in Kochi are particularly renowned for their affinity and ability to drink. They are refered to as "Hachikin," literally meaning 8 testicles since it is said that one Tosa (Kochi) woman can drink like four ordinary men. Kochi offers an abundance of locally made Sake and Shochu, and the friendly locals will surely approach you for a fun interaction at Kochi`s numerous bars.

Sleep

Get out

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