Food is one of the best reasons to step off your cruise ship in Kochi. This part of Japan is famous all over the country for its fresh fish, its clean mountain water, and its love of good eating and drinking. For cruise ship passengers with only a few hours in port, knowing what to try and where to find it makes a big difference. This guide covers the local dishes you should not miss, the best place to eat them, and a few simple tips for your day in Kochi.

Katsuo no Tataki, the Dish of Kochi

If you try only one thing in Kochi, make it katsuo no tataki. Katsuo is bonito, a fish from the Pacific Ocean, and tataki is the way it is prepared. The fish is seared quickly over a hot fire of burning straw, so the outside is smoky and lightly cooked while the inside stays soft and almost raw. It is then sliced thick and served with ponzu sauce, garlic, ginger, and green onion. Some local people enjoy it simply with salt, which lets you taste the fresh fish even more clearly.

The straw fire is the secret. It burns very hot and very fast, and it gives the fish a smoky flavor that you cannot get any other way. Watching the tall flames is part of the fun, and at some places you can see the cooks at work right in front of you. For many visitors, this smoky, fresh, and savory dish is the highlight of their whole day in Kochi.

Hirome Market, the Best Place to Eat Like a Local

The easiest and most enjoyable place to try katsuo no tataki is Hirome Market in the city center. It is a lively indoor food hall full of small shops and shared tables. You buy dishes from different stalls, carry them to a free seat, and eat next to local people and other travelers. The atmosphere is friendly and a little noisy, in the best way. Hirome is not an old building, but it has become one of the favorite gathering places in Kochi for food and drink.

At Hirome you can move from stall to stall and build your own meal. Beside katsuo no tataki, look for fried local fish, grilled skewers, fresh sashimi, and seasonal vegetables. The choice can feel overwhelming at first, so it helps to start with one or two famous dishes and then explore.

More Local Dishes to Try

Kochi has many other foods worth your time. Yasube gyoza are small, crispy fried dumplings that go very well with a cold drink. Chicken from the local Tosa Jiro breed is rich and tasty. In the warmer months you may also find dishes made with eel or with conger eel. If you have a sweet tooth, try a dessert made with Kochi yuzu, a fragrant yellow citrus that this region grows more of than anywhere else in Japan.

Fresh From the Land, Tosa Vegetables and Markets

Kochi is not only about fish. Its warm climate and clean rivers produce wonderful fruit and vegetables. At a local farmers market such as Tosa no Sato you can see piles of fresh ginger, tomatoes, citrus, and other produce that local people buy every day. Even if you do not cook, walking through a market like this is a lovely way to feel the daily life of Kochi.

Kochi ginger and Kochi yuzu are known across Japan, and you will find them used in sauces, drinks, and sweets all over the prefecture. Many small shops sell yuzu juice and yuzu sweets that make easy and light souvenirs to carry back to your ship.

Tosa Sake and the Culture of Sharing

People in Kochi, the old land of Tosa, are well known in Japan for their warm and open way of enjoying food and drink together. The local sake tends to be clean and dry, which makes it a good match for the fresh seafood. You do not need to drink alcohol to enjoy Kochi, but if you do, a small glass of cold Tosa sake with your katsuo no tataki is a real local experience.

Simple Tips for Cruise Passengers

Many small shops and market stalls take cash only, so it is good to carry some Japanese yen. If you have a food allergy, tell your guide in advance so the right dishes can be chosen for you. Lunch time can be busy at Hirome Market, so going a little early often means an easier seat. And remember that the Kochi cruise terminal is about a 25 minute drive from the city center, so plan your food stop with your return to the ship in mind.

A Sweet Local Treat, Aisukurin

For something light and fun, look for aisukurin, a soft and old fashioned ice cream that has been sold in Kochi for generations. You will often see it at street stalls and near popular sights such as Katsurahama Beach. It is usually pale yellow and not too sweet, and it is the perfect cool treat on a warm day in port. Small, cheap, and loved by both children and adults, it is an easy way to taste a little piece of local Kochi life.

Perfect for Cruise Ship Passengers

Arriving in Kochi by cruise ship? A food focused day is easy to arrange. I will pick you up directly from the Kochi cruise terminal and bring you back to your ship with time to spare. Transportation is included as part of the guided tour, and I can guide you to the best local dishes and help with the language so you can order with confidence.

Flexible timing options:

• 4 hour express tour, good for short port calls
• 6 hour highlights tour, our most popular option
• 8 hour full day experience

Taste Kochi on the Kochi Highlights Tour

Food is a big part of my Kochi Highlights Tour. On this private guided tour I take you to Hirome Market for katsuo no tataki and other local dishes, and also to Kochi Castle, Katsurahama Beach, and more, all planned around your time in port. It is a relaxed and friendly way to taste and see the best of Kochi in one day.

• Private guided tour with door to door service from the cruise terminal
• Local food recommendations and help with ordering
• Photos taken during the tour, shared with you as a gift

Tip: book directly on this website and get a 10% lower price than other tour sites, with no payment until your plan is confirmed.

Book the Kochi Highlights Tour →