Kochi Highlights Tour: Castles, Temples, and Great Food from the Cruise Port
April 21 was a perfect day in Kochi. Clear skies, warm sunshine, and a group of three guests from the United States who were ready to see everything the city has to offer. We packed a lot into six hours, and every stop was worth it.
Starting Early at Kochi Castle
We began the morning at Kochi Castle, and I am glad we went early. The castle was quiet, with almost no crowds, which made the whole experience much more enjoyable. We had plenty of time to explore at our own pace.
Kochi Castle is one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan. Most castles were destroyed or rebuilt over the centuries, but Kochi Castle still has its original main keep, palace, and gates all intact. Walking through the wooden interiors feels very different from visiting a reconstructed castle. Everything you touch and see is the real thing.
We climbed all the way to the top of the keep. The view from up there stretches across the city to the mountains beyond. It is one of those views that is hard to describe. You just have to see it for yourself.
If you are visiting Kochi from a cruise ship, I always recommend arriving at the castle as early as possible. The tour groups tend to arrive later in the morning, so an early start means you can enjoy the castle without the crowds.
A Glimpse of Samurai Life: Okawasuji Samurai Residences
After the castle, we walked over to Okawasuji, the old samurai district of Kochi. This area is not always on the tourist map, but it is one of my favorite spots to share with guests.
The old samurai homes line the road, and some of them are open to visitors. We stepped inside the residence and saw the tatami rooms, the traditional garden, and the wooden architecture that has been carefully preserved.
It is a very different kind of history from a castle or a temple. You are standing in someone’s actual former living space.
Lunch at Hirome Market: The Full Kochi Food Experience
For lunch, we headed to Hirome Market, and it did not disappoint. Hirome is one of the most lively places in Kochi, a big indoor food market where you order from different stalls and share long tables with everyone around you. It is casual, noisy, and a lot of fun.
We tried quite a few things between the three of them. Here is what we had:
Katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) is the most famous dish in Kochi. The fish is seared quickly over an open flame, leaving the outside lightly charred and smoky while the inside stays almost raw. It is served with garlic, ginger, and ponzu sauce. If you only eat one thing in Kochi, this is it.
Yasubeye’s gyoza (pan-fried dumplings) are a Hirome institution. Crispy on the bottom, juicy inside, and very hard to stop eating.
Aosa nori tempura (green seaweed fritters) is something a lot of visitors have never tried before. Kochi is known for its fresh seafood and also its local seaweed, and the tempura version is light and delicious.
Nabeyaki ramen (hot pot noodle soup) is a Kochi specialty. It is a bit different from standard ramen, cooked in a clay pot and served very hot right at your table.
Konatsu is a local citrus fruit that is unique to Kochi. It looks like a small yuzu or grapefruit, and the flavor is bright and refreshing. A great way to finish the meal.
One of the things I enjoy most about Hirome is that it works for all kinds of eaters. There are so many stalls with different styles of food that everyone can find something they enjoy. The market has a very local, relaxed atmosphere that is quite different from a typical restaurant.
Chikurinji Temple: Peaceful and Beautiful
After lunch, we drove up to Mt. Godaisan to visit Chikurinji Temple. The approach to the temple through the trees is already beautiful before you even arrive.
Chikurinji is one of the 88 temples on the famous Shikoku pilgrimage route. It was founded in the 8th century and has a beautiful five-story pagoda, a moss garden, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels completely removed from the busy city below.
April is a wonderful time to visit. The maple trees around the pagoda were full of fresh green leaves, and the azalea flowers were in bloom along the stone paths. The colors were very vivid against the red of the pagoda.
Makino Botanical Garden: Nature and Science in One Place
Our final stop was Makino Botanical Garden, also on Mt. Godaisan. This garden is dedicated to Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a botanist from Kochi who is known as the father of Japanese botany. He spent his entire life studying and drawing plants, and the garden celebrates his work with over 3,000 plant species.
In late April, the garden is full of spring flowers. The wildflower meadow was especially colorful, with orange, white, and purple blooms covering the hillside. It is a great place to just walk slowly and enjoy the season.
One of the guests spent a good amount of time photographing the flowers up close. It was nice to see. The garden is the kind of place where people naturally slow down and pay attention to small details they might otherwise walk past.
Perfect for Cruise Ship Passengers
Arriving in Kochi by cruise ship? This tour is designed with cruise passengers in mind. I will pick you up directly from Kochi cruise terminal and make sure you are back to your ship with plenty of time to spare.
The Kochi Highlights Tour covers the best of the city in one day, including Kochi Castle, the samurai district, Hirome Market for lunch, Chikurinji Temple, and Makino Botanical Garden. The pace is relaxed, and the route is planned so you see the most important spots without rushing.
All photos taken during the tour are shared with you afterward as a free gift. I want every guest to go home with good memories of Kochi, and photos are the best way to keep those memories alive.