A short drive takes you to the city, across the Shimoda river and up to Mt.Godaisan, where you’ll visit two of Kochi’s beautiful landmarks overlooking the city. You’ll visit Chikurinji Temple, set among a forest like landscape and known as a temple of learning, it offers a tranquil setting and an interesting array of halls and structures, including a beautiful five-storied pagoda. The treasure hall displays several Buddhist statues and scrolls of great importance, and the Hondo (main hall) offers a view of the building's interior and a nicely kept garden. Near Chikurinji temple you’ll find the Makino Botanical Garden, built in 1958 to honor Kochi born and father of Japanese botany, Dr. Tomitaro Makino. The spacious garden, housing about 3000 species of plants, includes extensive walking paths, outdoor parks, a greenhouse and several large museum halls with excellent information and displays on Dr. Makino and his field of study. The Exhibition Hall’s permanent exhibit focuses on the achievements and life of Dr. Makino. Another feature of the hall is the interactive world of plants, which can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.

Washi paper was first made in Japan and is used in many traditional arts due to its beauty and durability. Today, you’ll discover the art of Washi paper making at a craft village surrounded by the rich natural setting of the Niyodo River. A drive through the city and into the scenic countryside takes you to the Craft Village situated nearby Niyodo River. The Niyodo River is famous for its transparency and having the highest quality water in Japan. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that unfolds as you travel to your destination. Arriving at the craft village, you will experience how Tosa washi paper is made by hand, the traditional way. The mountainous area around Kochi provides the raw materials needed and the Niyodo River plenty of the water used in its production. Although the origins of paper are not conclusively known, according to the Engishiki (a record of laws & customs), taxes in Tosa Province were collected using papers. It is also estimated that the paper making history goes back at least 1,000 years. Enjoy the long history of paper making and experience the beauty of this unique artwork during your visit. Stop to view and photograph the Nagoya Chinka Bridge and the crystal clear waters of the Niyodo River. The bridge was uniquely designed to be underwater during floods and can only be crossed over when the water level is low.

OVERVIEW

Behold the natural beauty of the Iya Valley, culminating with a leisurely cruise through the Oboke Gorge. On the approach to the secluded inland valley, you will notice how the landscape gradually becomes lusher and more mountainous. Because the gorges are so precipitous, people traditionally crossed them on bridges that they constructed from natural vines. Only a few of these handmade bridges still remain, one of which you will walk across – an exhilarating experience as you will see the river below through the floor’s wooden slats. The nearby Biwa Waterfall, which plummets 150 feet down moss-covered rocks, is equally impressive as is the legend of the defeated Heike clan warriors that played lutes there while mourning their losses. Despite the cascade’s beauty, the highlight may well be cruising through the Oboke Gorge near the entrance to the valley. The boat will carry you down the emerald-green Yoshino River past its rocky steep-walled cliffs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the gorgeous scenery on a leisurely drive to and from the Iya Valley.
• Walk across a river on a suspension bridge made from vines that grow in the valley.
• Be awed by the natural beauty of the Biwa Waterfall as it cascades down a rocky cliff.
• Cruise the Yoshino River that cuts through the narrow steep-walled Oboke Gorge.
• Relax while dining on traditional Japanese cuisine at a restaurant in the Iya Valley.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Meditate in a Buddhist temple on sacred Mount Godaisan and then extend your sense of serenity by meandering through a botanical garden. Established in the 8th century, Chikurin-ji is one of 88 temples on the Shikoku pilgrimage route. After wandering about the tranquil temple grounds and through the five-story burgundy pagoda, you will participate in a meditation session that one of the resident monks may lead. To enhance your connection to Buddhism, you will copy by hand some ancient Buddhist texts known as sutras. Your copies will then be burned, the preferred and most respectful way to dispose of the duplicate texts. Strolling through the Makino Botanical Garden will provide another peaceful experience as this green oasis invites relaxation, especially its south garden, which was once part of the Chikurin-ji grounds. More than 3,000 species of plants flourish at Makino, which is named for Kochi-born Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the Father of Japanese Botany.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the serenity of Chikurin-ji Temple, an important stop on a pilgrimage route.
• Join a meditation session at the temple and handwrite some of its ancient Buddhist texts.
• Stroll the winding paths of a garden dedicated to the Father of Japanese Botany.
• Recognize the achievements of botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino in an exhibition hall.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample delicacies while browsing a bustling food market and learn to sear your own fresh fish for another taste of the local cuisine. While meandering among the dozens of stalls in the Hirome Market, you will see a remarkable variety of foods that are traditionally served in the Kochi Prefecture. They may include mackerel sushi, gyoza dumplings and takoyaki, a fried dough ball snack typically stuffed with octopus. Still, the most prevalent item is katsuo – Japanese for “bonito” – a fish caught locally in great numbers. Its deep red meat is leaner than tuna and has an extraordinarily distinct taste. Although the fish may be eaten raw, smoked or steamed, one of the most preferred preparations is to sear the bonito over an open flame. While following the chef’s instruction at the restaurant Tosa Tataki Dojo, you can try your hand at searing bonito and then enjoy the result, a dish known as katsuo no tataki.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse the stalls of Hirome Market and sample some of the local specialties.
• Gain insight into Kochi’s cuisine, much of which revolves around seafood such as bonito.
• Learn some of the ways bonito is typically prepared, searing being one of them.
• Sample bonito after searing it yourself over a straw-fueled open flame.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Visit Ekingura Museum and discover the fiery art of local artist Ekin. His paintings capture how people leaved during his time and the vivid red colors, which characterize his creations, are believed to protect the local people from evil spirits and bad luck. The desire of the locals to preserve the legend of Ekin and allow future generations to experience his work, made it possible to create Ekingura. You’ll head to the city center and visit beautiful Kochi Castle, an imposing structure atop Otakasa Hill. First constructed at the beginning of the 17th Century, the building has survived many invasions, fires and natural disasters of the post feudal age. Reconstructed in 1748 after a devastating fire, today stands as the symbol of Kochi. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 best castles, and designated important cultural property. It is also the only 12 remaining Japanese castles to have retained both its original inner keep and palace. During your visit, you’ll learn of its fascinating history and enjoy its wealth of local treasures and historical objects.

Discover nature's creative ability to carve into limestone when you visit Ryugado Caves and the manmade, impressive Kochi Castle. Explore Ryugado Caves, on the slopes of Mount Sampo. Ryugado cave is one of the three major beautiful limestone caves in Japan, with approximately 175 million years of history. This cave is registered in the list of national heritage and sites. Artifacts and earthenware have been found here, indicating that the caves were inhabited about 2000 years ago. You would enjoy not only the dynamics of the natural stone pillars, but also interesting formations such as God’s vessel. Most rock formations are named after figures of Japanese mythology. In addition to its remarkable formations, the caves are home to about 100 animal species, which include bats, shrimp and crabs. Visit Kochi castle, the city’s most impressive landmark, offering splendid views of the city. First constructed at the beginning of the 17th Century, the building has survived many invasions, fires and natural disasters of the post feudal age. Reconstructed in 1748 after a devastating fire, today stands as the symbol of Kochi. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 best castles, and designated important cultural property. It is also the only 12 remaining Japanese castles to have retained both its original inner keep and palace. During your visit, you’ll learn of its fascinating history and enjoy its wealth of local treasures and historical objects.

Explore Kochi Castle, enjoy the views of the city and spend some free time in one of the most beautiful beaches Kochi. Kochi Castle, an imposing structure atop Otakasa Hill, offers splendid views of the city from its privileged setting. First constructed at the beginning of the 17th Century, the building has survived many invasions, fires and natural disasters of the post feudal age. Reconstructed in 1748 after a devastating fire, today stands as the symbol of Kochi. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 best castles, and designated important cultural property. It is also the only 12 remaining Japanese castles to have retained both its original inner keep and palace. During your visit, you’ll learn of its fascinating history and enjoy its wealth of local treasures and historical objects. A scenic drive takes you thought some of the city highlights and to Katsurahama, a beautiful beach 30 minutes south of central Kochi. A famous statue of Kochi's favorite son and one of the architects of modern Japan, Sakamoto Ryoma, stands near the beach. He was instrumental in negotiating an alliance between the Choshu and Satsuma clans that helped to bring an end to Japan's feudal age in 1868. You’ll have a little over a half-hour of free time to explore the area. Because of strong currents, swimming is prohibited at Katsurahama. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and walking paths; there is a small shrine on a cliff and other attractions in the area.

Discover nature's creative ability to carve into limestone during your visit to Ryugado Caves. Enjoy a visit to Ryugado Caves, on the slopes of Mount Sampo. Ryugado cave is one of the three major beautiful limestone caves in Japan, with approximately 175 million years of history. This cave is registered in the list of national heritage and sites. Artifacts and earthenware have been found here, indicating that the caves were inhabited about 2000 years ago. You would enjoy not only the dynamics of the natural stone pillars, but also interesting formations such as God’s vessel. Most rock formations are named after figures of Japanese mythology. In addition to its remarkable formations, the caves are home to about 100 animal species, which include bats, shrimp and crabs.