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

Become immersed in local life through experiences that present folk beliefs and showcase pop culture. In Kami City, you will watch a ritual dance performance known as Izanagi-ryu, which harmoniously blends elements of Shintoism, Buddhism and folk religions. It will be a mesmerizing experience that you can contribute to by cutting out a paper gohei wand as an offering to a god. You will also see artists draw manga, a highly stylized form of comic books and graphic novels. Manga isn’t a new phenomenon, but its popularity has grown dramatically as it appeals to people of all ages. The artists will be happy to discuss how they draw the characters and come up with the mature-themed stories. Characters are also prominently featured on furafu, a type of painted flag that is displayed outside homes in hopes that newborns will enjoy a prosperous future. A furafu demonstration will show how they are created.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a ritual dance performance that combines elements of various Japanese religions.
• See artists draw manga, a popular form of Japanese cartooning that depicts mature themes.
• Visit a factory that produces colorful flags that are intended to bestow good fortune on newborns.

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.