Kochi
Kochi Prefecture, located on the southern coast of Japan’s Shikoku Island, is a place of stunning natural beauty and rich historical significance. Its rugged coastline offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, while its lush mountains are dotted with quaint villages and beautiful temples. The region is known for its open-air markets, fresh seafood, and traditional sakes. Kochi’s crown jewel is the Kochi Castle, one of the few original castles in Japan. The prefecture is also famous for the Yosakoi Festival, a high-energy dance event that attracts visitors from all over Japan and the world.
Access
By Air:
- Kochi Ryoma Airport is the main airport in the prefecture. There are regular flights from Tokyo Haneda Airport and the flight duration is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
By Train:
- From Tokyo, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama, then transfer to the Dosan Line to Kochi Station. The entire journey takes about 6 hours.
By Bus:
- There are overnight highway buses from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities to Kochi. The journey from Tokyo takes about 10 hours, making it a good option for those who prefer to travel overnight.
By Ferry:
- There are ferries available from Wakayama to Tokushima, from where you can take a train or bus to Kochi. The ferry journey takes about 2 hours, followed by the train/bus ride to Kochi.