Best things to do in Kochi

Kochi Prefecture's Absolute Essentials

Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island preserves an authentic feudal atmosphere at Kochi Castle, one of only twelve Japanese castles with an original wooden keep. The region is deeply connected to samurai Sakamoto Ryoma and serves as a major segment of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, housing sites like the forest-bound Chikurin-ji. Natural landmarks include the rugged cliffs of Cape Muroto and the Mediterranean-style Monet’s Garden in Kitagawa. Engineering highlights like the Tei Port Drawbridge and the highly-rated Noichi Zoological Park round out the prefecture's diverse landscape.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

Kōchi Castle

Kōchi Castle is a castle located in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan.

上野彦馬写真館にて井上俊三が撮影。 / Public domain

Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial museum

The Sakamoto Ryōma Memorial Museum opened in the grounds of the former Urado Castle in Katsurahama, Kōchi, Japan on 15 November 1991.

京浜にけ / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kitagawa village "Monet's Garden" Marmottan

The only garden outside France officially authorized to use the name, this site replicates Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny. It features three distinct areas, including a water lily pond and a Mediterranean-inspired landscape based on Monet’s travels to Italy.

Rsa / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Cape Muroto

Cape Muroto is a headland at the southeastern tip of the Japanese island of Shikoku, in the city of Muroto, Kōchi Prefecture.

r18 INO (PACHIMO) / CC BY 3.0

Murotozaki Lighthouse

A historic white iron lighthouse built in 1899 at the tip of Cape Muroto. Standing on a high cliff, it boasts one of Japan's longest light ranges, visible up to 26.5 nautical miles away.

Dokudami / CC BY-SA 3.0

24 Hotsumisaki-ji

Hotsumisaki-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Muroto, Kōchi, Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

Chikurinji Temple (Temple 31)

Chikurin-ji is a Shingon temple in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. Temple 31 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, the main image is of Monju…

Dokudami / CC BY-SA 4.0

37 Iwamoto-ji

Iwamoto-ji is a Chisan Shingon temple in Shimanto, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan.

Dokudami / CC BY-SA 4.0

35 Kiyotaki-ji

Kiyotaki-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Tosa, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 35th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

34 Tanema-ji

Tanema-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Kōchi, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 34th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

33 Sekkei-ji

Sekkei-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Kōchi, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 33rd temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

26 Kongōchō-ji

Kongōchō-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Muroto, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 26th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Reggaeman / CC BY-SA 3.0

27 Kōnomine-ji

Kōnomine-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Yasuda, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 27th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Dokudami / CC BY-SA 4.0

28 Dainichi-ji

Dainichi-ji is a Shingon Buddhist Temple located in Kōnan, Kōchi, Japan. It is the 28th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

土佐遍路道青龍寺道

A designated national historic site, this section of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage path leads toward Shoryu-ji Temple. The trail preserves the traditional atmosphere used by pilgrims for centuries.

Navian / Public domain

手結港可動橋

A single-leaf bascule bridge that rises to a 70-degree angle to allow boats into the historic Tei Port. The 32-meter structure remains vertical for approximately seven hours a day, serving as a prominent local landmark.

Shoichi Masuhara さん / CC BY 2.0

高知県立のいち動物公園

Consistently ranked among Japan's top-rated zoos, this park emphasizes naturalistic habitats. It features specialized zones representing tropical rainforests and temperate forests, including a large indoor jungle hall.