Best Things to do in Kochi (Shikoku) | Must-see attractions 2025

Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

4200-6 Godaisan

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Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden features over 3,000 plant species, offering educational and scenic experiences in Kochi, Japan.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Kochi Castle Tourist Information Center

Mo-Su 9:00-17:00

Castle

1 Chome-2-1 Marunouchi

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Kochi Castle Tourist Information Center, built in 1603, features history exhibits, artifacts, and a lookout tower, providing city views and insights into Kochi's rich heritage.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum

9:00-17:30

Museum

830 Urado-shiroyama

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The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum in Kochi, Japan, honors the revolutionary leader with exhibits showcasing his life and contributions to the Meiji Restoration.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Statue of Sakamoto Ryoma

Open All Day

Sights

Urado

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The Statue of Sakamoto Ryoma in Kochi, Japan, commemorates the famous samurai and statesman, symbolizing Japan's modernization during the Meiji era.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a ticket.

Katsurahama Aquarium

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Aquarium

778 Urado

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Katsurahama Aquarium in Kochi, Japan, features dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and capybaras, providing a unique marine experience for visitors.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Adults: ¥1,500, Children: ¥750. Discounts for groups available.

Temple No. 31

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Pagoda

3577 Godaisan

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Temple No. 31, Chikurin-ji, is a Shingon temple in Kochi, Japan, known for its five-storey pagoda and thousands of Jizō statues, as well as its historic gardens.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

¥400 for the Treasure House; free access to the temple grounds.

Sakamoto Ryoma's Hometown Museum

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2 Chome-6-33 Kamimachi

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Sakamoto Ryoma's Hometown Museum in Kochi, Japan, offers insights into the life of the influential samurai and political leader through exhibits and artifacts.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Kochi Literary Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1 Chome-1-20 Marunouchi

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Kochi Literary Museum features literature and art exhibitions, showcasing local authors and cultural heritage. Located in Kochi, Shikoku, this museum is a hub for literary enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Godaisan Park

Open 24 hours

Park

210-1 Gyuko

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Godaisan Park in Kochi, Japan offers scenic views, hiking trails, and cultural attractions, ideal for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Special events and guided tours may incur a fee.

Gookayama Cultural Forest

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

Osone Otsu

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Gookayama Cultural Forest in Kochi, Japan, features a rich array of flora, cultural exhibits, and educational programs focused on regional heritage and nature conservation.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Some special workshops and events may require a paid ticket.

Kochi Prefectural Museum of History

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1099-1 Okocho Yahata

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Kochi Prefectural Museum of History showcases the local heritage of Nankoku, Japan. The museum is built on the site of Okō Castle, reflecting historical significance.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Occasionally, special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Urado Castle Ruins

Open 24 hours

Castle

Urado

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Urado Castle Ruins, located in Kochi, Japan, showcases remnants of a 16th-century fortress, surrounded by scenic landscapes and rich history.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fees are required to visit the ruins.

Prefectural Tsukimiyama Children's Forest

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

1269-7 Kagamicho Kishimoto

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The Prefectural Tsukimiyama Children's Forest in Kochi, Japan, offers a nature-focused space with various outdoor activities, designed for families and children.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Kochi Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

1 Chome-2-1 Marunouchi

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Kochi Park in Kochi, Japan, is a historic park featuring a variety of attractions, including botanical gardens, a museum, and scenic walking paths.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions at the museum may have a fee.

Kochi Castle Museum of History

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2 Chome-7-5 Otesuji

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Kochi Castle Museum of History features exhibits showcasing local history in meticulously restored spaces, including architecture and artifacts from Japan's past.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Admission is free. Special exhibitions may have ticket fees.

Yashii Park

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

Yasu-Cho Tsuboi

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Yashii Park in Kochi, Shikoku, Japan, features a serene setting for nature walks, aquatics, and cultural activities. It is home to lush greenery and seasonal events.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Kochi Lighthouse

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Lighthouse

Urado

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Kochi Lighthouse, a historical landmark located in Kochi (Shikoku), Japan, offers visitors insights into maritime history and striking coastal views.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free.

Harimaya Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

1 Chome-1 Harimayacho

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Harimaya Bridge in Kochi, Japan, is a historic bridge known for its cultural significance and scenic views, perfect for tourists and locals alike.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free. No charges for accessing the bridge.

Jr 朝倉駅

5:00 AM–11:00 PM

Train Station

朝倉丙133-2 (JR土讃線)

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Jr 朝倉駅 is a railway station in Kochi, Japan, located on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway’s Nakamura Line, providing access to local attractions and cultural experiences.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Regular train fares apply for travel on the Nakamura Line.

Katsurahama Inari Shrine

6:00 AM-6:00 PM

Church

桂浜 Urado

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Katsurahama Inari Shrine is located on a scenic promontory overlooking the ocean. It offers beautiful views and is next to the popular Katsurahama beach, making it a peaceful spot to visit.

Duration: approx. 1 hour

Free

Central Park

Open 24 hours

Landmark

1 Chome-11-27 Obiyamachi

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Central Park in Kochi is a beautiful green space for people to enjoy nature. Visitors can see many trees, flowers, and sometimes local events, making it a lively spot in the city.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

The Museum of Art

10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Museum

353-2 Takasu

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The Museum of Art in Kochi features important works including pieces by Marc Chagall. It opened in 1993 and emphasizes the value of art in everyday life.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Sunday Market

9:00 AM-2:00 PM

Sights

Otesuji

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Sunday Market in Kochi is a lively street market that has been running for 300 years. It features around 430 stalls selling fresh produce, craft items, and local goods along a 1.3km stretch of the main road.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Kochi Pokapoka Hot Spring

10:00 AM-9:00 PM

Landmark

8-２０ Kitakawazoe

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Kochi Pokapoka Hot Spring is a super public bath in Kochi, Japan. It offers a relaxing soak in natural hot spring water, a great way to unwind after a long day.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free