Spots in Aki / Muroto Area

  • Muroto Anan Kaigan Kunisada Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kochi Muroto-shi Murotomisakicho Hoka
  • Sabo Senpuku
    rating-image
    4.0
    2 Reviews
    Gourmet / Alcohol
    Kochi Aki-gun Tanocho 1305

    趣のある平屋の古民家は江戸時代の建物だそうで、重要文化財に指定されています。 どの席からも外が見える高知らしい開放的な空間で、モーニングがいただけます。 ゆったりとした朝をどうぞ♪

  • Koku Toraya
    Gourmet / Alcohol
    Kochi Aki-shi Ananaiotsu 683-1
  • Geiseimura Densho
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Aki-gun Geiseimura Wajikiko 4537-I
  • Statue of Sisters Oryu and Kimie
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Aki-gun Geiseimura Wajikiko
    This is a bronze statue that is about 300 meters from the Kotogahama Matsubara Outdoor Theater entrance sign. Facing the great Pacific Ocean before them, and a deep green grove of pine trees behind them, this 1.7 meter-tall statue of two sisters stands on the Kotogahama Coast. This statue, erected in 1993, was built with the Geisei village's desire to memorialize sisterly love and Ryoma and Kakubei. The statue is of Oryu, the wife of Sakamoto Ryoma, and her younger sister, Kimie, as they stand gazing at the statue of Ryoma on the far away coastline of Katsurahama Coast. It was here, on the coastline of Kotogahama where Oryu, having lost her husband Ryoma would use his pistol and shoot at sparrows for sport, and where she also requested that here treasured letters from Ryoma be burned when she departed.
  • Okagoten
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Aki-gun Tanocho 2147-1
    This is the former residence, built in 1844, of the Oka merchant magnate of Tano region. This building was used for the daimyo lords who would alternately be sent to former Tokyo, Edo, and for the patrols and security of the eastern region. Remodeled and preserved here on these expansive grounds are the palace, a tea house, an earthen warehouse, and a gate of honor for dignitaries, through which one can get an sense of the latter years of the grand clan era. The structure of the palace is replete with tatami spread rooms and polished prismatic pillars. It represents the highest pomp and ceremony of any building in East Kochi Prefecture. One can see the vestiges of the Tano region when it was the cultural, economic and political hub through the architecture of this building, which connects that age to today. For this reason, it has been designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of the Kochi Prefecture.
  • Shirahama Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kochi Aki-gun Toyo Cho Shirahama
    This sandy coastline, with a view of the Pacific Ocean, is on the utmost east end of Kochi Prefecture. On this beach, which is one of Shikoku's top shallow beaches, one can enjoy the roaring winds and waves. During the summer months the beach is set up with showers, toilets, and beach kiosks, and many families come from far and near to enjoy this popular beach. The shoal continues for about 50 meters out, and many visitors are amazed at the ebb and flow of the tide. A campsite is nestled along a section of the beach for those who want to camp near the ocean. The beautiful landscape of this whole coastal area is perfect for enjoying all that the ocean has to offer, and as such, it is designated as the Kochi Prefectural Kannourako Ryokuchi Park.
  • None Kitchen Morning Market
    Shopping
    Kochi Aki-gun Toyo Cho Nonehei 1654-3
    This is a fresh produce street market that is operated by the local ladies’ group, None Kitchen. On Saturday mornings, the street is lined with vegetables, fish and produce harvested locally. The most popular item at this market is the local specialty, Kokerazushi dish. In this Toyo Town, it has been customary to celebrate events with sawachi cuisine, food served on an elaborate large deli platters, and the first item placed on the platter was always kokerazushi. The number of families that still know how to make this sushi are dwindling, and this group is actively promoting this tradition. The kokerazushi is often sold out, but pre-orders are accepted by phone.
  • Hamaguchi Fukugetsudo
    Gourmet / Alcohol
    Kochi Aki-gun Toyo Cho Nonehei 1942
    This is a historic Japanese confectionery store from the Meiji period. As the oldest confectionery store in None area, this shop has handed down the authentic art of Japanese sweets for approximately 140 years over five generations. The specialty, None manju bun, uses homemade sweet bean paste made by 100% adzuki beans from Tokachi, Hokkaido, and wrapped in the dough blended with a portion of junmai sake, which makes an mildly sweet delicacy. The skin of the manju bun is so thin it gently melts in your mouth to expose the plenty of soft bean paste within. This small delicate manju bun has been enjoyed by many generations and is familiarly beloved. It naturally goes well with tea, and makes a superb souvenir gift.
  • Noneyama Kaido
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Aki-gun Nahari Cho Yokomachi-Yone Ke Oka (Naharicho
    This walking path traverses the mountains from one of Shikoku’s superb natural ocean vistas to a historic cultural property. Along with this Noneyama Highway, there are 598.9 kilometers walking paths throughout Kochi Prefecture. This 35 kilometer highway starts at Nahari Town via the ridge of the None mountains. This ancient passage has a long history, beginning with the rotation of the provincial governors about 1200 years ago. This route was used as the Daimyo lords' passage to Edo during the feudal government era and also by such independence-fighting samurai, Nakaoka Shintaro's gang, during the Tokugawa Shogunate. This mountain path is dotted with historic sites such as the Ichirizuka and Gorizuka milestones, Yadoya Sugi (cedar tree shaping like a inn), and the stone wall of ruins of residences.
  • Nahari Station Market Ichijiku
    Shopping
    Kochi Aki-gun Naharicho Otsu 1305-6 Nahari Sta. 1F
    This is a local produce and souvenir center adjoining the Nahari Station, the last station on the Gomen Nahari Line. Fresh vegetables, and other produce and Kochi products are sold on the first floor of the station. The fresh-picked vegetables harvested each morning are very reasonably priced, as the farmers themselves price them. There are many items that can only be found here, such as the local-brew unrefined sake, Doburoku, and the no-additive natural Nahari miso. The fig jam, and sherbet made with Nahari fruit are so well liked that customers come back for more. One their higher-end gift items are the yuzu-pork, and the Komegaoka region chicken products, which have the honor of being chosen as hometown-tax-payment thank you gifts.
  • Nahari Townscape
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Aki-gun Nahari Cho Nahari Otsu
    Just about 50 kilometers east from downtown Kochi City, this beautiful quiet rural Nahari Town surrounded by natural beauty has been major travel hub since ancient times. Preserved throughout in this historic town are residences and traditional structures with the enduring Tosa plaster. This is the location of the “Naha-no-tomari” mentioned in the famous travel diary, Tosa Nikki. This area, which has a long history of being threatened by typhoon and thunderstorms from the ocean. For this reason, a uniquely local architecture of using mizukiri tiles to protect the thick-whitewashed plaster facades from the direct wash of the rain was developed here. Although, no longer the bustling town of yesteryear, one can get a sense of the historic grandeur from the white-washed plastered warehouses that can be seen even along the national highway through town.
  • Iwasaki Yataro Monument
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Aki-shi Inokuchiko
    A bronze statue built in 1985 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Yataro Iwasaki’s birth. It first stood in Kami-Gonokawa Park near Aki City Hall, but in 2015 it was relocated to his ancestral home. Wearing Japanese clothing and calling to mind Yataro standing and facing the sea, the large statue is 3.3 meters high with a one-meter base. The imposing figure has a special ambiance and is worth seeing. Many tourists pose with their right hands raised and take a photo, copying the powerful pose of this dignified figure facing the storms of his day.
  • Aki Group Farm
    Shopping
    Kochi Aki-shi Ananaiotsu 685-2
    This ice cream shop is famous for its Roasted Eggplant Ice Cream, a local favorite. The treat has appeared in various media outlets and won the highest award at the Local Ice Cream Grand Prix. Kochi Prefecture is Japan's largest exporter of eggplants. Aki in particular produces huge quantities, and the thought of “delivering the taste of Kochi eggplant to as many people as possible” was the origin of their novel ice cream. They dehull each eggplant carefully, grilling them over a charcoal fire for their lightly sweet ice cream—a new flavor sensation. This popular, high-fiber treat keeps people coming back for more.
  • Aki Regional Park Kids Area
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kochi Aki-shi Kawakita
    An area in Aki Regional Park on the Aki River. Characters created by Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman, are scattered throughout the park. The spacious facility has two areas with their own themes and activities: The River Zone that lets people get in touch with the Aki River and the Village Zone which reproduces rural scenery. The character Gomen Ekio-kun of the Gomen-Nahari Line awaits visitors at the entrance of the Kids Area located in the center of the Village Zone. Aki City produces an enormous quantity of eggplant, and the site has various large eggplant themed playground equipments. It gets crowded with families on weekends and holidays.
  • Uchiharano Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kochi Aki-shi Kawakita
    A park on a small hill in Aki. It is a well-known azalea spot with about 15,000 of them blooming every April. It was originally constructed by the Goto family, senior officials of the Tosa-Yamauchi clan who controlled the Aki area. Many azaleas were planted at that time. The tourist association holds its Azalea Festival every year from late March to early May. The vibrant park has plum and cherry trees, wisteria, irises, and other flowering plants all blooming in succession with various events held on weekends.
  • Uchiharano Ceramic Art Museum
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Aki-shi Kawakita Otsu 1607-1
    A ceramic museum adjacent to Aki Regional Park. With authentic facilities and genuine instructors, you'll be able to experience making Uchiharano porcelain, which has more than 200 years of history. The extensive programs on offer include using a potters' wheel and making and painting ceramics by hand. Surrounded by rich natural surroundings, it's an accessible way to experience making pottery. You can also purchase ceramic pieces in the on-site gallery. Stop by the glass workshop to make original items incorporating lampworking and sandblasting.
  • Aki Castle Ruins
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Aki-shi Doi
    A hirayama castle (built on a hill surrounded by lowlands) at almost the center of the Aki Plain. It is said that the castle was first built there in 1308 by the Aki clan who had dominated the region since ancient times. They were one of the seven ruling families in Tosa during the Warring States period and exerted enormous influence in the province. In 1569 they were defeated, and the castle fell in a fierce battle with Chosokabe Motochika who wanted to unify Tosa. You can get a view of the Aki Plain and the Pacific Ocean from the top of the oblong hilltop castle site. The castle was burned down, but the earthworks, moat, and large masugata defensive stone arrangements are still intact. In summer it is also a popular spot for seeing white lotus flowers in bloom.
  • Kachu Furusatokan
    rating-image
    4.0
    14 Reviews
    Gourmet / Alcohol
    Kochi Aki-shi Doi 1017-1
    A restaurant tucked away in an idyllic rural area. They offer a variety of items made with local Aki specialties. One of these is chirimen-jako (dried juvenile fish); they offer two types of rice bowls made with this: their regular Kamaage Chirimen Bowl and their Kakiage Chirimen Bowl. The Kakiage Chirimen Bowl is a local specialty, a hearty gem featuring a kakiage fritter made with chirimen-jako and wild vegetables, with even more chirimen-jako layered beneath. Adding condiments such as seaweed, grated radish, and sesame will give it a lighter flavor. The shop also sells souvenirs and specialty products, making it the perfect place to stop while strolling around Doikachu.

    Aki is famous for eggplants and chirimen, and you can get your fill of both here. I recommend the chirimendon or the eggplant curry (only available on certain days).

  • Muroto City Whale Watching
    Travel / Tourism
    Kochi Muroto-shi Sakihamacho 1600-63
    A whale watching tour where you can enjoy the grandeur of nature and the view of Muroto from the sea. The Suehiromaru ship departs from Sakihama Port. It can accommodate from one to twelve passengers, and you can sign up on the day. Besides whales, you might even see playful dolphins on this highly popular trip.

Kochi Areas

around-area-map

The largest of Shikoku’s prefectures, Kochi is endowed with some of the island’s most exceptional sand beaches lining the Pacific Ocean, which narrows into the Shimanto-gawa, a huge river that stretches 196 kilometers into the prefecture, passing verdant mountains and hosting countless riverside activities. Whether you’re a pilgrim or not, Kochi’s 16 Buddhist temples that make up one leg of the Shikoku Pilgrimage are worth a visit, particularly Chikurin-ji for its five-tier pagoda.

Kochi Photo Album

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