Kōchi 高知
Friendly city on southern coast
On Shikoku’s southern coast, Kōchi city (pop 325,000) is the capital of Kōchi Prefecture and one of my favourite cities in Japan.
It’s friendly, lively and easy to get around with a colourful tram system.
The downtown area around Harimaya-bashi features covered arcades and a vibrant entertainment district.
At the western end of the arcades is must-visit Hirome Ichiba (Hirome markets). Here you’ll find 70 street-stall style restaurants and bars surrounding a large central seating area - selling all sorts of local delicacies.
It’s fun to clamber around Kōchi Castle and its surrounding park, and to visit the Chikurin-ji Temple on Godaisan, #31 on the 88 Sacred Temples Pilgrimage.