Story Kochi and Tokushima
The castles, clans, and cuisine of Shikoku Published in 2021

Kochi and Tokushima

The castles, clans, and cuisine of Shikoku

 

9:00     Kochi Castle

 

 

Standing like a sentry overlooking the city, Kochi Castle is the only remaining castle in Japan with an original, intact main tower. This 400-year-old castle is one of the last 12 original castles in Japan, with intricate details such as statues of sea creatures installed on its roof. The castle's interior maintains its Edo era origins, and the lookout from the top floor offers breathtaking views. In spring, the cherry blossoms look exceptionally picturesque against the castle walls.

 

 ↓ Walk, 7 mins

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10:00     Hirome Market

 

 

Drop by Hirome Market for its diverse array of food and drinks! Nicknamed "Kochi's kitchen", it is home to about 60 stalls where you can try Kochi specialties and enjoy them at one of many large tables around the market. Popular dishes include katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), which is the soul food of Kochi, and inaka-sushi - "countryside sushi" made with vegetables instead of fish. Pair your meal with Kochi's smooth dry sake to complete the local Kochi taste!

 

 ↓ Walk, 10 mins

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11:30     Tosa Cuisine Tsukasa

 

 

Tosa is the former name of Kochi, and Tosa cuisine features quality seafood - predominantly bonito (katsuo) - as well as meats, vegetables, and fruits from a region that is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and rivers. Tosa Cuisine Tsukasa offers sashimi platters, beef shabu shabu, and kaiseki meals using Tosa ingredients. Their signature is katsuo tataki, where the fish is seared over straw and served with thin slices of garlic and ponzu sauce.

 

 ↓ Car, 80 mins

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14:00     Iya-no-Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge

 

 

The Iya Valley is a magical place that still holds traces of the legendary Heike clan - group of soldiers who hid in these mountains from pursuers in the 12th century. An enduring symbol is the Iya-no-Kazura Bashi vine bridge, which was built in ancient times by locals who used them to cross the gorges. You can cross this iconic bridge as it sways gently, giving you a subtle thrill as you traverse a piece of history.

 

 ↓ Car, about 35 mins

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16:00     A unique architectural feature

 

 

The Edo-era castle town of Wakimachi is distinguished by a row of elegant historic buildings along its main street. It is called Udatsu Townscape because the buildings have an architectural feature called udatsu, which are winged extensions under the roof made of plaster that are designed to prevent fires from spreading between shops. Aigura, situated in a gorgeously renovated storehouse, is a souvenir shop with a cafe where you can have ice cream and meals made with Awaodori chicken.

 

 ↓ Car, about 50 mins

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18:00     AoAwo Naruto Resort

 

 

Boasting magnificent sea views, AoAwo Naruto Resort is a hot spring resort with scenic open-air baths, conveniently located near the Naruto whirlpools. When it comes to dining, Irodori specializes in Awa cuisine (Awa being the former name of Tokushima) that features seafood and local meats known as Awa no sanchiku, referring to beef, pork, and chicken. At Naruto, you can enjoy a kaiseki meal made from fresh fish and shellfish caught in the nearby waters.

 

 

Published in 2021