Welcome to Kochi!
I was born and raised in Kochi, and I love my hometown very much.
Kochi is located in the south of Shikoku Island and has about 700 kilometers of coastline along the Pacific Ocean.
It is a land full of nature — 84% of the land is covered by forests, and there are many pure and beautiful rivers.
With lots of sunshine and rain, the natural environment helps grow rich and delicious food.
Kochi is famous for its fresh seafood like bonito (katsuo), eel (unagi), sweetfish (ayu), and river seaweed.
You can also enjoy many fruits and vegetables such as yuzu citrus, mandarin oranges, eggplants and gingers all year round.
People in Kochi are friendly, positive, and easygoing.
The bright and open nature of the land is reflected in the people, too.
Even though it’s a countryside area, Kochi has produced many great people.
These include historical figures from the end of the Edo period, the botanist Tomitaro Makino, and Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman anime.
Kochi also has unique traditional culture.
The handmade Japanese paper called “Tosa Washi” is still made today.
Every summer, the Yosakoi Festival fills the streets with dancing and music.
Kochi is also part of the “Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage” route, where people walk to visit 88 designated temples.
I’m excited to share this special place with people from around the world.
Tomoko