Cosmos in Ochi Town As I was driving along on my way from Kochi City to Nakatsu Gorge, I began to see a field of pink. I knew I had to stop. It turned out, that this is a park that allows camping and fishing – Miyano-mae Park in Ochi. (Ochi, Kochi lol) I found… Continue reading A Couple of Unplanned Stops
The Niyoda River The Niyoda River is one of three major rivers in Shikoku and runs through the mid-west section of Kochi prefecture to the Pacific Ocean. It is known for it’s crystal clear waters and cobalt blue colors that have been dubbed “Niyoda Blue”. The colors of the river vary along it’s 124m length… Continue reading Niyoda River and Nakatsu Gorge in Kochi
If you like the artist Claude Monet or just unique things in Japan, you might want to add this to your travel list. This is a pretty special place. It is obvious that quite a bit of planning went into developing this replication of Monet’s gardens. In fact, this is the only facility in the… Continue reading Monet’s Garden Marmottan in Kitagawa Village
In Kochi City Kochi City is the capital city of Kochi prefecture (the largest of the four prefectures on Shikoku Island). This city of approximately 335,000 is a cosmopolitan city with a bit of a laid-back vibe. The city truly has something for everyone with a botanical garden, one of the twelve original castles of… Continue reading Things to do in Kochi, Japan
Hirome Ichiba (market) is located near the Kochi Castle and the Harimayabashi Shopping Street which makes it a very convenient location. This is a place where locals and tourists come together to enjoy food and drink in a fun atmosphere. There are approximately 65 stalls that feature a variety of food from local specialties to international… Continue reading Hirome Market in Kochi City
In Kochi City there is a beach so beautiful that it is described in a famous Kochi folk song, Yosakoi Bushi. Katsurahama Beach is known for its azure waters and pine trees and is definitely worth a visit even though there is no swimming allowed due to strong currents. It is really more like a… Continue reading Katsurahama Beach in Kochi City
Chikurinji, the most famous temple in Kochi, is located on the top of Mount Godaisan southeast of downtown Kochi City. Surrounded by forests, the temple grounds feature gardens, smaller shrines, and National Treasures. Important historical scrolls and statues are housed in the treasure hall. Chikurinji is temple # 31 and an important stop on the… Continue reading Chikurinji – Temple #31 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Kochi City is well-known for it’s Sunday Market and it should be… it’s been happening for over 300 years! It began in 1690 and is the oldest outdoor market in Japan. Every Sunday the market begins by the castle and extends about one kilometer with over 500 stalls. You can find fruits, vegetables, fish, crafts,… Continue reading Kochi Sunday Market
Rising behind a picturesque moat and original castle gate, is Kochi Castle. This castle is surrounded by a park frequented for picnics and hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Kochi City, the capital city of Kochi prefecture. The grounds contain fifteen castle structures and sculptures. Originally built in 1603, the… Continue reading Kochi Castle
Serakogen Farms in Hiroshima is an amazing place to view flowers at different times of the year. Currently they have a Dahlia Festival going on and it’s pretty fabulous. You can get more information from their website here. Festival Schedule: Tulip Festival mid April to mid May Sunflower Festival late July to late August Dahlia Festival… Continue reading Sera Farms in Hiroshima Prefecture