Kochi prefecture is located in Shikoku Area in Japan. There are Oceanview, Kochi Castle, Delicious seafood and much more. Recently there are increasing the number of foreign tourists, Kochi is the fifth-largest prefecture in Japan to consume foreign tourists in 2018.
Today I introduce my travel schedule one night and two days in Kochi. Basically I used a rental car in Kochi and an airplane from Tokyo to Kochi. This is the best plan that covers most of Kochi’s famous sightseeing spots. Please refer to it!
First day -Kochi Ryoma Airport to Cape Ashizuri-
Access from Tokyo to Kochi -Narita Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport-
Kochi’s travel started from Kochi Ryoma Airport where is connected with Narita Airport for 2 hours. You should buy the necessary goods at Narita Airport because Kochi Ryoma Airport is a small size airport.
Kochi is far from Tokyo, if you will go to Kochi by train and car from Tokyo, you should take an airplane.
I stood firstly in Kochi, felt hotter 3~5 temperature than Tokyo. I felt after sightseeing the first day, nights were as warm as Tokyo during the day. You will not need to bring a thick coat to Kochi.
Transport in Kochi -Rent a car-
Before Kochi trip, I reserved rent a car for 2days because Kochi is not a good access environment by Train. I strongly recommend renting a car before Kochi trip. Usually, the rental car company runs a shuttle bus from the airport to the rental car. You must not forget your license and advance booking! After renting a car, Let’s start Kochi trip!
John-mung Museum
At the first day, I visited Cape Ashizuri and around the area, the southernmost part of Kochi. It is took about 3 hours from the city center and airport to Ashizuri Area. But Ashizuri is worth a three-hour visit.
John-mung was one of the first Japanese people to visit the United States and an important translator during the Opening of Japan (Edo, Samurai period). He is the first global standard person in Japan, many famous politicians were influenced by him.
John-mung Museum corresponds to Japanese and English guides, so if you understand only English, you can enjoy and study Japanese history.
Kongōfukuji Temple
Konogofukuji Temple is included in the 88 Temple Pilgrimage (八十八ヶ所巡り hachijūhakkasho-meguri) is Japan’s most famous pilgrimage route. There is near Caple Ashizuri. Kongofukuji Temple is one of the finest temple in Kochi. Especially, The reflection of the traditional Japanese building reflected in the pond was beautiful.
Cape Ashizuri
Cape Ashizuri is listed Michelin Green Guide Japon. Cape Ashizuri is renown as a scenic spot, many tourists visit all year round. I visited at 6 p,m and morning, the sunset was very beautiful in the evening, and the blue sea was breathtaking in the morning. Cape Ashizuri is so far from the city center but if you visit Kochi, one of the places you want to visit!
Accommodation in Kochi -Ashizuri Pacific Hotel Hanatsubaki-
I stayed in Ashizuri Pacific Hotel Hanatsubaki where is located near Cape Ashizuri. There are many Ryokan and Hotels near Cape Ashizuri. I can see a beautiful ocean view from Lounge in Hotel. Unfortunately, I could not take a photo Onsen (hot spring) but Ashizuri Pacific Hotel Hanatsubaki has the special open-air bath with sea view.
The room type was Washiki (Japanese traditional style). A per night is about 10,000 Japanese yen, room and dinner and morning.
The dinner was full of seafood! Japanese Sashimi, Seared Skipjack Tuna slices (local foods in Kocchi) and much more. I have stayed at many inns so far, but it was a particularly attractive meal. The meal set is expensive but you should definitely book.
Second day -Katurahama Beach, Chikurinji Temple, Kochi Castle-
Second day, I moved from Ashizuri to the city center of Kochi in the morning. If you departure at 8 a,m from Ashizuri area, you can enjoy main contents, for example, Katsurahama, Chikurinji Temple and Kochi castle!
Katsurahama Beach
Katsurahama Beach is one of the most scenic spots in all of Kochi. Known since ancient times as a popular place to view the moon. Katsurahama has a different attractive atmosphere to the sea of Cape Ashizuri. The pine trees, cliffs, and the sea are collaborations that look like Japan.
Top of the cliff, there is a bronze symbol of Ryoma Sakamoto who is a hero of Kochi. Ryoma Sakamoto was a Japanese samurai and influential figure of the Bakumatsu and the establishment of the Empire of Japan in the late Edo period. Many Japanese people like his life and story!
Chikurinji Temple
After Katsurahama, I visited Chikurinji Temple. Chikurinji Temple is a major Buddhist temple in Kochi featuring extensive grounds and numerous National Treasures. It is the 31st temple on the famous Shikoku Pilgrimage but is also popular with many other visitors. The red five-storied pagoda is the instagrammble spot!
Kochi Castle
I moved main city center by car from Chikurinji Temple. Kochi Castle is one of just twelve Japanese castles to have survived the fires, wars and other catastrophes of the post-feudal period. Kochi Castle is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kochi. If you visit by car, there are few parking lots around Kochi Castle, you should check closely.
If you want to know other Japanese castles, please read the below article!
→Matsumoto Castle in Nagano, Japan
Buying souvenirs -Kochi Tabi Hiroba (Kochi Travel Plaza)-
Near Kochi castle, Kochi Tabi Hiroba is one of the biggest souvenir shops in Kochi. Tabi Hiroba is located in Kochi Station so you should buy souvenirs here or Kochi Ryoma Airport at the end of your journey. This facility is a new building and visitors can experience much attraction. Not only adults but also children can enjoy during you buy many souvenirs.
Eating local foods(Bonito) -Hirome Market-
At the end of the Kochi trip, I ate local foods in Kochi, For example, Seared Skipjack Tuna slices and Local Japanese Alcohol Sake. You can experience Japanese Izakaya culture at Hirome Market. At Izakaya, guests can order different dishes on small plates and drinking some types of Alcohol. The Hirome Market, where many locals and tourists gather, is an indispensable place.
Almost restaurants can not be used a Credit card. You must prepare for cash.
Things to do in Kochi in Japan!-2days trip-
At this time, I visited mainly historical places in Kochi! Recently the number of foreign tourists in Kochi, they want to eat and buy seafood and experience historical places. If you historical places and tours like this article, please the below articles!
→11 Historical Places in Nagano You Need to Visit in Your Japan Travel