Located on the island of Shikoku, Kochi Prefecture is home to a rich diversity of cultural and natural wonders.
One of the prefecture’s most recognizable charms is its naturally occurring Niyodo Blue. Born from the Niyodo River, which runs roughly through the center of Kochi, this ethereal color glimmers on the flowing water—shifting from vivid cerulean to crystal clear aqua blue. Eight times in the past 10 years, the river has been selected by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism as the river with the country’s best quality water. You can leisurely admire the dreamy water at numerous points along the river, as well as join outdoor activities, such as standup paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking.
Niyodo River has long supported the prefecture’s industries, most notably, Tosa Washi papermaking, which is recognized as a Traditional Craft of Japan and still produced in the region. Kochi City, resting to the river’s east, holds a wealth of cultural intrigue, including one of Japan’s most renowned castles, temples, shrines, and gourmet delights. It is an area teeming with meaningful Japanese experiences.
Book a captivating stay beside the Niyodo River at Kamenoi Hotel Kochi. Perched on a hill overlooking the greenery-framed river, this hotel offers an array of high-end amenities, including an exclusive guest-only lounge, a variety of guest rooms, natural hot spring baths, and delicious local cuisine. Here, nature meets luxury and relaxation.
Discover what awaits you in this off-the-beaten-path prefecture!
What can I do in Kochi?
Here are just a few examples of what you might want to add to your Kochi travel itinerary.
Nature
One of the main focuses of this article is the mystical Niyodo River, also known as the “clear miracle stream.” As mentioned above, this 124-kilometer-long river is best known for its pristine water and breathtaking hues, called Niyodo Blue. The blue-green water winds through Kochi’s picturesque landscapes and gorges, creating surreal natural sceneries. While the river shines in all seasons, it is most beautiful from autumn to winter when the air and water are at their clearest.
Nikobuchi in Ino is a representative example of Niyodo Blue. Under sunlight, this waterfall basin glows magically, creating an atmosphere so enchanting it feels almost sacred. Follow the set of well-maintained stairs to the basin’s edge for unforgettable views of the crystal-clear water. Another remarkable spot is Nakatsu Gorge in Niyodogawa. Here, a scenic walking trail gives you easy access to the gorge’s clear waters, unique rock formations, and sparkling waterfalls. The culmination of colors and textures is truly a sight to behold. Uryu Falls and Ryugu Basin are especially photogenic, boasting landscapes that epitomize nature’s art.
Also in Niyodogawa and located upstream of the Niyodo River, Yasui Gorge is beloved for its remarkable transparency and moss-adorned rocks. Be sure to visit spots like Hiryu Falls and Sabo Dam Falls to witness brilliant emerald pools that shimmer like mirrors. The mesmerizing environment shifts with the seasons, offering a dynamic expression of beauty.
If you would like to enjoy a relaxing stroll across the Niyodo River, check out the Nagoya Submersible Bridge. Spanning the emerald-blue river, this low-water, railless bridge evokes the nostalgic charm of Japan’s traditional rural scenery. On cloudless days, the river glows vividly, making it a popular spot for photographers and those looking to experience Niyodo Blue up close. The lush forests and rolling mountains further add to the delightful view.
Of course, the closest you can get to the waters is with a river activity. You can enjoy SUP and crystal kayaking—in which the boat’s hull is transparent—where the pristine waters of Yasui Gorge flow into the Niyodo River. The crystal kayak is especially popular as it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magical vibrancy and clarity of Niyodo Blue. Since these activities are extremely popular during peak seasons, we strongly recommend that you make reservations in advance.
Culture
Ino, a quaint town whose southern border roughly follows the Niyodo River, has long been a production center for Tosa Washi, a traditional type of Japanese paper that has over a thousand years of history and is characterized by its incredible thinness and strength. Enjoy an exploratory stroll through this nature-blessed town and experience the ancient craft firsthand.
Ino-cho Paper Museum is an excellent starting point to learn about the history and production of Tosa Washi. Located on the banks of the Niyodo River, this museum preserves the skills and wisdom of generations of craftspeople and even offers a papermaking experience. Choose between two colored sheets or eight postcards. Both options take between 30 and 40 minutes to dry, so we recommend that you begin your visit with the papermaking course and then explore the museum as it dries. At the museum shop, you can peruse a wide range of handmade paper products, including items that blend traditional techniques with modern design.
Also situated in Ino, Michi-no-Eki Tosa Washi Craft Village, or Roadside Station Tosa Washi Craft Village, offers a papermaking experience as well. The 90-minute workshop guides you through the process of making original postcards or paper crafts with flowers and plants. It is an insightful experience that allows you to step into the shoes of craftspeople past and leaves you with a memorable souvenir.
While you are in Ino, it only makes sense to hop over to Kochi City, which boasts an exciting array of cultural and gourmet attractions. From Ino Station, Kochi Station is only about a 20-minute train ride on the Dosan Line.
One of the city’s most iconic sights is Kochi Castle. Constructed at the beginning of the 17th century, Kochi Castle is the only castle in Japan where the original tower and main keep are intact and is recognized as one of the country’s 12 original castles. The intricate architecture and eye-catching white facade provide a captivating glimpse of Japan’s history and culture. From the main keep, you can admire panoramic vistas of Kochi City. The grounds are especially picturesque during spring, when cherry blossoms paint the scenery pink.
Another magnificent cultural site in Kochi City is Chikurin-ji, the 31st temple on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. Surrounded by a bamboo grove, this serene temple is home to a striking five-story pagoda and a beautiful blend of wooden temple buildings and nature. After spending time in the urban buzz of Kochi City, the temple acts as a peaceful destination for contemplative rest. Nearby, The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden offers an equally relaxing atmosphere, complete with plentiful gardens, seasonal flowers, and expertly landscaped grounds year-round.
If you are looking for visuals that meld coastal views with traditional aesthetics, visit Ryuo-gu, also known as Kaizumi Shrine, resting along Katsurahama (Katsura Beach). Perched on the tip of a rocky outcropping overlooking the ocean, this vermilion structure is dedicated to the sea’s guardian deity and offers breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean. The shrine’s vibrant hue juxtaposed against the blue sea and sky makes for a photographer’s dream. While you are in the area, be sure to wander around Katsurahama as well and soak in the pleasing nature views from the sandy shore.
After exploring the prefecture’s nature and culture, you will likely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Kochi City is home to some cherished food spots. One such destination is Hirome Market, located about 10 minutes away on foot from Kochi Castle. This lively market is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike and serves a variety of specialties, including katsuo tataki (seared bonito), local sake, fresh seafood, karaage (fried chicken), ramen, and more. Please note that some of the stores are cashless. The market is an ideal place to enjoy Kochi’s okyaku culture—which refers to gatherings or parties—a heritage deeply rooted in the prefecture’s day-to-day life.
If you are an early bird, Kochi’s weekly Sunday Market offers a fascinating collection of street food, fresh produce, houseware, crafts, flowers, and more. Recognized as Japan’s largest open-air market and open from early morning to mid-afternoon, Kochi Sunday Market has a history of over 300 years and boasts hundreds of stalls. It is a great place to sample regional cuisine and interact with locals.
Where should I stay in Kochi?
For a comfortable stay blessed with views of Niyodo Blue, elevate your Shikoku travel by booking a room at Kamenoi Hotel Kochi, perhaps one of the best hotels in Kochi. Located in Ino on a hill beside the Niyodo River, this scenic hotel immerses you in nature, boasting panoramas of crystal-blue waters against verdant plantlife. Inside, the accommodation’s soothing hot springs, local cuisine made from Kochi’s freshest ingredients, and guest-only Okyaku Lounge where you can experience okyaku culture grant you continuous moments of rejuvenation.
River-view guest rooms
All of Kamenoi Hotel Kochi’s guest rooms offer sweeping views of the Niyodo River, allowing you to enjoy the special scenery any time of day. Its variety of guest rooms, including Japanese-Western, Western, and Japanese rooms, ensure that everyone can find something that matches their desires. The 42-square-meter Japanese-Western room with a bath has two beds and a six-tatami mat space, making it a popular choice for families or groups. On the other hand, the 28-square-meter Western semi-double room offers a relaxing stay for solo travelers.
In addition to river views, all of the rooms feature tasteful designs adorned with wooden detailing and earthy colors, melding perfectly with the scenery beyond the window.
Restorative hot springs
Enjoy dreamy hot spring experiences in the hotel’s myriad of baths. Arguably, its most popular offering is its open-air bath, which affords enchanting views of the Dosan train line crossing the clear waters of the Niyodo River. During the day, sunlight dances on the gentle sway of the river, creating a shimmering spectacle, while at night, the glimmering show moves overhead, inviting you to soak under a canopy of stars.
Indoors, the hotel features a large bath, a reclining bath, a waterfall-style shower bath, and a foot-pressure zone. Unwind in the spacious environment and allow the water’s warmth to melt away any travel fatigue. The source, Niyodo River Ino Onsen, is rich in minerals and gentle on the skin, providing relief for a number of ailments, including muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and sensitivity to the cold.
Kochi cuisine
At Kamenoi Hotel Kochi, the prefecture’s cuisine rests at the heart of its culinary offerings. For dinner, enjoy a traditional multi-course Japanese kaiseki meal showcasing local ingredients and Kochi’s local food culture. Each beautifully presented dish highlights seasonal flavors, introducing you to specialties like katsuo (bonito), Shimanto beef, and buntan citrus. It is a dining experience you can only have at this hotel.
Morning opens with a generous breakfast buffet featuring locally sourced vegetables, seafood, and meat. You can savor regional favorites, such as katsuo tataki and river fish from the Shimanto and Niyodo Rivers, as well as a wide selection of Japanese and Western dishes. The balanced and satisfying meal will leave you feeling energized for the start of the day.
While in Kochi, you cannot miss trying the aforementioned katsuo tataki, one of the region’s signature local dishes. This iconic meal starts with fresh bonito that is seared over burning straw, lending it a fragrant char, while the inside remains perfectly rare. It is typically paired with a yuzu ponzu dipping sauce and aromatic garnishes, resulting in a refreshing, yet deeply flavorful bite. The addicting blend of flavors, unique texture, and vivid colors make for a meal that is visually pleasing and satisfyingly tasty.
Exclusive guest lounge and facilities
One of the hotel’s distinguishing features is its Okyaku Lounge, a guest-only lounge open daily from 3pm–9:30pm. Here, you can enjoy a variety of complimentary drinks, including beer, wine, local Tosa sake, coffee, and soft drinks, as well as light snacks and post-hot spring bath ice bars. It is a fun and relaxing space for all ages, allowing you to fully decompress after a day of Kochi sightseeing and attractions. Do not miss the hotel’s original craft spirits, like Niyodo River Sansho Maiden Sake, Yamakita Green Lemon Craft Gin, and Kochi Busshukan Craft Gin.
Representative of its name, the lounge serves as a place where family, friends, colleagues, strangers, and travelers can come together and enjoy this warm local culture of hospitality and celebration.
Additionally, the hotel is home to a Relaxation Corner that offers massages and other restorative treatments, and a Gift Shop with a range of local specialties and souvenirs. Pick up some Kochi-made products to remember your trip.
Unforgettable nature and culture in Kochi
Encircle yourself in the magical hues of Niyodo Blue, uncover age-old culture, enjoy gourmet favorites, and relax luxuriously in Kochi. The mystical nature views, paired with a stay at Kamenoi Hotel Kochi, create a fulfilling experience of Japan’s lesser-known side.
Access to Kochi Prefecture
You can reach Kochi by plane and train. From Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Kochi Ryoma Airport is about a 1.5-hour flight. If you are flying from Itami Airport in Osaka, the flight is roughly 45 minutes. Then, you can take the airport shuttle bus to Kochi Station (approximately 25 minutes).
If you opt to start at Tokyo Station, you will first take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Okayama Station (three hours and 20 minutes via the Nozomi train). Then, transfer to the Dosan Line Limited Express train for Kochi Station (two hours and 40 minutes). From Hakata Station in Fukuoka, you can also take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station (one hour and 40 minutes) and then follow the preceding steps to Kochi Station.
Matsuyama Station in Ehime Prefecture and Takamatsu Station in Kagawa Prefecture offer direct express buses to Kochi Station. Both rides take a little over two hours.
From Kochi Station, take the Dosan Line to Ino Station (25 minutes). From there, Kamenoi Hotel Kochi is about a 10-minute drive away. You can use a rental car, taxi, or the hotel’s free shuttle service. The shuttle has two pick-up times (4:05pm and 5pm) and two drop-off times (9:30am and 10:30am). Please note that you must make a reservation by phone at least one day in advance.
For getting around Kochi and Shikoku, we highly recommend renting a car—many of the popular Niyodo Blue spots are most easily accessible by car. If you are interested in renting a bicycle, the Ino Town Tourism Association will provide rentals directly to Kamenoi Hotel Kochi.
