Temples, festivals and stunning architecture

Most visitors to Japan follow the same well-trodden paths: the neon lights of Tokyo, the shrines of Kyoto and the street food of Osaka. But far to the south, tucked away in a prefecture on the island of Shikoku, is where you can see a truly authentic, unfiltered side of the country. This is Kochi Prefecture: famous for its natural beauty, unique historical sites, incredible cuisine, and beautiful rivers.

Here you can surf in the sparkling waters and watch dancers in bright costumes dance through the streets as part of a vibrant local festival, where you can see sleek modernist buildings designed by Kengo Kuma and centuries-old pilgrimage sites.

Below are just a few of the many highlights in the area.

Bamboo Forest Temple. Photo credit: Kochi Visitors and Convention Association

Participate in the legendary Shikoku Pilgrimage

In Kochi, spirituality is written into the landscape, reflected in the rhythm of footsteps and the rustle of temple bells. The prefecture is home to 16 temples featured in the legendary Shikoku Pilgrimage, a journey around the island’s 88 sacred sites.

Even if you only walk a short part of the historical route, or just stop at a temple or two, the experience is powerful. exist Iwamotoji Templevisitors can Meditate in the water of the Shimanto River Or have sacred scriptures inscribed on scrolls in English. The temple itself blends ancient spirituality with contemporary art: although it was originally built in the 8th century, the ceiling of its main hall was renovated in 1978 with 575 donated paintings. These include traditional nature and Buddhist statues, as well as playful depictions of cats, giraffes, sailing boats and even Marilyn Monroe.

at the same time, Zhulin Temple Nestled on a forested hillside, this five-story pagoda and moss-covered gardens offer a peaceful and meditative experience. To explore further in a seamless manner, Niyodo Blue Tourism Council operates Sightseeing Taxi Programallowing you to travel along the pilgrimage route in comfort and ease.

Visit Yuhara, a mountain town filled with architectural masterpieces by Kengo Kuma

Located high in the Kochi Mountains, the small town of Yuhara has become an unexpected pilgrimage site for architecture enthusiasts. This is thanks to one of Japan’s most influential contemporary architects, Kengo Kuma. In Yuyuan, he is Designed several buildings Balancing local traditions with creative and understated forms, the entire area feels like a living museum.

The highest point in Yuhara is 1,455 meters above sea level, and it is also known as “Kunjoe Town” or “the town above the clouds”. It now houses five works by Kengo Kuma; Hotel Cloud is his first hotel. In addition, there are Gallery on the Clouds (Yuyuan Wooden Bridge Museum)) Appearing to float in the air, its cedar beams are reminiscent of temple eaves. this Yuyuan Community LibraryOften called one of Japan’s most beautiful libraries, its books are wrapped in glowing cedar. Its ceiling is made up of staggered beams like an inverted forest, filtering light like leaves.

Even the everyday spaces of the town have a touch of Kuma’s style. this Yusuhara Town Office Opening into a soaring atrium, there is a tea room on the first floor, and Town Station Zhangyuan — part market, part hotel — subverts expectations by using thatch not on the roof but on the exterior walls, enclosing cedar-lined rooms inside. Finally, although not normally open to visitors, the Yururi Yusuhara Welfare Facility’s cedar board exterior adds a sense of harmony to the town.

Night festival. Photo source: Matsuri Festival Promotion Association

Night festival street dance

If you happen to visit Kochi Prefecture in August, be prepared for one of Japan’s liveliest celebrations: Ye Lai FestivalHeld from August 9th to 12th every year. For four days and nights, the city is transformed into a stage as thousands of dancers in bright costumes parade through the streets, their movements punctuated by sharp clicks. Naruko — Farmers once used small wooden boards to keep birds away from their rice fields. This sound becomes the heartbeat of the festival, uniting groups whose music ranges from folk to rock, samba and hip-hop, each adding their own twist to tradition.

The first Yosakoi Matsuri was held in 1954 to boost community spirits after the recession. Seventy years later, it has grown into a national phenomenon, but Kochi’s version still feels the most alive – a blur of color and sound stretching into the summer nights. For travelers, this isn’t just a spectacle to behold, but an open invitation: a handful of dance troupes welcome walk-ons on certain days of the festival (registration required). So pick up a pair of Naruko, clap along and get yourself into the rhythm of Kochi. Be sure to book early as the hotel fills up quickly.

Even if your trip doesn’t coincide with the festival, you can still experience the intoxicating bustle of Yosakoi at other times of the year, including the Yosakoi Encore event in late August; the Ryoma Birthday Festival in November; and the Kochi Travel Plaza opening on weekends and holidays.

Katsuo Taki. Photo credit: Kochi Visitors and Convention Association

Taste Kochi’s soul food – grilled bonito

Every region in Japan has a dish with a story. For Kochi, Katsuo original ware — Grilled bonito on blazing straw. When the fish is placed directly over the fire, sparks fly and the flames roar until the skin cracks and smokes, leaving the interior tender and full of umami.

The beauty of it is its simplicity: just a sprinkle of salt, garlic flakes, and scallions. You can find it throughout the county, but perhaps the best place to try it is Hongren Market, A maze of food stalls and long wooden tables in downtown Kochi. Order a few plates, raise a glass of local sake, and before long you’ll find yourself chatting with the stranger sitting next to you.

Yakatabune. Photo credit: (C) Visit Kochi, Japan

Plan your trip to Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture brings together everything visitors seek in Japan: unforgettable cuisine, pristine nature, hands-on traditions and vibrant festivals. Yet, it’s still refreshing and makes every experience feel personal and unspoiled.

Getting there is easier than you think: From Tokyo, there are direct flights to Kochi Ryoma Airport in less than 90 minutes, and from Okayama, the limited express Nanura train reaches Kochi in just 2 hours and 35 minutes.

For maps, travel advice and more, visit the county’s official website.