Kochi Prefecture (高知県) is located on the small island of Shikoku (四国). It is formerly known as Tosa (土佐), and is popular for Kochi Castle (高知城), which is one of the 12 remaining castles in Japan. Kochi’s major food item is katsuo no tataki (鰹のたたき), a slightly broiled sliced bonito over a straw fire. Other…

There is a town in Japan which is known by many as the world’s first “zero-waste town”. It has been challenging its residents to reduce waste to zero by 2020 since the start of 2003. Part of the town’s policy is to separate different household waste into 34 categories that are sent to be recycled.…

While traveling in the Kagawa (香川) Prefecture, do you know that there is a place that you must visit if you want to improve your luck in money? Or, do you want to embark on a learning journey about coins from Japan and the world? If so, Kanonji (観音寺) City is the place to visit…

When I first moved to Kochi City in Shikoku, I thought it would be difficult to find good cafes. As someone who had spent a good portion of the past six years writing essays in coffee shops, this seemed like it would be at least a minor obstacle in my adjustment to life in Japan.…

Ritsurin Garden is a famous historical garden situated in the city of Takamatsu. It is designated as a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” in Japan which was created in the latter half of the 16th century. It took 200 years for the garden to be nurtured into its present exquisite refinement. With its scenic tapestry…

Imabari City is located in the northeastern part of Ehime Prefecture and the second most populated city in the prefecture after Matsuyama City. Besides being known for its shipbuilding industry and yakitori, do you know that Imabari is also Japan’s top producer of towels and that the Imabari towels are held in high regard for…

All cultures have rituals and festivals intended to ward off bad luck or purify the participants of any bad mojo they might be carrying around. At the end of June each year, the Tosa Shrine in Kochi City (Shikoku island) holds its annual Wanukesama Festival for exactly these purposes. What happens during this Shinto festival?…

Summer is a great time to visit Kochi Prefecture. With plenty of outdoor activities (e.g. hiking, swimming, rafting), festivals that feature spectacular fireworks, delicious food, and local culture nearly every weekend – including the famous Yosakoi Dance Festival in August – along with the beautiful scenery, it’s easy to keep yourself busy. Want to know…

Those who have been lucky enough to travel to Japan may already be familiar with the countless covered shopping arcades that are spread throughout the country. Teramachi and Shinkogyoku are two large shopping arcades in Kyoto and there are several in central Tokyo as well. However, Shikoku’s Kochi City has one too – Obiyamachi. Though…

Kochi City is surrounded by flowing hills. On sunny days, they almost glow in all shades of green, and on rainy days, when low clouds nestle around their crests and valleys, it’s easy to believe there’s something magical hidden in amongst the trees. One weekend, some friends and I were keen to see what we…