Naoshima is a tiny island in the Seto Island Sea that is a ferry ride away from Kagawa Prefecture. Nonetheless, plenty of locals and foreigners alike flock to it every year, eager to soak in the artistic ambiance evoked by the many art museums dotted all over the island. What’s more, visitor arrivals are expected…

Every May the town of Nakatosa holds a Katsuo Festival at Furusato Beach. Katsuo is the Japanese name for the bonito fish that is used in Kochi’s famous dish ‘katsuo no tataki’ – sashimi that has been grilled on the outside and is eaten with ponzu sauce, salt, or raw garlic. Think you’d be interested…

At the mention of Kagawa Prefecture which is the smallest prefecture in Japan in terms of land area, what comes to your mind first? Tourist hot spots such as the giant sand painting Zenigata Sunae or Marugame Castle? Natural sights such as Angel Road at Shodoshima which is said to bless couples who walk on…

Of the four main islands in Japan, Shikoku is the smallest and least populated one. It is an island not only popular for temples associated with pilgrims but also for legendary traditional dishes which attract both local and foreign tourists. To name a few, here are three yummy delights that you should try if you…

Naoshima is an island known for its contemporary art museums. Its beauty draws many tourists which helps support the country’s local economy. If you’re planning to visit the beautiful art island of Naoshima, you can lodge in these three affordable places which are accessible to many of the island’s art sites and activities. flickr.com/ Kowloon…

If you’re interested in Japanese animation you’ve undoubtedly heard of Studio Ghibli films like ‘Spirited Away‘ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’. But, you probably haven’t heard of the high school love story ‘Ocean Waves’ that is based off the Shojo novel of the same name by Saeko Himuro. The Ocean Waves The Ocean Waves is the…

Kitakubo isn’t somewhere that travelers to Kochi usually think of visiting. It isn’t close to other tourist attractions like Obiyamachi or Kochi Castle, but as it is only about ten minutes from Kochi Station it is still easily accessible. There are actually quite a few shops, restaurants, and cafes here, as well as the Museum…

Every year when the cold winter becomes spring, a small village on Japanese island Shikoku that goes by the name of Tosayama holds a Plum Festival. At this plum festival, the sight of a vast amount of plum blossoms can be enjoyed by the public, and locals will sell food to everyone visiting the festival.…

In the rustic country town of Ino, just west of Kochi on Shikoku island, lies a hotel and onsen overlooking the Shimanto River, the QRAUD Tosawashi Kougeimura Hotel. This quaint hotel is owned and run by a local family that lives in the area. Here you can experience paper making in a workshop out back…

Many people venture to Godaison (五台山) to enjoy a scenic view of Kochi, but there are other beautiful ‘night views’ (yakei) hidden amongst Kochi’s green hills. Hitsuzan Park (筆山公園), not far from Kochi’s downtown, is one such place. Hitsuzan park photo-ac.com To the casual passer-by, Hitsuzan looks like little more than a small hill curled…