My visit in Japan was actually a study/training related but there were days that we had the opportunity to go around the places and have our ‘me’ time.
Thankful to Japan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) I was able to visit some cities of Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Kochi Prefecture is located in the Island of Shikoku and its capital city is Kochi City. The prefecture’s former name is Tosa. The prefecture is known for its Pacific beaches and outdoor activities.
After we had our orientation and lectures on Basic Japanese Language in Kobe, Japan, we were all set for our next destination, Kochi City.
Kochi is a laid back city that is located in the center of Shikoku’s sweeping southern coast line. This prefectural capital has relaxed, yet cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Among the tourist attractions we visited in Kochi City are the following:
Kochi Castle
It was built by Yamanouchi Kazutoyo, who took control of the province after the Tokugawa victory. The castle was constructed as part of the move from Urado to the more defensible Otakasa (alt. Odakasa) area.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Dchi_Castle)
Harimaya Bridge
Harimaya-bashi is the scene of Kochi’s most famous love-affair, and is the city’s most recognizable landmark.
In the middle of the 19th century, the monk Junshin, from Chikurin-ji Temple, fell in love with a woman named Ouma. Being a monk, this was entirely inappropriate, but Junshin was not deterred. As a token of his affection, he bought Ouma a hair-pin from a store beside Harimaya-bashi. Rumour soon spread, and Junshin was sent away (http://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/english/tourism-harimaya.html).
KUROSHIO-CHO, KOCHI JAPAN
Our next eight (8) days were spent in the rural area of Kochi specifically in Kuroshio, a town located in Hata District and 2-hour drive from Kochi City.
There was also a day where we experienced Typhoon and what I appreciated about Japan is their accuracy in their weather announcements. They announced that the typhoon will end by 3 PM and viola, it really did…
Whale Watching
There are many activities that the town can offer. One of these is Whale watching and thankfully we experienced it. We were very blessed to saw (2) Bryde’s Whales. A truly unforgettable experience for me!
Bonito Festival
Kuroshio is famous within Kochi and Japan for its skipjack tuna fishing. The Katsuo, or Bonito is Kochi’s prefectural fish, reflecting how important fishing is to the community. It is prepared into a signature dish – Katsuo-tataki, made by lightly searing and seasoning the Katsuo.
After we were adopted by a local family for one night (they’re the best!), we attended the local event, Festival of Bonito fished in autumn. And the epic, I was headlined in one of their local news.
SHIMANTO-CHO, KOCHI PREFECTURE
Shimanto is a new city that is actually a conglomeration of six towns. Most of Shimanto’s best sights are in rather remote areas around the city, and public transportation in the city itself is virtually non-existent. (wikitravel.org/en/Shimanto)
Kaiyodo Hobby Museum and Kappa Museum
Kaiyodo Hobby Museum is located in the town of Shimanto and owned by Kaiyodo Company. There are over 10,000 items on display – including a multitude of animation characters, giant dinosaurs, and much more. Nearby is the Kaiyodo Kappa Museum which houses the different faces of Japan’s most popular mythical creature, Kappa. We also had a great encounter with the owner, Mr. Osamu Miyawaki and brought with me home his inspiring words:
“I am 86, and I am still dreaming…”
Shimanto-Gawa River
After our Farewell Party, we did a side-trip in one of the famous rivers of Japan. Shimanto-gawa River is known as Japan’s last pristine river. The river is 196 kilometers in length and a part of the Watari River System. It is the longest river in the Shikoku Region, followed by Yoshino River.
This just concludes that Japan has more to offer.. more than the busy streets of Osaka and the Disneyland of Tokyo!
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