Experience the energy of Kochi: Sunday Market Tour includes Kochi Castle

Kochi , Japan

Experience the energy of Kochi: Sunday Market Tour includes Kochi Castle

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About this experience

Get a true taste of Kochi on this 5-hour walking tour featuring the city’s famous Sunday Market and nearby highlights. Explore vibrant local stalls, sample regional specialties, and visit key cultural spots with a knowledgeable local guide. Perfect for those wanting to dive into Kochi’s lively market scene and rich heritage.

・Browse over 400 stands at Kochi’s historic Sunday Market offering fresh produce, local foods, and crafts

・Savor regional delicacies at Hirome Market and visit the iconic Kochi Castle for panoramic city views

・Stroll through Obiyamachi shopping street and discover the colorful Yosakoi Festival culture at the information center

Available options

Experience the energy of Kochi: Sunday Market Tour includes Kochi Castle

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick up & drop off

Snacks

All Fees and Taxes

English guide

Detailed itinerary

On this tour, we will first visit the "Sunday Market" held in Kochi City every Sunday for over 300 years. There are about 420 stands, mainly supplied by country farmhouses and other local ventures, extending approximately 1,300m east from Kochi Castle and along the border of it. In addition to fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood unique to the local area, local gourmet items such as country style sushi, potato tempura and ice cream are available to eat while walking. There are also antiques, pottery and cutlery from Kochi prefecture, as well as a large souvenir selection.

"Hirome Market" is a large hall with food stalls from around 40 various restaurants, plus souvenir shops and other shops. Perhaps you will enjoy some of the famous “Katsuo no Tataki,” which is seared bonito fish. It is recommended that you put salt and sliced garlic on it before tasting. Do enjoy the local foods unique to Kochi. Just adjacent lies “W/O STAND KOCHI”, which is a hot new coffee spot with a unique façade. Feel free to stop by for a cup of coffee.

Kochi Castle, also known as "the best castle on the Nankaido (road)," is a symbol of Kochi City. Currently, there are only 12 castles from the pre-Edo period in Japan, but Kochi Castle is one of the most precious castles. The current main tower was rebuilt in August 1747. The greatest feature of Kochi Castle is that the cohesive entirety of the main building group, with the Tenshu, Goten, and Corridor Bridge, all being completely present along with the stone wall and so on. The gazebo on the top floor of the castle tower overlooks Kochi city.

After enjoying Kochi Castle, take a walk around Obiyamachi Old Town Shopping Street, Kochi's largest shopping street. The entire shopping street is covered, so there is no worry about getting wet, even on rainy days. There are restaurants, shops with interesting and daily goods, and there is also a large department store, so you can use this area as a souvenir spot or a break spot. Feel free to ask questions of the guide if you find something you are interested in or looking for.

At the end of the tour, we will visit the "Kochi Yosakoi Information Center". The “Kochi Yosakoi Information Center” is a facility that introduces one of the three major festivals in Shikoku (the “Yosakoi” festival), one that began in 1954. You can experience the pop culture and other symbols of each generation and the costumes of the gorgeous dancers while learning about the history of the festival. You can try on costumes, which is a good time to take a picture of your Kochi visit.

What's not included

Taxi / Private Car or Bus (Available for an extra fee)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Harimayabashi Bus Terminal

About Kochi

Kochi, often referred to as 'The Water City,' is a charming coastal city in Japan known for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle is a historic castle that offers a glimpse into the city's feudal past. The castle grounds are beautifully landscaped, and the surrounding area is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥400

Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum

This museum is dedicated to Sakamoto Ryoma, a prominent figure in Japan's Meiji Restoration. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Ryoma's life and his contributions to modern Japan.

Historical 1 hour ¥500

Katsurahama Beach

Katsurahama Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Japan, known for its beautiful white sand and clear blue waters. The beach is also home to the Katsurahama-dera temple, a historic Buddhist temple with a scenic garden.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (temple entrance fee: ¥400)

Hirome Market

Hirome Market is a bustling market where you can find a variety of fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional snacks. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and sample some of Kochi's culinary specialties.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter (food and souvenirs vary in price)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Katsuo no Tataki

A delicacy made from seared bonito fish, typically served with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The fish is briefly seared on the outside while remaining raw on the inside, resulting in a unique texture and flavor.

Main dish Contains fish

Katsuo no Tekonezushi

A type of sushi made with bonito, rice, and various toppings. The dish is unique to Kochi and is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Main dish Contains fish and rice

Kochi Ramen

A local variation of ramen with a rich, pork-based broth and thin noodles. The dish is often topped with sliced pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.

Main dish Contains pork and wheat

Katsuo no Jushi

A traditional snack made from dried bonito flakes. The flakes are pressed into a cake-like shape and can be eaten as is or used as a topping for other dishes.

Snack Contains fish

Popular Activities

Hiking in Shikoku Karst Rock climbing in Shikoku Karst Snorkeling and diving in Muroto Misaki Beachcombing at Katsurahama Beach Picnicking in Kochi Castle Park Tea ceremony in a traditional tea house Visiting historic temples and shrines Exploring traditional architecture in Harimayabashi

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The autumn foliage in November is particularly stunning.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kochi is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is relatively uncommon. However, it's always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers.

Getting there

By air

Kochi Ryoma Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Kochi Station

By bus

Kochi Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network is the primary mode of public transport in Kochi, with frequent services covering most areas of the city. Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kochi City Center Katsurahama Harimayabashi

Day trips

Shikoku Karst

50 km from Kochi • Full day

Shikoku Karst is a stunning limestone plateau known for its unique rock formations and scenic views. The area is a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.

Muroto Misaki

60 km from Kochi • Full day

Muroto Misaki is a scenic cape known for its beautiful coastline, clear waters, and unique rock formations. The area is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Otoyo

40 km from Kochi • Half day

Otoyo is a charming town known for its traditional architecture, historic temples, and scenic riverside views. The town is a popular spot for cycling, photography, and cultural exploration.

Festivals

Yosakoi Festival • August Kochi Eko Festival • May Kochi Winter Festival • February

Pro tips

Visit Kochi Castle early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Try the famous Katsuo no Tataki at Katsuo no Tataki Ichiba, a popular restaurant specializing in this local delicacy.
Explore the Hirome Market for a taste of Kochi's culinary specialties and local culture.
Take a day trip to Shikoku Karst for stunning rock formations and scenic views.
Visit Katsurahama Beach for a relaxing day by the ocean and a chance to see the famous Katsurahama-dera temple.