Kochi-Taiwan influencers can enjoy Kochi using Taiwan charter flights! [1-day trip over the culture and history of Kochi City]

This report is a solo trip to Kochi City by Taiwanese bicycle influencer Linda. Visit a craft beer restaurant and challenge the bonito straw grilling experience. In addition, take a stroll through the historic Godaisan Chikurin-ji Temple and experience the Yosakoi Festival. This is a relaxing 1-day trip where you can experience the unique culture and history of Kochi.

To the topical craft beer restaurant

Linda first visited the craft beer restaurant "SOUTH HORIZON BREWING". The restaurant with the factory opened in 2023 on a hill in New Port, Kochi, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy freshly made beer using fresh barley and hops while watching the superb view.

You can also enjoy drinking. Choose 4 kinds of favorites from 6 kinds of original beer. “People in Taiwan like beer. I think everyone can enjoy watching the sea!" 。

Mr. Linda, I ordered Yuzu squash from the prefecture on this day.

"SOUTH HORIZON BREWING" is very close to Kochi Ryoma Airport and is popular among foreign tourists.
In fact, this project started with the concept of "Let's start cycling from Kochi Ryoma Airport and tour the sightseeing spots of Kochi City!" Unfortunately, it was raining unfortunately on the day, so cycling was abandoned.

If it is clear, this blue sky is really spreading!

So, a commemorative photo with an e-bike prepared by Masao of the outdoor guide "Kochi Amigo" to guide you this time. From Kochi Ryoma Airport to "SOUTH HORIZON BREWING", it takes about 12km to run Prefectural Road No. 14. Linda, the next time you come to Kochi, please enjoy the cycling you planned!

It's unique to Kochi! Bonito-yaki experience

The next time I visited was the drive-in restaurant "Katsuo Ship" located just outside Kochi New Port. At the Tosa Tataki Dojo on the premises, you can experience bonito straw grilling.

We use fresh bonito purchased that day and straw from the prefecture. “I’ll burn it from the skin,” the staff. If you put the straw in, the flame will rise loudly!

1-2 minutes each side. You can enjoy the baked bonito on the spot. In addition, you can purchase straw-baked tataki for take-out at the adjacent bonito boat shop.

The staff said, “Salt first. Please enjoy it with yuzu ponzu as you like," Linda told me. After that, we chatted with the shop.
"It's a pleasure to be taught and experience this way, having delicious food, and interacting with local people. I would like to encourage many people to communicate with the people of Kochi!” 。

Also, bonito is a good food for cyclists.
“The bonito contains good protein. It is also a point that there is little fat. I think raw bonito tataki is ideal for athletes because it can take nutrients efficiently.”

Godaisan Chikurin-ji Temple, one of the eighty-eight sacred sites in Shikoku

After having lunch, go to Tosa's best famous temple, Godaisan Chikurin-ji Temple. Chikurin-ji Temple is a venerable temple that celebrated its 1300th anniversary in 2023.

It is the 31st temple of the 88 places sacred ground in Shikoku. The pilgrim of the Pilgrimage is visited continuously.

Linda receives a lecture from Deputy head priest Ebitsuka about Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Let's briefly explain about the Shikoku pilgrimage here.
The four prefectures of Shikoku are dotted with 88 temples where Kobo Daishi (the founder of Shingon sect, Kukai) trained about 1,200 years ago. Shikoku pilgrimage is to pilgrimage and follow the footsteps of Kobo Daishi. Originally, it was a journey of training based on faith, but now the purpose of worshipers is diversifying, such as memorializing the deceased, re-examineing themselves, and wishing for fulfillment of their wishes.

On the Shikoku pilgrimage, wear a white clothing, wear a Sugagasa written as "two accompanying people", and go around the temple with a Kongozue in hand. The two accompanying persons are with Kobo Daishi, and the Kongo cane represents Kobo Daishi itself.

At the Treasure House, there is a face-to-face Buddhist statue made from the Heian period to the Kamakura period.

You can also make a bell as a greeting before visiting. Linda, experience of tension.

It is a sanctuary from the mountain gate. Let's thank you and go ahead.

It is full of greenery. My heart will be washed.

Monju Bosatsu is enshrined in the main hall.

This time, I had a special matcha at Shoin.

Challenge the dance at the Kochi Yosakoi Information Exchange Center!

The last destination of the trip is the Kochi Yosakoi Information Exchange Center, which provides information on the authentic Kochi Yosakoi.

Introducing the history and charm of the Yosakoi Festival. Here you can learn about the Yosakoi Festival even if it is not during the festival period.

Wear costumes and Naruko and experience Yosakoi dance! "It's hard. Cycling is easier [laughs].”

"Japanese festivals are unique and interesting, depending on the region. I was worried about what would happen to the dance, but I managed to do it."

Naruko, which is indispensable for the Yosakoi Festival, is displayed in a row. "The costumes are cute, but there are so many Naruko!" 。

I feel the mood of the festival to the fullest, and the Kochi 1day trip is over.

Finally, take a commemorative photo at Harimayabashi Bridge.

"Kochi has not only great nature, but also gourmet, culture and history, and I thought it was a really good place and definitely a destination."

Before this 1day trip, Linda was participating in "GREAT EARTH 7th Takatomo Yodo Blue Ride 2024".
“It was a shame that it rained on the day of the event. The Niyodo River was very beautiful, but as you say, the real Niyodo Blue is even more amazing. It’s hard to remember that next time I want to try again.”

"And today it was a fresh experience to learn about pilgrim at Chikurin-ji Temple. It was wonderful. Even if it rains, there are many places in Kochi that you can enjoy as it is today."

Today's sightseeing spots in Kochi city are all within a distance that you can go around by cycling. Readers should also run around the city and experience the culture and history of Kochi.

Finally, I would like to introduce Masao of "Kochi Amigo" who guided Linda this time.

“We are focusing on “adventure tourism” where you can experience the nature and culture of the region over several days while interacting with local people. Kochi Prefecture is full of charm and amazement with nature, unique food culture, bright and friendly people! Please come to Kochi to meet new experiences. We also offer tailor-made tour guides, so please feel free to contact us."

Facility information

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