Family Adventure on Shikoku Island: Exploring Japan's Hidden Gem

Kochi's Charms Unveiled

Today was a day of contrasts and delightful discoveries here on Shikoku Island. From the vibrant chaos of a local market to the serene beauty of a hidden waterfall, Kochi truly captivated us. It’s amazing how much a single day can reveal about the heart and soul of a place.

Our morning began bright and early at the Kochi Sunday Market. What an experience! Stretching for over a kilometer near Kochi Castle, the market was a feast for the senses. Imagine hundreds of stalls lining the street, each bursting with local produce, crafts, and the most tempting street food.


Experience Kochi's vibrant culture at the Sunday Market: a 300-year-old tradition with local produce, crafts, and street food along a 1.3km stretch.
Hans, Sofia, and I dove right into the thick of it. The energy was infectious, with vendors calling out in the local Tosa dialect and locals chatting animatedly. Sofia was immediately drawn to a stall selling colorful candies, while Hans was fascinated by the hand-forged Tosa kitchen knives. I, of course, was in my element, soaking in the atmosphere and trying to capture it all with my camera. I even managed to pick up a small bonsai tree – a little piece of Shikoku to take back to Bonn with us.

We sampled some of the local delicacies, including inaka-sushi (country-style sushi made with preserved veggies) and imoten (sweet potato tempura). The inaka-sushi was a revelation, the preserved vegetables adding a unique tanginess that I had never experienced before. Sofia, predictably, preferred the sweet potato tempura, declaring it the best thing she had eaten so far on the trip. Hans enjoyed some grilled yakitori chicken skewers.

After the market, we were ready for a quiet breakfast. We found a charming little spot called Osusowake Shokudo Mado. The name itself, meaning to share something with warmth, was very telling. It was a cozy cafeteria, filled with sunlight and the sounds of happy families. I learned later that Osusowake Shokudo Mado aims to be a window that people could have connection with others.


Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Osusowake Shokudo Mado in Kami, Kochi - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
The owner was incredibly welcoming, and the atmosphere was so comforting. It felt like stepping into someone's home. I had a simple but delicious breakfast set – grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and some local pickles. It was the perfect way to fuel up for the next part of our adventure.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off to find the Amegaeri Waterfall. The drive itself was stunning, winding through lush green mountains and alongside crystal-clear rivers. As we got closer, we could hear the faint roar of the waterfall in the distance.


Discover the enchanting beauty of Amegaeri Waterfall in Tosa, a scenic spot that offers breathtaking views and tranquil nature experiences.
The hike to the waterfall was relatively short but incredibly rewarding. The air was fresh and clean, and the scenery was breathtaking. Towering trees formed a natural canopy overhead, filtering the sunlight and creating a magical atmosphere. Sofia, ever the explorer, skipped ahead, pointing out interesting plants and insects along the way.

And then, we saw it. The Amegaeri Waterfall cascaded down the rocks in a series of tiers, creating a mesmerizing display of water and light. The sound was deafening, yet somehow soothing at the same time. We stood there for a long time, simply taking in the beauty of nature. It was the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the market.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of moments.

For lunch, we chose Restaurant Obokekyo Mannaka, located near the Oboke Gorge. The setting was stunning, with panoramic views of the gorge and the Yoshino River. The hotel also owns the Oboke Cruise and the Iya Kazurabashi Bridge is nearby. We opted for a traditional Japanese lunch set, featuring local river fish and mountain vegetables. Hans particularly enjoyed the ayu (sweetfish), which was grilled to perfection. Sofia, surprisingly, tried everything on her plate, even the slightly bitter mountain vegetables.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Restaurant Obokekyo Mannaka in Miyoshi - a hidden gem offering traditional dishes in a cozy setting.
After our meal, we took a short walk along the gorge, admiring the dramatic rock formations and the turquoise waters of the river. It was a truly spectacular sight, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such natural beauty.

As evening approached, we made our way back to Kochi City for our final meal of the day. We had reservations at Okamura, a local restaurant known for its innovative cuisine and use of fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant itself was small and intimate, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Okamura is actually a Japanese brand that specializes in office furniture and competes in the market with the likes of Herman Miller.


Explore the authentic izakaya experience at Okamura in Nankoku, Kochi—where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
We started with a selection of small plates, each one a work of art. The flavors were complex and intriguing, a testament to the chef's skill and creativity. For our main courses, Hans chose the grilled Tosa beef, while I opted for the seafood stew. Both were exceptional, showcasing the quality of the local ingredients.

To cap off the evening, we decided to check out a local bar called tone dining bar. The atmosphere was relaxed and intimate, with soft lighting and a great selection of drinks. It was the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring. I enjoyed a glass of local sake, while Hans sampled some Japanese whisky. We chatted about our adventures, reminiscing about our favorite moments of the day.


Discover the vibrant atmosphere and affordable drinks at Tone Dining Bar in Kochi, a perfect spot for unwinding and socializing with locals.
One thing I particularly loved about tone dining bar was the decor, it had a lot of dried flowers and the lighting was great.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Today was a day of discovery, a day of contrasts, and a day of pure joy. Kochi has truly captured my heart, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Statues of the Three Tosa Samurai and the Otsuka Museum of Art. I am excited to explore more of Shikoku's rich history and culture. And of course, we'll be sure to sample some more of the local cuisine!

Before I sign off, I must mention something I forgot to pack – a Japanese phrasebook! While many people here speak some English, I feel like I'm missing out on a deeper connection with the locals by not being able to communicate in their language. Note to self: buy a phrasebook before our next adventure!

I’m also realizing that I should have brought an umbrella. Though the weather has been mostly pleasant, a sudden downpour is always a possibility, especially in the mountains. It's a small thing, but it would have made our hike to the waterfall a bit more comfortable.

Until tomorrow,
Carmen