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

Kochi's Charms: From Anpanman to Ancient History

Today was a delightful blend of childhood nostalgia and historical exploration here in Kochi. We immersed ourselves in the whimsical world of Anpanman, followed by a journey through the ancient halls of Kochi Castle. It was a day of contrasts that somehow perfectly captured the spirit of this unique island. From cartoon heroes to feudal lords, Kochi certainly knows how to keep things interesting!

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ombelico [it doesn't seem to be open for dinners though, according to tomorrow's itinerary, so I guess we'll be back there!]. Fueled up with some delicious pastries and strong coffee, we set off for Kami City and the Kami City Takashi Yanase Memorial Hall & Anpanman Museum.

Kami City Takashi Yanase Memorial Hall & Anpanman Museum

I must admit, before arriving in Japan, I wasn't overly familiar with Anpanman. Pieter had told me a little bit about it, but I never realized just how popular this character is here! Alessia, of course, was beyond excited. As we approached the museum, her eyes lit up, and she started chattering away about all the Anpanman characters she recognized. It was so adorable to see her so happy.

The museum itself is a vibrant and colorful tribute to Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman. The building's architecture is quite striking, blending modern design with elements inspired by traditional Kochi typhoon-resistant structures. Inside, we explored galleries filled with Yanase's original artwork, including large-scale Anpanman scenes and illustrations from his picture books.

Alessia was absolutely captivated by the Anpanman World in the basement. This expansive diorama recreates the town where Anpanman and his friends live, and it was filled with interactive displays and installations. She loved running around, spotting her favorite characters, and posing for photos with the life-sized statues. Even Pieter and I found ourselves getting caught up in the fun! It was a truly immersive experience that brought out the child in all of us. I even bought a few Anpanman-themed souvenirs; I wasn't a fan before, but they're so charming I couldn't resist.

It's amazing how a simple character like Anpanman can bring so much joy and happiness to so many people.

Explore the enchanting world of Anpanman at the Kami City Takashi Yanase Memorial Hall & Anpanman Museum, a joyful experience for families and fans alike.

After a couple of hours of Anpanman fun, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Osusowake Shokudo Mado in Kami, a charming little restaurant that Pieter had found. The name Osusowake means to share something with others, and the restaurant embodies this philosophy by using locally sourced ingredients and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

I had a delicious rice bowl with seasonal vegetables and perfectly cooked fish, while Pieter opted for one of their set meals. Alessia, of course, was happy with her simple but tasty onigiri (rice ball). The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and we felt like we were dining in someone's home. It was such a refreshing change from the more touristy restaurants we had visited in other parts of Japan.

Kochi Castle: A Step Back in Time

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we drove back to Kochi City to visit Kochi Castle. Perched on a hill in the center of the city, this castle is one of only twelve in Japan to have survived the fires, wars, and other catastrophes of the post-feudal age. It was first constructed in the early 1600s by the Yamauchi lords.

As we approached the castle, I was immediately struck by its imposing presence. The stone walls and gates were incredibly well-preserved, and I could almost imagine what it must have been like to defend this fortress centuries ago. We entered through the Otemon Gate, the main entrance to the castle, and began our ascent to the main keep.

Inside the keep, we explored the various floors, each offering a glimpse into the castle's history and the lives of the Yamauchi lords. There were displays of historical artifacts, including weapons, armor, and documents, and I found myself getting lost in the stories of the past. The wooden interior of the castle was particularly impressive, maintaining the appearance of its Edo Period origins.

The view from the top floor of the keep was simply breathtaking. We could see the entire city of Kochi spread out before us, with the mountains in the distance. It was a perfect vantage point to appreciate the strategic importance of the castle and its role in protecting the region. The castle is considered one of the best spots for sightseeing.

One unique feature of Kochi Castle is that the main tower was used not only for military purposes but also as a residence. In most other castles, the lords resided in separate palace buildings. Kochi Castle is also one of the only castles in Japan with both the main keep and the main palace still intact.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the castle grounds, admiring the intricate details of the architecture and soaking in the atmosphere. I was particularly impressed by the statues of the legendary shachi sea creatures on the roof of the keep. These mythical creatures, with the body of a fish and the head of a dragon, are believed to protect the castle from fire.

Before leaving, we made sure to visit the statue of Kazutoyo Yamauchi, the first lord of the Tosa Clan, and his wife, Chiyo. Chiyo is famous for her support of her husband, and their story is a testament to the power of love and loyalty. There is also a statue of Itagaki Taisuke, who was the leader of the Liberty and People's Rights Movement.

As we walked back towards the city center, we passed by the Kochi Castle Museum of History. Although we didn't have time to go inside, I made a mental note to visit it on our next trip to Kochi. I'm eager to learn more about the region's past and the role that Kochi Castle played in shaping its identity.


Explore the stunning Kochi Castle, a historical gem in Japan, showcasing beautiful architecture and rich samurai heritage amidst picturesque gardens.

Evening Delights in Kochi

For dinner, we decided to try Tataki Kobo, a regional restaurant known for its traditional Japanese cuisine and local ingredients. Kochi is famous for its *katsuo tataki* (seared skipjack tuna), so we knew we had to give it a try.

The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the staff was incredibly welcoming. We ordered a variety of dishes, including, of course, the *katsuo tataki*. The tuna was lightly seared over straw, giving it a smoky flavor that was absolutely divine. It was served with a variety of condiments, including ginger, garlic, and citrus sauce, and each bite was an explosion of flavors. I now understand why Kochi is so proud of its *katsuo tataki*!

We also tried some other local specialties, such as grilled fish and seasonal vegetable tempura. Everything was fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Kochi's cultural and historical treasures.

After dinner, while Pieter and Alessia headed back to the hotel, I decided to check out tone dining bar. I enjoyed a quiet drink, reflecting on the day's adventures. The bar had a cool, relaxed vibe, and it was a great place to unwind and soak in the local atmosphere.


Discover the vibrant atmosphere and affordable drinks at Tone Dining Bar in Kochi, a perfect spot for unwinding and socializing with locals.

As I sipped my drink, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience Kochi's unique charm. From the whimsical world of Anpanman to the ancient halls of Kochi Castle, this island has something to offer everyone. And with its delicious food and friendly people, it's a place that I know I'll never forget.

Tomorrow, we are off to the Otsuka Museum of Art and the Statues of the Three Tosa Samurai [the statues should be interesting!]. I'm excited to see what other treasures Shikoku Island has in store for us!

I'm also aware that the Yosakoi Festival is approaching. It is a dance festival held every August in Kochi, and it sounds like a vibrant and exciting event. The festival includes a fireworks display, and it sounds like the city will be filled with music and dance.

I've also heard about Kuroshio Kobo, which offers a workshop where you can learn how to cure freshly caught fish and straw-braise bonito. That sounds like a really unique and interesting experience, so I'm hoping we can fit it into our itinerary at some point.

I'm looking forward to the rest of our adventure here in Shikoku. Every day brings new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned for more!