'''Kochi prefecture''' (___m__ ''Kochi-ken'' [http://www.pref.kochi.jp/index_e.html]) is on the Japanese island of Shikoku.

Understand

Kochi was formerly known as '''Tosa''' (_y__).

Cities

  • Kochi - the prefectural capital
  • Kubokawa - famous for beef
  • Nankoku - a neighboring city of Kochi known for its long-tailed roosters
  • Toyocho - famous for citrus, surfing, and Shirahama beach
  • Other destinations

    Talk

    Get in

    By plane

    Pint-sized '''K?chi Ry?ma Airport''' ({{IATA|KCZ}}) [http://www.kochiap.co.jp/] has flights to Osaka-Itami, Osaka-Kansai, Tokyo-Haneda, Nagoya-Komaki and Naha (Okinawa). Buses to/from Kochi station (35-45 min, ¥700) leaves roughly twice an hour.

    By train

    The most popular way to arrive in Kochi by train is from Okayama, which is on the main island of Honshu. From Okayama take the Limited Express Nanpu train, and you will arrive in Kochi in approximately 2.5 hours.

    By bus

    Get around

    See

    Do

    Eat

    The local specialty is katsuo no tataki, bonito quickly seared under high heat so the surface is cooked while the inside is still raw.

    Drink

    Liquor in all forms: the people of Kochi are known as '''the biggest drinkers in Japan'''. The women in Kochi are particularly renowned for their affinity and ability to drink. They are refered to as ''Hachikin'', literally meaning 8 testicles since it is said that one ''Tosa'' (Kochi) woman can drink like four ordinary men. Kochi offers an abundance of locally made sake and ''shochu'', and the friendly locals will surely approach you for a fun interaction at Kochi`s numerous bars.

    17 sake breweries in Kochi make '''Tosa Space Sake''' (_y___F____ ''Tosa uch?shu''), prepared with yeast that was taken into space for ten days and back aboard a Soyuz rocket in 2005, so be sure to sample some for a taste experience that is out of this world. Alternatively, try to track down some '''space yoghurt''' (_F_____________[_O___g ''Uch? wo tabi shita y?guruto'', lit. "The yogurt that travelled in space") [http://www.himawarimilk.co.jp/yoghurt.html], prepared from the same yeast.

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