kochi(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For stunning views of Kochi Castle, stay at Kochi Castle Front Hotel, a boutique property designed with Edo-period aesthetics. Its rooms offer panoramic views of the historic castle grounds and surrounding gardens. The hotel also provides free guided tours of the Tenshukaku (castle keep) and Matsubara Garden, enriching your experience with local history and architecture. Many guests appreciate its traditional tea ceremony sessions and evening lantern lighting events during seasonal festivals.

The Kochi Station Area is ideal for first-time visitors, offering easy access to public transport, shopping streets like Shinmachi Shopping District, and attractions such as Kochi Museum and Tosa Shrine. Stay at Hilton Kochi or East-West Hotel Kochi, both within walking distance of the station and featuring multilingual staff, modern amenities, and family-friendly facilities. This central location ensures seamless exploration of the city’s cultural and culinary highlights.

Tourists should experience the Tosa Mandara Festival, held annually near Kochi Castle, where thousands of paper lanterns illuminate the night sky, symbolizing remembrance and gratitude. Another must-do is witnessing the Tosa Lion Dance (Tosa Shishiodori), a dynamic performance rooted in samurai tradition. You can also visit Tosa Shrine for a spiritual moment and participate in a hands-on workshop to learn about local craftsmanship, including kumade (bamboo fan) making and shōchū distillation.

Yes, Kitamura Onsen Ryokan is a renowned choice nestled in the hills near Kochi Port, offering private outdoor baths fed by natural hot spring water rich in radon. Guests enjoy a full-course kaiseki dinner featuring Tosa black pork, fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, and locally grown vegetables. The ryokan also hosts tea ceremonies and nighttime stargazing sessions, providing an authentic immersion into rural Kochi culture and hospitality.

Hilton Kochi stands out with its Kids’ Play Zone, indoor pool, and family suites equipped with bunk beds and smart TVs. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to Kochi Castle and Kochi City Museum, making sightseeing convenient. Additionally, they host weekly children’s cooking classes using local ingredients, teaching young guests how to make taiyaki and soba noodles—a fun way to engage with regional cuisine while traveling together.

Stay at River-side Forest Cabin in Kōchi River District, a sustainable eco-lodge surrounded by lush forest and overlooking the Niyodogawa River. The cabins feature green rooftops and floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum nature connection. Guests can enjoy rafting trips, wild mushroom foraging, and forest bathing walks led by local guides. Some packages include a local forager’s dinner, where you harvest ingredients yourself before cooking them in a traditional open-air kitchen.

Near Kochi Castle, Kochi Castle Front Hotel offers heritage-inspired rooms and direct access to the castle grounds. It features original woodwork, sliding shoji screens, and exhibits on the Tosa Domain. For a more immersive experience, book Old Kochi Prefectural Office Guesthouse, housed in a Meiji-era government building. The hotel preserves antique interiors and offers guided heritage tours, including visits to the former governor’s residence and historic clock tower.

Visit Tosa-ya Ryokan, where guests enjoy a multi-course Tosa kaiseki meal crafted daily with ingredients sourced from Kochi Morning Market. Signature dishes include fresh tuna sashimi, black pork miso stew, and kurobuta tonkatsu. Pair your meal with premium Tosa shōchū or local craft sake selected by the innkeeper. The ryokan also hosts interactive workshops like fish market tours and sake tasting sessions, deepening your appreciation for Kochi’s culinary identity.

For romance, choose Kochi Grand Hotel’s Sky Lounge Suite, which features a private rooftop terrace with unobstructed views of Kochi Port and the distant mountains. Enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars with a glass of local wine and a live violinist. Alternatively, stay at Glass House Onsen Villa by Niyodogawa, where transparent walls allow couples to soak in hot springs while gazing at the night sky. The villa offers bespoke services like private spa treatments and romantic picnic baskets delivered to your deck.

Hyatt Regency Kochi offers upscale living with panoramic views of the city and sea. Its signature restaurant, Sakura Dining, serves elevated Japanese-French fusion cuisine using Kochi-grown organic produce and freshly caught fish. The hotel also features a rooftop bar with curated cocktail menus and live jazz nights. Guests receive access to exclusive events like chef’s table experiences and wine pairings with local artisans, blending luxury, gastronomy, and cultural storytelling.