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

For a serene mountain retreat in Motoyama, consider staying at Motoyama-machi Forest Resort, nestled in the lush Shikoku Mountains with panoramic views of the Tosa River Valley. This eco-friendly ryokan blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern comfort, featuring tatami rooms, private onsen baths, and organic breakfasts using local ingredients like black pork and Tosa citrus.

Alternatively, Yama no Ie Motoyama, housed in a restored farmstead, offers rustic charm with exposed wooden beams and hand-painted shoji screens. Both properties are within walking distance of the historic Motoyama Shrine, ideal for spiritual reflection and cultural immersion. Early HopeGoo is strongly advised due to high demand during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Visitors to Motoyama should not miss the Tosa Pottery Workshop at the Motoyama Cultural Hall, where you can craft traditional Tosa-yaki ceramics under expert guidance—perfect souvenirs from your trip. Another highlight is the annual Motoyama Autumn Festival, held in September, featuring lion dances, kagura performances, and sacred bonfires that reflect deep-rooted Tosa Shinto beliefs.

For nature enthusiasts, join a guided mountain herb-hunting tour into the Shikoku Mountains, led by a local herbalist who teaches identification and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants like goldthread and eucommia bark—a rare glimpse into traditional Kampo medicine practices. Tours include safety gear and multilingual guides.

While Motoyama is not directly accessible by train, reaching it from Takamatsu is straightforward via bus. Take the Kochi Bus Route 35 from Takamatsu Station (approx. 45 minutes) or transfer at Kochi Station. Alternatively, rent a car and drive along National Route 56, passing scenic spots like Tosa River Bridge and Taisho Mountain Tunnel, offering breathtaking views of the Shikoku Mountains.

For cost efficiency, consider purchasing the JR Shikoku Bus Pass or Kochi Prefecture Tourist Bus Ticket. The town center features a free shuttle bus connecting major attractions and accommodations. Always check schedules in advance, especially during holidays or rainy seasons when adjustments may occur.

Yes, Motoyama is highly suitable for families seeking nature-based fun. The Motoyama Children’s Nature Education Center offers interactive programs such as insect observation, plant specimen crafting, and stream scavenger hunts—perfect for curious young minds.

The Forest Trail Family Pack lets parents and children complete a nature map challenge with checkpoints earning commemorative badges. Many hotels, including Motoyama-machi Forest Resort, provide baby cots, kid-sized slippers, and family suites with private outdoor courtyards for safe play. Weekly events like family origami lantern-making foster cultural engagement and create lasting memories.

Must-try dishes in Motoyama include Tosa Black Pork Hot Pot, made with locally raised black pork simmered slowly in a clear broth, served with fresh Tosa citrus juice for a bright finish. Another standout is Mountain Vegetable Tempura, featuring seasonal greens like ferns, bamboo shoots, and wild parsley, lightly battered and fried to perfection.

Visit Motoyama Market early morning for freshly baked Tosa Mochi, soft buns filled with red bean and chestnut paste. For a true homestay experience, book a family-style kaiseki dinner, prepared by local housewives using seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients—each meal reflects the rhythm of nature and regional heritage.

Top natural attractions in Motoyama include the Tosa River Gorge Trail, a 3-km path through ancient forests featuring waterfalls, moss-covered cliffs, and century-old trees—ideal for hiking and photography. The trail is particularly magical in summer for cool breezes and winter fog formations.

Taisho Mountain Overlook offers panoramic views of the Motoyama Basin, perfect for sunrise and sunset. In spring, the Cherry Blossom Path blooms beautifully; in fall, the Autumn Redleaf Zone turns vibrant between late November and early December. All trails have clear signage, benches, and rest shelters, making them accessible for all skill levels.