A short drive takes you to the city, across the Shimoda river and up to Mt.Godaisan, where you’ll visit two of Kochi’s beautiful landmarks overlooking the city. You’ll visit Chikurinji Temple, set among a forest like landscape and known as a temple of learning, it offers a tranquil setting and an interesting array of halls and structures, including a beautiful five-storied pagoda. The treasure hall displays several Buddhist statues and scrolls of great importance, and the Hondo (main hall) offers a view of the building's interior and a nicely kept garden. Near Chikurinji temple you’ll find the Makino Botanical Garden, built in 1958 to honor Kochi born and father of Japanese botany, Dr. Tomitaro Makino. The spacious garden, housing about 3000 species of plants, includes extensive walking paths, outdoor parks, a greenhouse and several large museum halls with excellent information and displays on Dr. Makino and his field of study. The Exhibition Hall’s permanent exhibit focuses on the achievements and life of Dr. Makino. Another feature of the hall is the interactive world of plants, which can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.

OVERVIEW

Learn about Kochi's customs and folk beliefs to pop culture with a day-long excursion to Kami City. Your journey begins with two experiences: Manga and the Folk belief "Izanagi-ryu". The Izanagi-ryu does not have a founder or religious sites like that of a shrine or temple, nor does it have an organizational structure like a religious sect or cult. At first, you can enjoy watching Izanagi-ryu Kagura is a ritual dance which has been transmitted in the Monobe region of Kami City since the past and holds high cultural value. After that everyone will experience of cutting the sacred pepper wands "gohei". Enjoy drawing demonstration and discussion with an active manga artist of Kochi. Those who wish can also have a drawing experience. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will head to the fluff factory, the last stop of the trip, to watch artisans make colorful "fluffs" that are traditionally given to a newborn son in hopes of a prosperous future.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Washi paper was first made in Japan and is used in many traditional arts due to its beauty and durability. Today, you’ll discover the art of Washi paper making at a craft village surrounded by the rich natural setting of the Niyodo River. A drive through the city and into the scenic countryside takes you to the Craft Village situated nearby Niyodo River. The Niyodo River is famous for its transparency and having the highest quality water in Japan. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that unfolds as you travel to your destination. Arriving at the craft village, you will experience how Tosa washi paper is made by hand, the traditional way. The mountainous area around Kochi provides the raw materials needed and the Niyodo River plenty of the water used in its production. Although the origins of paper are not conclusively known, according to the Engishiki (a record of laws & customs), taxes in Tosa Province were collected using papers. It is also estimated that the paper making history goes back at least 1,000 years. Enjoy the long history of paper making and experience the beauty of this unique artwork during your visit. Stop to view and photograph the Nagoya Chinka Bridge and the crystal clear waters of the Niyodo River. The bridge was uniquely designed to be underwater during floods and can only be crossed over when the water level is low.

Visit Ekingura Museum and discover the fiery art of local artist Ekin. His paintings capture how people leaved during his time and the vivid red colors, which characterize his creations, are believed to protect the local people from evil spirits and bad luck. The desire of the locals to preserve the legend of Ekin and allow future generations to experience his work, made it possible to create Ekingura. You’ll head to the city center and visit beautiful Kochi Castle, an imposing structure atop Otakasa Hill. First constructed at the beginning of the 17th Century, the building has survived many invasions, fires and natural disasters of the post feudal age. Reconstructed in 1748 after a devastating fire, today stands as the symbol of Kochi. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 best castles, and designated important cultural property. It is also the only 12 remaining Japanese castles to have retained both its original inner keep and palace. During your visit, you’ll learn of its fascinating history and enjoy its wealth of local treasures and historical objects.

Discover nature's creative ability to carve into limestone when you visit Ryugado Caves and the manmade, impressive Kochi Castle. Explore Ryugado Caves, on the slopes of Mount Sampo. Ryugado cave is one of the three major beautiful limestone caves in Japan, with approximately 175 million years of history. This cave is registered in the list of national heritage and sites. Artifacts and earthenware have been found here, indicating that the caves were inhabited about 2000 years ago. You would enjoy not only the dynamics of the natural stone pillars, but also interesting formations such as God’s vessel. Most rock formations are named after figures of Japanese mythology. In addition to its remarkable formations, the caves are home to about 100 animal species, which include bats, shrimp and crabs. Visit Kochi castle, the city’s most impressive landmark, offering splendid views of the city. First constructed at the beginning of the 17th Century, the building has survived many invasions, fires and natural disasters of the post feudal age. Reconstructed in 1748 after a devastating fire, today stands as the symbol of Kochi. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 best castles, and designated important cultural property. It is also the only 12 remaining Japanese castles to have retained both its original inner keep and palace. During your visit, you’ll learn of its fascinating history and enjoy its wealth of local treasures and historical objects.

Explore Kochi Castle, enjoy the views of the city and spend some free time in one of the most beautiful beaches Kochi. Kochi Castle, an imposing structure atop Otakasa Hill, offers splendid views of the city from its privileged setting. First constructed at the beginning of the 17th Century, the building has survived many invasions, fires and natural disasters of the post feudal age. Reconstructed in 1748 after a devastating fire, today stands as the symbol of Kochi. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 best castles, and designated important cultural property. It is also the only 12 remaining Japanese castles to have retained both its original inner keep and palace. During your visit, you’ll learn of its fascinating history and enjoy its wealth of local treasures and historical objects. A scenic drive takes you thought some of the city highlights and to Katsurahama, a beautiful beach 30 minutes south of central Kochi. A famous statue of Kochi's favorite son and one of the architects of modern Japan, Sakamoto Ryoma, stands near the beach. He was instrumental in negotiating an alliance between the Choshu and Satsuma clans that helped to bring an end to Japan's feudal age in 1868. You’ll have a little over a half-hour of free time to explore the area. Because of strong currents, swimming is prohibited at Katsurahama. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and walking paths; there is a small shrine on a cliff and other attractions in the area.

Discover nature's creative ability to carve into limestone during your visit to Ryugado Caves. Enjoy a visit to Ryugado Caves, on the slopes of Mount Sampo. Ryugado cave is one of the three major beautiful limestone caves in Japan, with approximately 175 million years of history. This cave is registered in the list of national heritage and sites. Artifacts and earthenware have been found here, indicating that the caves were inhabited about 2000 years ago. You would enjoy not only the dynamics of the natural stone pillars, but also interesting formations such as God’s vessel. Most rock formations are named after figures of Japanese mythology. In addition to its remarkable formations, the caves are home to about 100 animal species, which include bats, shrimp and crabs.