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KOCHI
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Kochi
: You may also be looking for the Indian city of Cochin.
Kōchi (高知) , known in ancient times as Tosa (土佐), is the eponymous capital of Kochi prefecture on the Japanese island of Shikoku.
Get in
By plane
Pint-sized Kōchi Ryōma Airport () has flights to Osaka-Itami, Osaka-Kansai, Tokyo-Haneda, Nagoya-Komaki and Naha (Okinawa). Buses to/from Kochi station (35-45 min, ¥700) leave roughly twice an hour.
By train
The JR Dosan Line (土讃線) runs down from Okayama on Honshu via Takamatsu and the Oboke gorge, passing through Kochi on its way to the terminus Kubokawa.
The fastest way to get to Kochi from Okayama is to take the Nanpu Limited Express train, which departs every hour. It costs ¥5990 (no cost with the Japan Rail Pass) and takes 2 1/2 hours.
See
Kochi CastleSunday MarketKatsurahama BeachMt. GodaisanMakino Botanical GardensHarimaya-Bashi (Harimaya bridge)
Do
Yosakoi - A very loud and colorful festival.
Nichi O Ichi (Sunday Market) - Every sunday rain or shine, Kochi's skilled farmers and fisherman flock to the capital to present their goods. At the market you will find friendly vendors offering everything from antiques to zucchini.
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Buy
Katsuo Bushi - Bonito flakes. This is a staple of the Japanese diet and is best in Kochi. It is used as a topping for many dishes and will surely be appreciated by a Japanese friend.
Eat
Katsuo no tataki - This is Kochi's specialty dish and does not taste as good anywhere else! Katsuo is a type of Tuna fish which in English is called Bonito. Tataki is the style in which it is prepared. The tataki style means that the Fish is held over a fire and cooked only on the outside layer (about 3mm to 1cm deep), leaving the inside of the fish red and raw. After the firing it is cut into thick juicy slices that look like oversized sashimi, and served with sliced garlic and onions, shiso (a Japanese leaf with a distinct and delicious taste), some other garnish, a special sauce that may vary, and ofcourse some fresh wasabi. Once it is at your table clutch a slice with your chop sticks along with a generous portion of the garlic, onions, wasabi etc. Take it all in in one bite. Katsuo is best during the Summer and early Fall when the fish arrive off the coast of Kochi after fattening up in the tropics during the winter. Katsuo no tataki can be found in many, many restaurants throughout Kochi Prefecture, but for the cream of the crop go to Kuroson in Kochi City. Kuroson is a small sushi restaurant near OhashiDori, nestled in a narrow alley just behind the Mos Burger on the East West Densha Dori. On most nights you will need a reservation booked well in advance, but if you are on your own or as a couple, you might get lucky and find a spot on a week day. Ask for Shiyo Tataki, a specialty of Kuroson. It a variation of katsuo no tataki prepared in salt, giving it an even more unforgetable...
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Kyoto temples and shrines
Kyoto is full of historical temples and shrines because it was the old capital of Japan. The best way to travel around Kyoto is by foot and bus. At the main train station in Kyoto, one can easily find a map and information on the bus routes including many of the historical buildings and tourist attractions. The bus station is right outside of the train station and all that needs to be done is buy a day pass and use the bus to get around following the map. A lot of the sites are close together so it is easy to walk around from one to the other.
Kiyomizu Dera is one of the more popular temples to visit. Before you leave this temple that is on a hill, it is tradition to drink the water that comes from the mountain tops. You will notice this exiting at the bottom (different from the main entrance). It is best to go when the weather is moderately warm and the sun is out especially to see the Golden Temple.
| Dynamic Tokyo - Tokyo Tower, Tea Ceremony, Sumida River Cruise |
8.5 hours |
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See Tokyo at its Dynamic best! Included in this full day tour are the following highlights:
Tokyo Tower
Enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo from its observatory.
Tea Ceremony and Bonsai Trees
Take part in a traditional tea ceremony and admire the nice looking bonsai trees at the Japanese Garden "Happo-en".
Barbeque Lunch
Have a barbeque lunch at Chinzanso Restaurant. Vegetarian options also available upon request.
National Diet Building (Drive by)
Drive past the Japanese Capitol (the House of Parliament).
Imperial Palace Plaza
Short photo stop at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace.
Ginza Shopping District (Drive through)
Drive through and experience the most celebrated shopping and amusement are in Japan.
Sumida River Cruise
Enjoy a forty-minute boat ride from Hinode pier of Tokyo Bay to Asakusa. The river was the most important waterway for the development of Tokyo.
Asakusa Kannon Temple
The oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo
Nakamise Shopping Street
A promenade section called Nakamise-dori is basically both sides of narrow, paved entranceway to the temple crammed with tiny food and souvenir shops
All passengers receive a free souvenir map of Tokyo!
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Mt Fuji, Hakone and Kyoto by Bullet Train (Sunrise Highlight) |
2 days / 1 night |
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Day 1: Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Hakone - Kyoto
Deluxe motorcoach to the foot of Mt. Fuji via expressway. Then drive halfway up Japan's highest mountain to enjoy a spectacular view from a height of 2,300 meters (7545 feet). Enjoy lunch at the Hotel Highland Resort. After lunch, visit Hakone for a cruise on Lake Ashi and Mt.Komagatake Aerial cableway before boarding a Shinkansen train to the classical city of Kyoto.
Kyoto overnight accommodation (your choice from the following):
Tourist Class Hotel or First Class Hotel
*see Kyoto Accommodation List for details
On Day 2 you can chose to either return to Tokyo or stay in Kyoto and enjoy more sightseeing. Please choose option at time of booking.
Round Trip Course (SH2-R) - Kyoto to Tokyo (Day 2):
Morning sightseeing of Kyoto, visiting Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. After lunch at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, enjoy an afternoon sightseeing of the city, visiting Sanjusangendo Hall, Heian Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Before returning to Tokyo by Shinkansen in the evening. Arriving at Tokyo Station around 9:40pm.
OR
One Way Trip Course (SH2-O) - Kyoto (Day 2)
Morning sightseeing of Kyoto, visiting Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. After lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center enjoy an afternoon sightseeing of the city, visiting Sanjusangendo Hall, Heian Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Drop-off service to hotel in Kyoto around 6:00pm.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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Nihon Sankei
The Three Views of Japan: they are Miyajima, Amanohashidate and Matsushima. Don't expect majestic scenery, for the beauty is much more subtle.
Miyajima is famous for the floating red torii gate. Of course, depending on the timeeee you visit, you might find it lodged in the mud. You get to the island by taking a ferry from Miyajima-guchi, which is on the local line from Hiroshima.
Amanohashidate is the pine tree-lined sand-spit. You are meant to see it, by bending over, and seeing it framed by your legs. The "bridge to heaven" then floats, as you try to achieve some stability. You can get there by train from Kyoto station. JR Rail Pass holders will note that there is an additional supplement for the private leg of the train journey.
Matsushima is a collection of pine laden islets, sitting on a bay. You get there by taking the local train from Sendai to Matsuhima Kaigan station.
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