Kochi

Kochi is one of those places that quietly sticks with you, not because it’s flashy, but because it reveals itself in layers. I’ve had the chance to visit twice, and both times felt like very different versions of the same story.

My first visit was during the Yosakoi Matsuri in August 2023. The city was alive with energy, but oddly quiet at the same time. Most shops had shuttered for the festival, leaving me to wander largely empty streets accented by the occasional statue or piece of public art. I found my way to the iconic red bridge, Harimayabashi, where people in dinosaur costumes were mingling with the crowd. The parades were in full swing, with dancers in coordinated outfits and music blaring from colorfully decked-out trucks. I didn’t eat anything from the vendors (shyness wins again), but the scent of fried things and sweet glazes was everywhere. Eventually, I climbed up toward Kochi Castle, which offered a quiet break from the bustling celebration below.

By contrast, my second visit in April 2025 started underground, literally. I began the day exploring Ryugado Cave, ducking through tight rock formations and admiring nature’s stalactite handiwork. A small shrine tucked inside the cave added an unexpected spiritual touch. After surfacing, a motorcoach took me back to revisit the castle grounds, now framed by a riot of cherry blossoms, their petals softening the edges of the stone walls. Spring had transformed the scene entirely.

The skies began to clear just as I reached Katsurahama Beach, where the waves rolled in under a much-welcome burst of sun. I ended my afternoon with a short walk up to Watatsumi Shrine, perched above the sea with bold red accents and a quiet energy that felt like a reward for the climb. After days of clouds and rain, the sunshine finally broke through, just in time to light up the view.