Kochi Prefecture, located in southern Shikoku facing Pacific Ocean, features surviving Kochi Castle keep, Shimanto River called "Japan's last clear stream," and famous bonito pole-and-line fishing. Known as Sakamoto Ryoma's hometown, it attracts numerous tourists with rich nature and Tosa culture. Houses one national treasure building.

Kochi Castle, built by Yamauchi Kazutoyo after Battle of Sekigahara, represents Japan's only castle where both keep and honmaru palace survive. Designated as important cultural property as one of 12 existing keeps, it survived repeated disasters including Nankai earthquakes over 400+ years history. Keep offers spectacular views of Kochi cityscape and Pacific Ocean.

Shimanto River, Shikoku's longest 196-kilometer river flowing through western Kochi Prefecture, is beloved as "Japan's last clear stream." Maintaining natural state without main river dams, it houses numerous freshwater fish including sweetfish, eels, and prawns. Submersible bridges represent signature Shimanto scenery, designed to submerge during floods.

Burakuji Yakushi-do in Otoyo town represents national treasure building, built in 1151 as Shikoku's oldest surviving structure. Yakushi hall built based on Yakushi Nyorai worship, well-preserving late Heian period Japanese-style architectural characteristics.

Bonito pole-and-line fishing represents Kochi Prefecture's signature fishery, with prefecture energizing during first bonito and returning bonito seasons. Straw-grilled bonito tataki represents Kochi's specialty cuisine, searing surface over strong fire while keeping interior raw, typically eaten with condiments including garlic and ginger.

Yosakoi Festival, held annually August 9-12 as Kochi City's largest event, features approximately 200 teams and 20,000 dancers in large-scale festival. Characterized by naruko (wooden clappers) dancing, now inspiring yosakoi-style festivals nationwide.

Tosa-buntan represents Kochi Prefecture's signature citrus featuring elegant sweetness and refreshing aroma. Winter fruit enjoyable December through April, particularly suisho-buntan with high sugar content popular as gifts.

Hirome Market, stall village-style market in Kochi City, represents tourist spot enjoying fresh seafood and Tosa local cuisine. Casual enjoyment of specialty dishes including bonito tataki, Tosa-maki, and countryside sushi with local sake.

Sara-hachi cuisine represents Tosa banquet cuisine featuring large plates with boldly arranged sashimi, sushi, and simmered dishes. Central to "okyaku" banquet culture, expressing Tosa "igosso" (stubborn) temperament.

Active sake brewing features famous brands including Tosa-tsuru, Shibotan, and Suigei. Kochi Prefecture leads Japan in sake consumption, with preference for dry sake earning nickname "Tosa sake is man's sake."