Top 10 Popular Spots Around Tosa-Yamada Station – A Trip Full of Sightseeing and Gourmet Delights!

There are fascinating sightseeing spots around Tosa-Yamada that you wouldn't have imagined. You can find one of Japan's top zoos and even a rare exhibition of classic cars from around the world. There are also natural hot springs where you can enjoy a truly authentic experience.

Here, we have carefully selected and introduced 10 must-visit sightseeing spots around Tosa-Yamada.

1. Kochi Castle – One of Japan's Top 100 Castle

When it comes to historical landmarks near Tosa-Yamada, Kochi Castle stands out. It is one of the most popular historic structures in Shikoku. Built during the Edo period, it served as the administrative headquarters of the Tosa Domain.

Kochi Castle survived the devastation of World War II, preserving its original appearance. In 2006, it was designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, and in 1950, it was recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Inside the castle, you’ll find various historical structures, including Ninomaru, Honmaru, Sannomaru, Suginodan, the Statue of Itagaki Taisuke, and Otemon Gate. At Suginodan, there is also a statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo’s wife, who supported him with her wisdom and dedication.

The castle grounds include Kochi Park, a relaxing spot for locals. While the castle requires an entrance fee, the park is free to enter. Kochi Castle also has an official website promoting its historical value nationwide.

2. Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden – Famous in Japan and Worldwide

Founded in 1958, the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden was established in honor of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, known as the "Father of Japanese Plant Taxonomy." Located on Mt. Godaisan, the 6-hectare garden is home to 3,000 species of wild plants.

Very few places in Japan house such a vast collection of wild plants, making this garden a major attraction for nature lovers from all over the country. In 1999, the garden expanded, adding the Makino Tomitaro Memorial Hall to enhance education and research.

The large garden is divided into eight sections, each featuring different plant varieties:
Main Hall Area, Exhibition Hall Area, Medicinal Plant Zone, Canna & Rose Garden, Southern Garden, 50th Anniversary Garden, Greenhouse, and Japanese Traditional Horticulture Display.

Inside the Greenhouse, different zones feature exotic plants from tropical regions. A viewing deck at the center offers a great vantage point. The Jungle Zone is a must-see, showcasing rare plants that are normally found only in real jungles.

3. Chikurin-ji Temple – A Yosakoi Bushi Dance Landmark

Chikurin-ji Temple is one of the 88 pilgrimage sites of Shikoku. It is also known as the setting of the Yosakoi Bushi folk song and dance, and is famous as a learning temple where scholars and monks gather. Next to the temple gate is the Makino Tomitaro Memorial Museum, dedicated to the renowned botanist.

Mt. Godaisan: Standing 145 meters high, this is a city park in Kochi Prefecture. It is named after the original Mt. Wutai in China, which has an elevation of 3,000 meters.

Five-Story Pagoda: Built in 1980 (Showa 55), this 31.5-meter-high structure is made of solid cypress in the early Kamakura period architectural style.
Chikurin-ji hosts various annual events, including: New Year's Special Prayer for Success and Good Fortune, First Monju Ceremony on January 25, Flower Festival on April 8, and Summer Monju Ceremony on June 24. Visiting during these events offers a chance to experience unique Japanese traditions.

4. Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoo – See Animals in Various Environments

Located near Tosa-Yamada, Kochi Prefectural Noichi Zoo is a popular spot for families and tourists alike. Many visitors from outside the prefecture also come to enjoy the zoo.

The zoo is divided into six zones:

Temperate Forest – Recreates regions with distinct seasons, such as Europe, eastern North America, and East Asia. Tropical Forest – Simulates humid tropical rainforests from Africa and Southeast Asia, featuring chimpanzees and ring-tailed lemurs.

Jungle Museum – Built in 1995, it is Japan's first all-weather indoor rainforest exhibit, allowing visitors to explore even on rainy days.

Africa & Australia Zone – Opened in 1997, this zone replicates the African savanna, home to giraffes and kangaroos, with three observation decks for panoramic views.

Children’s Zoo – Features penguins, prairie dogs, and miniature ponies, allowing kids to observe animals up close through glass enclosures.

Animal Science Museum – An educational space where children can learn about nature and wildlife.

5. Ryugado Cave – One of Japan's Three Major Limestone Caves

Located in southeastern Kochi, Ryugado Cave is one of Japan’s Three Great Limestone Caves. In 1934, it was designated a National Natural Monument and Historic Site. The cave extends 4 km, with 1 km open for exploration.

The Ryugado Museum is attached to the cave, displaying artifacts from the Yayoi period, making it a site of great historical significance. Inside the cave, you will find Stone Flower Hall, Flying Dragon Waterfall, Amagoi Stone, Oku no Senbon, Urami Waterfall, and the Seven Lucky Gods Hall.

6. Nagaoka Onsen – A Natural Hot Spring with Various Baths

A perfect day-trip hot spring, Nagaoka Onsen sources 36°C natural hot spring water from 1,200 meters underground. While slightly heated, it remains close to a natural free-flowing onsen.

The sodium chloride hot spring is known to help with nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, bruises, and cold sensitivity. The onsen has multiple indoor baths, an open-air bath, waterfall showers, and a sauna. For women, the "esthetic bath" is a popular feature, designed to improve blood circulation and enzyme balance.

On select days, a special "ladies & kids bath" is offered, with floating rose petals, creating a relaxing and luxurious experience. Additionally, a gym and pool are available, making it a popular sports and wellness facility for locals. Many people work out at the gym first and then relax in the hot spring. The sports facilities are on the first floor, while the onsen is on the second floor.

7. Classic Car Museum – A World Born from Personal Passion

The World Classic Car Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, featuring historically valuable classic cars. The museum houses 20 classic cars, some over 100 years old. Among the rare exhibits are the Fiat and Legnano Roadster, with only two of their kind in the world.

The 1907 Legnano Roadster from Italy, with its striking red body, has a completely unique design compared to modern cars. Other highlights include vintage vehicles like the Dodge (USA), Austin 7 (UK), and Ford Model C (USA). The early model Mercedes-Benz is also a stunning sight.

Located next to the Shikoku Automobile Museum, this is a must-see attraction when visiting Tosa-Yamada.

8. Onsen Café Kohanyu – A Natural Flowing Hot Spring with Organic Cuisine

Kochi is home to many hot spring attractions, and Onsen Café Kohanyu is one of the best. This natural free-flowing onsen is located by a dam lake. The water has a greenish hue and is slightly cloudy, with a weak alkaline, sodium chloride composition.

The bathhouse features multiple types of baths, including a natural rock bath and a marble bath. The large windows offer a view of the lake, making it an especially beautiful experience in autumn when the leaves change color.

Beyond the hot spring, Onsen Café Kohanyu is also known for its delicious organic food. Local pesticide-free vegetables, katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), "Inaka Zenzai" (sweet red bean soup), natural yeast bread, and organic coffee are among the highly recommended menu items.

9. Honiya Kochi Main Store – A Showcase of Yosakoi Festival Costumes

Honiya Kochi Main Store is a famous shop that produces costumes for Kochi’s renowned Yosakoi Festival. With multiple awards in the festival, the store is widely known among locals.

Each year, they create stunning new designs that impress festival-goers and fashion enthusiasts alike. The shop is so popular that tourists from outside the prefecture visit just to see the costumes. If you're sightseeing in the Tosa-Yamada area, this store is a must-visit.

10. Get Precious Coral Accessories at Kiyooka Coral Shop

When it comes to coral specialty stores around Tosa-Yamada, Kiyooka Coral Shop is one of the most famous and historic shops in Kochi Prefecture.

This store primarily sells coral accessories, including brooches, Seven Lucky Gods figurines, prayer beads, earrings, straps, and pendants. Since natural coral develops uniquely in the wild, no two pieces are ever the same, making each accessory one-of-a-kind.

Prices are affordable, ranging from 500 yen to several thousand yen. The store offers red coral, pink coral, and white coral, with red coral being the most valuable. Since climate change is threatening coral reefs, now might be the best time to own a unique coral accessory.

◎ Summary

Tosa-Yamada offers a wide range of attractions, from historical sites to automobile museums and unique shopping experiences. If you ever visit Tosa-Yamada, be sure to stop by these must-see places!

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Top 10 Popular Spots Around Tosa-Yamada Station – A Trip Full of Sightseeing and Gourmet Delights!