Kochi, Japan Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

Sun-kissed KOCHI lies dead centre of the arch-shaped southern prefecture of Shikoku. Texts from 712 refer to the area as "Takeyoriwake", meaning "brave and manly country" – a reputation enforced by the city being the birthplace of some of Japan's most impressive historical figures. Tosa was the next name of the area and is still used by people today, particularly when referring to the local cuisine. It wasn't until 1603, when ruling daimyo Yamaguchi Katsutoyo named his castle Kochiyama (now Kochi-jo), that the city adopted its present name. The castle is still the … more »