Kochi, Finally

2023 Spring Asia Cruises I - Holland America Westerdam Singapore to Yokohama

March 11, 2023 (Saturday) - Kochi, Japan

Kochi was a canceled port on one of our previous cruises, so we were looking forward to be there finally. After another day at sea, we arrived at this beautiful port early in the morning. 

I have done a lot of research about this port when we were planning to be in this city but apparently, things have changed. One of the changes was that it used to provide complimentary shuttles from port to the center of town but on this trip, they were charging $25 per person for a roundtrip shuttle ride. I must say that was a little steep for the six of us so we decided to take taxis into town. 

The taxi line was still very short at that time since we got out early. We must be about 4th or 5th in line, so it wasn't bad. The problem was not having taxis coming into port and only came one at a time. We waited and waited as the line got longer and finally got on the two taxis we needed. 

Prices for taxis posted next to the taxi line.

It was about a 25-minute ride on the taxi that took us from the cruise terminal to Kochi Castle, for less than 3200Y. It dropped us off right at the entrance so it was very convenient. There were a lot of people there already on this sunny day.

Kochi Castle

Main gate of Kochi Castle.

A small bridge right outside.

Kochi Castle-A National Treasure

Entrance

Now, we need to hike up.

A large open area half way up with restrooms nearby.

Beautiful!

The plaza at the very top where the castle stands.

There were many tourists trying to get inside the castle for a fee and they required that people going in need to take off their shoes. We have been inside many castles, so we decided there's no need for us to go in. We just explored the grounds and enjoyed the sunshine and the views.

The moat around the castle.

Right across from the entrance is the Kochi Castle Museum of History.

A spectacular building.

From the castle, we took a nice walk to Hirome Market, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Our goal is to have lunch at the famous Myojinmaru for their straw-seared bonito meal. 

Myojinmaru

We were a little early and the place was not ready yet.

We managed to find a place where we could wait as we enjoyed a variety of fish cakes from other stalls. As we were waiting, I saw Cheryl who was on our tour group while in Taiwan so I went and talked to them. It turned out that we were first in line for Myojinmaru as we were just talking our way right in front of the stall. Worked out well! 

The very courteous staff showed us how to order our food as we led the line through. 

Searing the fish with straw for all to see.

The line got longer and longer.

We ordered 3 salted and 3 sauce meal sets.

This is a sauce set that comes with rice and miso soup. What a great experience!

Leaving the very busy market after lunch.

Vendors outside the main entrance to the market.

Sign at the main entrance.

Which leads to the shopping arcade right across.

A huge shopping arcade with many interesting shops.

Nice!

After four or five long blocks of indoor shopping arcade, we came out to look for the Harimaya Bridge which tells of a monk who got caught buying a gift for a forbidden lover. 

So cute!

Then we crossed the street to another long block of shopping at the Harimayabashi Shopping Arcade before returning to the cruise port on taxis. 

Locals gave us a very nice send-off performance as our ship sailed out of this port.

Many waved us 'goodbyes'. 

We ended our day with another wonderful dinner at the main dining room.

I really enjoyed our time here at Kochi on this beautiful spring day. Such a pleasant experience exploring without being rushed. I know there are so much more to see here but that'll have to wait for our next trip!

One more sea day and we should be back in Yokohama once again before boarding another ship.

For video of this trip in Kochi, please click here.

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."  -- Mark 2:17