Port of Kochi cruise port guide

Port of Kochi — Kochi, Japan.

Kochi, on the Pacific coast of Shikoku, is a relaxed, sunny city known for its original hilltop castle, its lively Hirome Market, seared bonito (katsuo no tataki) and as the hometown of Sakamoto Ryōma, the samurai who helped shape modern Japan.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Kochi?

Large cruise ships berth at Kochi New Port (Kochi Shinkō), about 10 km south-east of the city centre. Shuttle buses usually run to central Kochi (around 30 minutes); taxis are also available at the pier.

Getting around

Central Kochi is compact and walkable; the historic Tosaden trams run east–west and north–south through the centre. Katsurahama beach is about 30 minutes by taxi or bus.

Don't miss

• Kochi Castle — one of Japan's twelve castles with an original keep, with views over the city.
• Hirome Market — a bustling food hall of stalls and shared tables.
• Sunday Market — a 300-year-old street market along Otesuji (Sundays only).
• Katsurahama — a scenic beach with a statue of Sakamoto Ryōma.
• Chikurinji Temple — temple 31 of the Shikoku pilgrimage, on Mount Godai.

Planning your day

Take the shuttle into town, climb to Kochi Castle, then have lunch at Hirome Market; add Katsurahama if time allows.

Food & drink

Kochi is famous for bonito and a hearty drinking culture.

Where to eat

• Hirome Market — Watch bonito being flame-seared and eat at shared tables.

Must try

• Katsuo no tataki — Bonito seared over a straw fire, served with garlic and salt.
• Yuzu — Kochi grows much of Japan's yuzu — try it in drinks and sweets.

Know before you go

• 🗣️Language — Japanese; English signage at main sights, but little English spoken elsewhere.
• 📋Documents — Carry your passport; Japan conducts immigration checks for cruise passengers.
• 🛍️Shopping & hours — Currency is the Japanese yen (JPY); carry cash for markets and small shops, though cards are increasingly accepted.
• 🌤️Weather — Warm and sunny; typhoon season runs August–October.
• 📶Connectivity — Good mobile coverage; free Wi-Fi in some public places.
• ♿Accessibility — The castle involves steep paths and stairs; trams have steps.
• ⏱️Getting back — Allow time for the shuttle back from the city to the port.

Sources: visitkochijapan.com; japan.travel; wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi