7 Parks in Kōchi worth your time

Kōchi Prefectural Ashizuri Aquarium SATOUMI showcases Ashizuri's ecosystem, connecting visitors with local marine life.

What it is

• An aquarium in Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture.
• Known by its nickname, SATOUMI.
• Opened on May 2, 1975, and reopened on July 18, 2020.
• Exhibits the Ashizuri ecosystem, linked to Tatsukushi Bay.

What to see

• Displays of Ashizuri primeval forest and Tatsukushi Bay on the 1st floor.
• Displays of Ashizuri primeval forest and Tatsukushi Bay on the 2nd floor.
• Collaborates with the Tatsukushi Visitor Center.

Getting there

• Accessible by Kochi Seinan Kotsu bus.

Address

787-0452 高知県土佐清水市三崎字今芝4032 Map

Official site

kaiyoukan.jp

Read more about Kōchi Prefectural Ashizuri Aquarium Satoumi

Katsurahama Aquarium: a historic aquarium in a scenic park, showcasing local marine life.

What it is

• Opened in April 1931.
• Designated Kochi Prefecture Museum No. 1 in March 1952.
• Became a public interest incorporated association in April 2013.
• Located within Katsurahama Park.

What to see

• Exhibits about 250 species.
• Houses 7,000 marine and river creatures.

When to go

• Open from 9:00 to 17:00.
• No closing days.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from JR Kochi Station.

Official site

katurahama-aq.jp

Read more about Katsurahama Aquarium

This zoo offers unique exhibits and conservation efforts, making it a worthwhile visit for animal lovers.

What it is

• A zoological park in Kochi Prefecture.
• Opened to the public on November 3, 1991.
• Manages species conservation efforts across Japan.
• A member of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

What to see

• A biodome exhibit.
• The Jungle Museum, an indoor tropical rainforest environment.

When to go

• Open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays.

Address

高知県香南市野市町大谷738番地 Map

Official site

noichizoo.or.jp

Read more about Noichi Zoological Park of the Kochi Prefecture

City park on a mountain with city views, cherry trees, and a historic samurai cemetery.

What it is

• A city park on Mount Hitsuzan, 100 meters above sea level.
• Covers 39 hectares.
• Originally Chōe Castle, used by generals in the Nanboku-chō period.

What to see

• Views of Kochi city from the park.
• 7-meter-high observation deck, built in 2008.
• Over 1,000 cherry trees.
• Yamauchi family cemetery on Hitsuzan North Peak.
• Cemetery is a National Historic Site since 2016.

Read more about Hitsuzan Park

A unique aquarium in a renovated schoolhouse, showcasing local marine life and sea turtles.

What it is

• A renovated former elementary school, opened in 2018.
• Managed by the NPO Japan Sea Turtle Association.
• Houses about 50 species and 1000 marine animals.
• Registered as a museum in February 2024.

What to see

• Marine animals, mostly from local fishermen.
• Sea turtles are among the animals kept.
• Some animals can be touched by visitors.

Official site

www.city.muroto.kochi.jp

Read more about Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium

Kochi Athletic Recreation Park: a large urban park with diverse sports facilities, worth visiting for active recreation.

What it is

• An urban park owned by Kochi Prefecture.
• Opened in the autumn of 1979.
• Used by Seibu Lions for spring training.
• Main venue for the 57th National Sports Festival.

What to see

• A baseball field.
• A track and field stadium.
• A gymnasium.
• A swimming pool.
• A sumo wrestling arena.
• Tennis courts and a shooting range.

Address

高知県高知市春野町芳原2485 Map

Read more about Kochi Athletic Recreation Park

Explore dramatic coastlines, underwater parks, and a scenic valley in southwest Shikoku.

What it is

• A national park in southwest Shikoku.
• Designated in 1955 as a Quasi-National Park.
• Became a National Park in 1972, expanding to include Uwakai.

What to see

• Dramatic coastline from Cape Ashizuri to Uwakai.
• Six designated underwater parks.
• Inland areas including Nametoko Valley.

Official site

www.env.go.jp

Read more about Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park