Kochi travel guides: the Shimanto River, Pacific capes, street markets, and Shikoku’s wild southern coast.
A practical 5-day Shikoku itinerary covering Naoshima art island, Kotohira Shrine, Iya Valley vine bridge, Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle and Kochi — with 2026 prices, transport notes, and the All Shikoku Rail Pass changes.
Japan is a country of castles, but few are as special as Kochi Castle (高知城). While many of Japan’s castles are modern reconstructions, Kochi Castle is one of only twelve that still has its original main keep (tenshu) from the…
Field notes, weekly
One email a week. The Japan worth planning around.
Nearly every image on Hidden Japan Gems was photographed by me on a Sony α7 across five years of walking Japan; a few licensed photos fill the gaps. Please don't re-use my photos without permission — reach out if you'd like to.
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