With a rich history, fascinating annual festivals, and one of Japan's dozen original castles still standing, Kochi Prefecture has a wealth of destinations for travelers to appreciate. There is plenty of natural beauty in this region, too, with the spring season offering some great floral color to enjoy. This guide covers five destinations that are at their best during this time of year.
Kagamino Park
Kagamino Park is a destination that feels wonderfully romantic in spring, thanks to a 200 meter-long cherry tree tunnel which naturally ends up as quite the popular photo spot. A festival is held here when the blooms are at their best, which typically tends to be around the late March to early April timeframe.
Miyanokuchi, Tosayamada Cho, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture 782-0003
Kagami Tulip Garden
Located right by Kagami Station, the Kagami Tulip Garden is said to be the largest tulip display in all of Shikoku. The venue is home to an incredible 9 million tulips during spring, covering almost 200 different varieties. Families with children will enjoy how much there is to keep the little ones occupied here – a playground area and a ride-on train are a couple of the highlights.
Kagamicho Kishimoto, Konan, Kochi 781-5331
Makino Park
The cherry trees at Kochi's Makino Park have quite an interesting story behind them. They were grown from seedlings provided by Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a revered botanist who was famous for classifying an extensive range of Japanese plants. Dr. Makino was born in Kochi Prefecture, and the park was named in honor of him.
2458 Ko, Sakawa, Takaoka District, Kochi 789-1201
Kizenzan Park
Kizenzan Park is primarily known for its rhododendrons – they number around 30,000, ensuring a massive burst of color in spring. The best time to catch them at their peak is around the mid-April to early May timeframe.
Motoyama, Nagaoka District, Kochi 781-3601
Nyuta Willow Forest
Visit the Nyuta Willow Forest in early spring and you'll be greeted with the sight of approximately 10 million nanohana flowers blanketing the grounds by the Shimanto River. On weekends during the blooming period, local products are also sold at the venue, so bring some yen if you plan to make a purchase.
Nyuta, Shimanto, Kochi 787-0020
