Kōchi Prefecture facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kōchi Prefecture
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|||
 |
|||
| Country | Japan | ||
| Region | Shikoku | ||
| Island | Shikoku | ||
| Capital | Kōchi (city) | ||
| Subdivisions | Districts: 6, Municipalities: 34 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 7,103.93 km2 (2,742.84 sq mi) | ||
| Area rank | 14th | ||
| Population
(December 1, 2011)
|
|||
| • Total | 757,914 | ||
| • Rank | 45th | ||
| • Density | 106.68/km2 (276.3/sq mi) | ||
| ISO 3166 code | JP-39 | ||
| Website | |||
| Symbols | |||
| Bird | Fairy pitta (Pitta nympha) | ||
| Flower | Yamamomo (Myrica rubra) | ||
| Tree | Yanase Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) | ||
Kōchi Prefecture is a special area in Japan. It is located on the south coast of Shikoku, one of Japan's main islands. The capital city of Kōchi Prefecture is Kōchi City.
Contents
Discovering Kōchi's Past
Before Japan's modern era, Kōchi was known as Tosa Province. Powerful families ruled this land. The Chōsokabe clan was in charge during the Sengoku period, a time of many wars. Later, the Yamauchi clan took control during the peaceful Edo period.
Kōchi City is also famous as the birthplace of Sakamoto Ryōma. He was a very important leader who helped change Japan in the 1800s.
Exploring Kōchi's Geography
Kōchi Prefecture is in the southwest part of Shikoku island. It faces the huge Pacific Ocean. To the northwest, it shares a border with Ehime Prefecture. To the northeast, it borders Tokushima Prefecture.
Kōchi is the largest of Shikoku's four prefectures in size. However, it has the fewest people living there. Most of Kōchi is covered by mountains. There are only a few flat areas near the coast, like around Kōchi City and Nakamura.
Kōchi is well-known for its many clear rivers. The Shimanto River is the most famous. It is one of the few rivers in Japan that has no dams. The Yoshino River also starts in Kōchi.
The highest mountain in Kōchi Prefecture is Inamura-yama. It is 1,506 meters (about 4,941 feet) above sea level. About 7% of Kōchi's land is protected as natural parks. This helps keep its beautiful nature safe.
Fun Things to Do in Kōchi
.jpg)
Kōchi has many exciting places to visit.
- Kōchi Castle: This is one of only 12 original castles left in Japan. It's a great place to learn about old Japanese history.
- Okō Castle: These are the ruins of a main castle once owned by the Chōsokabe clan. Today, the Kōchi Prefectural Museum of History is located here.
- Katsurahama Beach: A beautiful beach known for its scenic views.
- Ryugado Cave: This is one of Japan's three most famous caves. You can explore amazing underground formations.
- Shimanto River: You can enjoy boat rides or kayaking on this clean, undammed river.
- Godaisan: A mountain with a temple and a botanical garden, offering great views.
- Anpanman Museum: A fun museum dedicated to the popular Japanese cartoon character, Anpanman.
- Yosakoi Festival: This is a lively dance festival that started in Kōchi. People perform unique dances all over Japan.
Delicious Food in Kōchi
Kōchi is famous for a special dish called Katsuo no Tataki. This dish is made from Bonito fish, which is like a type of Tuna. The fish is quickly seared, meaning it's cooked very fast on the outside but stays raw on the inside.
Traditionally, people sear the bonito over straw fires. This gives it a unique smoky flavor.
.jpg)
Another unique food tradition in Kōchi is "Sawachi." This is a big feast served on large dishes. Families and friends gather around the "Sawachi" and take their own portions. This style shows how much people in Kōchi value freedom and informal gatherings.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Prefectura de Kōchi para niños
Images for kids
-
Skyline of Kōchi City
-
Sakamoto Ryōma
-
Cape of Muroto
-
Yosakoi dancers
-
Nankoku City
-
Shimanto City
-
Susaki City
-
Kōnan City
-
Ino Town
-
Nahari Town
-
Motoyama Town
-
Ochi Town
