KOCHI ORIGINAL FOOD CULTURE

Isolated from the rest of Japan by mountains and sea, the people of Kochi have developed a warm and lively sense of community that is embodied in their original food culture, Tosa cuisine. Named for the region’s historical appellation, Tosa province, it incorporates seafood from the Kuroshio Current and a variety of local ingredients. Meals are relaxed affairs, where people come together and share dishes such as sawachi ryori, which roughly translates to “a plate heaped high”. This generous spread of seafood and sushi is served on a large platter, enabling guests to help themselves and hosts to relax and stay out of the kitchen. This communal food culture can be experienced at places like Hirome Ichiba, a food market where visitors and locals can enjoy the very best of Tosa cuisine together.