How many of you like traveling? I think most of the people say "yes". Recently, many people choose to travel foreign countries but there are many good places in Japan, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido etc. What I want to explain here is I would like to recommend where my grand-parents live, Kochi prefecture.
I think most of the people have heard at least the name "Kochi", but I think only few people know about Kochi. Kochi is known as "southern country". It's in Shikoku. It faces the Pacific Ocean and it takes about an hour from Tokyo by airplane. It has a mild climate with bright sunlight. So, it's very hot in summer, but warm in winter.Because of this climate, there are many fruites and vegitables you can
gain.
There are many good places for sight-seeing too. One of the most important sight-seeing
spot in kochi is Kochi-Jo Castle. It stands on a hill in the center part of Kochi city. It is designed as a national historical spot. Another famouse spot is the Simanto River. It's said to be the last natural nondamned river in Japan.
In Kochi prefecture, many traditional influence and customs from ancient Japan still remain. In August, there is a festival called "Yosakoi Festival". This is the biggest festival in Kochi prefecture. Separated into many groups, you dance on the street, holding "Naruko" in hand, which is traditional wooden instrument in one of it's well-known characteristics. Most people in Kochi is looking forward to this festival every year. I heard that there are many forign people came to join this
festival. What good about this festival is every body can enjoy and watching the dancing is also fun. Because, each group has different costumes with different dancing performance.
When traveling, what you cannot forget is food. In Kochi, Katsuo(bonito) is famous.There is a special dish called "katsuo no tataki". It is very delicious!! If you have chance to eat, please try. As I said Kochi faces the Pacific ocean, seafood is very fresh and delicious.
At last, I would like to tell you the famous people in Kochi. The most famous historical
person in Kochi prefecture is "Sakamoto Ryoma". I think every one have learned about him in Japanese history. He is the one of the people who tried to reform the system of Japan.
He wanted Japan to open trade with foreign countries. So, he played an important role in Japanese history. There is a statue of him at Katsurahama. It is also famous sight-seeing spot in Kochi.
What I mentioned in here is just one part. If you could know little bit more about Kochi
prefecture than before you read this, I am happy. I think seeing is believing!! So,
if you have chance, please go!! If you want to know more about Kochi prefecture, click here!
