Kuroshio Town (Kochi)
What is Kochi (Kuroshio Town)?
Kuroshio-cho in Kochi Prefecture has a beautiful coastline facing the Pacific Ocean and a rich natural environment.
Kuroshio Town is also known as one of the best whale-watching spots in Japan, with many tourists visiting every year to encounter whales and dolphins.
As the name suggests, the Kuroshio Current (warm current) flows into the sea in Kuroshio Town, attracting plankton in abundance, which in turn attracts a diverse array of marine life.
It is a great spot for whale and dolphin watching!
Whale watching in Kochi (Kuroshio Town)
The whale-watching season in Kuroshio-cho is from April to September, during spring and summer.
Bryde's whales are mainly observed offshore, and their graceful swimming and dynamic breaching (jumping to the surface) can be seen up close.
Whale-watching tours in Kuroshio-cho are led by local fishermen and guides, so you can enjoy observing whales safely.
Hearing the knowledge and episodes about whales and dolphins will surely make this an unforgettable experience!
Sightseeing spots around Kochi (Kuroshio Town)
Irino Coast
Irino Coast, a representative scenic spot of Kuroshio Town, has a vast 4-km-long sandy beach where visitors can enjoy surfing and strolling along the beach. It is also popular as a sunset spot.
Address: Irino, Kuroshio-cho, Hata-gun, Kochi 789-1931
Sandy Beach Art Museum
The Sand Beach Art Museum, located on a corner of Irino Beach, is a unique art museum that exhibits various artworks on the beach. Visitors can enjoy the fusion of nature and art.
Address: Irino, Kuroshio-cho, Hata-gun, Kochi 789-1931
Ohata Whale Watching Center
If you enjoy whale watching in Kuroshio Town, visit the Ohkata Whale Watching Center. There are materials and exhibits on the ecology of whales and dolphins, allowing visitors to gain preliminary knowledge before observing them.
Address: 227 Irino, Kuroshio-cho, Hata-gun, Kochi 789-1931
Kochi (Kuroshio Town) Details
Location | Kuroshio-cho, Hata-gun, Kochi Prefecture (View in MAP) |
Access | Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Kochi City or 10 minutes by car from Tosa Irino Station on the Tosa-Kuroshio Railway. |
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