Kochi: Being Spontaneous

   Today, I was originally going to walk to three temples. However, as I was heading towards the first temple, I realized that I was going to be walking all day and my thoughts went back to an article I had read about the Makino Botanical Gardens in Kochi. So, about 1/3 into my journey towards the first temple, I turned around and rode the electric train-trolley back to the main station and asked how I could get to the Botanical Garden. I had to buy a special bus pass (for only about 5-6 dollars), that would take me to all the major sight-seeing areas in Kochi. In the long run, I think this was the best decision that I have ever made. As I was waiting for the bus to pick me up, I heard "Gaijin!" and another "gaijin" approached me. She was an older German woman who now lives in Australia. She had come to Japan once last year and really enjoyed it, so she returned this year. She  was very kind and friendly and recommended a few places as well. Eventually the bus stopped at the Botanical Gardens (which is actually right next to the first temple I had planned to visit (Chikurinji). The Botanical Gardens were quite beautiful. They were built in memorial to Tomitaro Maki.






 As I was leaving the tropical greenhouse, I also heard the words, "White person!" and there was another "gaijin." Apparently, she was a JET program English teacher. She was surprised that I was in Kochi, because Kochi is kind of isolated from the rest of Japan. We had a nice conversation about my travels, the JET program, and other Japanese-y things. After awhile, I excused myself and went on to Chikurinji Temple, which was also beautiful. Because it is on the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Route, there were many pilgrims coming and going (marked by conical hats and white jacket).



This cat looked like it had seen a few wars...
 An elderly Japanese man and I chatted for a bit (in Japanese) about America and Japan. After that, I returned to the bus stop, and then picked up the bus to Katsurahama. Katsurahama is a big harbor area with a beach, aquarium, and a shrine. I focused on the beach and shrine as it was also very beautiful.









   After the beach, I got back onto the bus and returned to my hotel to pick drop off some things. Then I went to Hirome Ichiba which is an indoor food court. I had Kochi's specialty Katsuo no Tataki, which was delicious! The JET who I met earlier also recommended Yuzu (Japanese lemon) Beer (which is plain beer with Yuzu syrup). Yuzu is a specialty of the Kochi area, so I decided to try that as well after my meal and that was also really good. After that, tired but satisfied with my day I returned to my hotel.
   I learned a lot today about being willing to be completely spontaneous and ended up not going by my itinerary, but having probably one of the best travelling experiences I have had yet. I also managed to get my first mild sunburn of the "summer" in the bright, 70 degree weather. Today was really enjoyable and it made me fall in love with Kochi and Shikoku. I will most certainly come back someday!



Location: Kōchi, Kochi Prefecture, Japan

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