【Aikido × Travel】Relaxing in Kochi – Day 4, Final Day
Around 8 a.m., we shared our last breakfast with A-san.
She returned to Tokyo, while we set off to explore Kochi area. Having spent three days together, parting felt a little lonely, but with smiles we wished each other a wonderful day ahead.
We rented a car once again, relying on his memory to guide us. Mike told me that when he lived in Kochi, he stayed at the foot of the mountains.
“There’s a temple here.”
Knowing my fondness for shrines and temples, he stopped the car. We climbed the stone steps toward the main hall on the hilltop, and when I turned back, a breathtaking view of the mountain village unfolded before me.
“Wow…”
The clear air and sense of freedom filled my chest. Cherry blossoms lined the roadside, so beautiful that I was left speechless.
This was Jōfukuji Temple of the Shingon sect, Kuriyosan.
Along the stone steps, rapeseed blossoms and yellow water lilies bloomed. In the quiet surroundings, the presence of life felt purifying to the heart.
Grateful to those who protect this place, I offered a small donation. As I searched for coins, Mike gently suggested, “Here, it’s better with bills.” Indeed, this is not a place to be sparing.
Driving further, he suddenly exclaimed with nostalgia:
“I think it was around here… ah, there it is.”
It was the wooden house where he lived in his twenties. Whether someone still resides there is unknown, but surely many experiences were gathered in that home.
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The road grew narrower as we climbed higher in altitude.
“We’re here.”
We parked in a mountain lot and began hiking. Surrounded by trees and rocks, we walked until a waterfall came into view.
Ryūō Falls.
The sight of water plunging straight down captivated me. Listening only to the sound of flowing water washed away stray thoughts, leaving me feeling lighter.
The trail was longer than expected, so we turned back midway to avoid being late returning to Kochi City.
We then drove toward the summit. At the top stood a statue of En no Gyōja, with sweeping views of the mountain ranges.
Clouds painted across a vast canvas, supported by nature itself. Had we hiked all the way, the sense of achievement would have been even greater, but within our limited time, Mike’s kindness in showing me Kochi’s nature warmed my heart. We enjoyed lunch amidst this magnificent scenery.
Afterward, we descended by another route, hoping to find a spring water spot, but instead arrived at a mountain lodge. There we tasted coffee made with spring water and a charcoal-baked roll cake.
The coffee was mild and easy to drink, and the roll cake was not overly sweet—just to my liking. Truly delicious.
Though the narrow mountain roads were challenging, we enjoyed the adventure. With time before meeting a friend, we looked for a hot spring and found a sign for Tosa Reihoku no Yu.
Located right beside the Yoshino River within the Montbell Outdoor Village, it turned out not to be a hot spring but a bathing facility.
Tosa Reihoku no Yu :https://motoyama.outdoorvillage.jp/menu208/contents1004
Fortunately, I had the women’s bath to myself. Stretching out in the spacious tub, I felt the mountain water seep gently into my body, soothing away travel fatigue. Even without hot spring minerals, it was a perfect moment of relaxation.
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Returning to Kochi City, we dropped off the rental car and headed to Hirome Market, a lively food stall village where Kochi’s culinary culture thrives.
When Mike had just started Aikido, he met a Canadian here. They spent much time together in Kochi, and even after parting, they kept in touch. This was their first reunion in about 15 years, since last meeting in Osaka.
In the bustling market, we found a spot and enjoyed seared bonito with salt, fried moray eel, and more. I asked a friend to get yakitori, but it turned out to be quite a challenge to find—sorry about that!
As time passes, not only age but also environment and perspectives change, yet conversation flowed endlessly.
After he left, we offered his seat to a Chinese visitor searching for a place, and somehow ended up chatting with nearby people. Encounters truly are fascinating.
Slightly tipsy, we returned to the hotel.
The next morning, after packing and breakfast, we boarded the airport bus. The flight departed on schedule.
During boarding, the warm send-off from everyone touched my heart—when I waved back, they waved even more enthusiastically, making my chest swell with emotion.
“People are warm.”
That was the lasting impression of this wonderful Aikido journey.
To everyone we met along the way, thank you so much.
【Dojos we visited】
- Nakamura Dojo: https://www.kochiaikidou.com/doujyou3/index.htm
- Kochi Aikido: https://aikidou-kochi.com/
【Accommodation】
- Shimanto City, Nakamura: Nakamura Daiichi Hotel (BBH Hotel Group) 
- Kochi City: Comfort Hotel Kochi 
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