8 Best Hotels & Ryokans in Kochi for Healing by the Sea and Mountains

It's always going back and forth between home and work... If you spend the same day every day, you'll feel a sense of ill-feeling both physically and mentally. If such days continue, you may feel suffocated and not be able to enjoy your normal life. If you feel depressed surrounded by the same scenery, why not refresh yourself at a hotel or ryokan with a superb view?

Known as a place associated with Sakamoto Ryoma, Kochi offers spectacular views of both the sea, such as the Ashizuri and Konan areas, and the mountains, such as the Kitagawa and Tosa areas. Because of its natural topography and climate, the area is rich in seafood from the sea and mountains, as well as many delicious gourmet foods. It is the perfect place to heal both body and soul. Whether it is the sparkling sea or the peaceful mountains... enjoy a stay with a spectacular view that will liberate your mind, depending on your mood and preferences.

An ocean view where you can be healed by the majestic scenery. The surface of the water glistening in the sunlight and the gentle sound of the waves will lighten your heart. A hotel with a sea view is recommended for those who want to feel the sea and feel refreshed, or want to spend a relaxing time watching the sun sink into the horizon.

After about 45 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station, you will arrive at Villa Santorini, which has a space that feels like an overseas resort. The pure white exterior that shines in the blue sea in front of you is said to have been created with the image of Santorini, Greece, which is called the “miracle island”. The view of Tosa Bay from the stylish white-walled building looks just like the Aegean Sea. You can enjoy a dream-like time that will make you forget you are in Japan.

The guest rooms are divided into 4 rooms in the new building and 14 rooms in the main building, both of which are full of resort feeling. This new building is a room with a flat roof built in the image of a captain's house built on the cliffs of Santorini. It is also attractive that you can see the sea on one side in a spacious space. The main building, on the other hand, has a unique cave-like structure that resembles the residences of the ship's crew. You may be wondering whether to immerse yourself in the openness of the new building or enjoy the excitement of the main building.

Dinner at the main dining room "logue" overlooking the sea is an Italian course selected by the chef. The products are made with carefully selected ingredients, such as the fruits of the sea and mountains in Kochi and the olive oil from Greece. Breakfast is served at the restaurant "THIRA". In particular, the “Greek Yogurt with Greek Honey” born in Greece has a healthy and creamy taste. With a rich taste that spreads in your mouth, you can start a happy day.

The pool, which can be used from June to September, also offers a panoramic ocean view. Relaxing on a deck chair and watching the sun sink into the horizon will make you feel romantic and calm. The pool is lit up at night, creating a moody atmosphere that is different from the daytime. Not only the pool, but also everywhere in the hotel is photogenic. Let's take plenty of fun memories.

The Mana Village is located on Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost cape of Shikoku, about an hour's drive from Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway, and is one of the largest resort areas in Shikoku within a national park. There are plenty of sightseeing spots nearby, such as the Tatsukushi Coast, a cultural property designated by Kochi and the Ashizuri Underwater Museum. When you enter the hotel, you will be greeted by the lobby lounge, which overlooks the ocean from a wall of windows. The moment you step inside, a refreshing breeze will blow through your mind.

All guest rooms face the sea, and you can enjoy the ocean view from every room. If you sit by the window and take a deep breath while gazing out at the ocean, the burden on your shoulders will naturally come off and you will feel lighter. Some rooms have terraces and open-air baths, so you can spend a blissful bath time while feeling the comfortable sea breeze. For those who want to relax on tatami mats, we also recommend the Japanese-style room where you can spend a relaxing time.

Azzurrissimo is an open restaurant with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy healthy and nutritious Italian cuisine made with pesticide-free vegetables and fruits grown around the hotel. Eating a meal while looking out at the spectacular view that stretches out forever is truly a blissful moment. There is also an impressive live kitchen restaurant in the building, where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine made with plenty of ingredients from Kochi. The a la carte dish ``Straw-grilled bonito tataki'' is also delicious.

After your meal, relax in the 1,200-year-old Ashizuri onsen in the large public bath or open-air bath surrounded by rocks. At night, the open-air bath becomes a luxurious space where you can enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean and the sky full of stars. If the weather is good, you can clearly see the Milky Way, and the expression "starry night" is perfect. When you look at the vast scenery in front of you, it seems that your worries seem small.

Around the hotel, there are secret coves and promenades where you can feel the unspoilt nature. Surrounded by nature, the road is like an exciting adventure. From the end of the promenade, you can see the beautiful scenery of the round horizon and the magnificent Pacific Ocean, and the beauty of nature will wash your mind. The sunlit sea is so clear and blue that you can see the bottom, so it is recommended to take a walk in the morning when the sun is high. After returning to the hotel, take a break at the Cafe & Bar where you can enjoy gelato and drinks.

“Sukumo Resort Yashinoyu” is about 10 minutes by car from Sukumo Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway. A onsen inn where you can enjoy a superb view of the ocean from all rooms and abundant baths. Nearby is Kanyoto Park, where you can enjoy seasonal activities such as cherry blossom viewing and camping. In winter, you can also see the big "Dharma Sunset", also known as "lucky sunset", from Kanyojima Park and hotel open-air baths.

The hotel is located on a hill overlooking the scenic spot "Oiyang Island" floating in Sukumo Bay, and you can see the magnificent nature from all rooms. The sea breeze coming in through the large windows is soothing, and the stress of everyday life and the fatigue of travel seem to fly away. In addition, there are plenty of seasonal experience plans, and activities that let you experience nature, such as going down the Shimanto River and snorkeling, are also popular. The time spent in contact with the nature of Kochi is sure to be an unforgettable memory.

Dinner is at the meal "Yasuko". There is also a fish tank at the counter, where you can enjoy authentic fish dishes that use plenty of fresh seafood caught in Sukumo Bay, such as seared bonito and deep-fried blowfish. The chef's proud seafood kaiseki cuisine, which is particular about quantity and quality, has a gentle taste that will penetrate your heart. If you get nutrition from seasonal ingredients, your mind and body will naturally recover.

The big attraction of this inn onsen overlooking Sukumo Bay. Be sure to take a dip in the three-tiered terraced open-air bath made of granite. The superb view that blends with Sukumo Bay is truly the “special seat of Sukumo.” The front row is a bed-like sleeping bath, so you can relax from head to toe. There are plenty of other baths such as open-air baths, utase baths, and foot baths, so you can enjoy onsen without getting bored. Soothe your daily fatigue while gazing at the Pacific Ocean, which changes its expression with the passage of time.

"Cottage Seaside Teyui" is a cottage that can be rented out with plenty of privacy, located about 15 minutes by car from "Kochi Ryoma Airport". Another great point is that there are various facilities nearby, such as a beach, a golf course, and a cycling course. There are no other guests, so let's enjoy the free resort life without being disturbed by anyone.

The spacious 131㎡ two-story 3LDK apartment is luxuriously designed with a washroom, bathroom, and balcony. There are also two Japanese-style rooms on the second floor. The living/dining room on the first floor has a large wall-to-wall window overlooking the ocean, and the open ceiling creates a pleasant sense of openness. It's a great way to relax away from your everyday life, making it perfect for mental recuperation. You can stay for up to a week, with a maximum of 12 people accommodating. As it can accommodate large groups, it's also recommended for three-generation trips or group trips with close-knit families.

At Shioya Beach, a snorkeling spot about a 10-minute walk from the inn, you can observe wildlife on the rocks and in the tide pools. Even if you get wet in the ocean, there is a washing machine in the room, so you can play to your heart's content. In addition to meal out, you can also enjoy cooking together with your friends. The kitchen is fully equipped with a microwave and dishes, so you can easily enjoy cooking. If you make a reservation in advance, you can also have a barbecue on the balcony. One of the great things about renting a whole house is finding ways to enjoy it that are unique to you.

The deck on the second floor has a luxurious jacuzzi bath overlooking the sea. If you slowly soak in hot water with air bubbles, your whole body will relax. It feels good to enter after enjoying a swim in the nearby sea. Jacuzzi while watching the sunrise and sunset is the most elegant time. Enjoy a relaxing time in a private space surrounded by a tropical atmosphere.

Enjoy forest bathing surrounded by the sound of trees swaying in the wind and the gentle light of sunlight filtering through the trees. For such people, we recommend a mountain view hotel surrounded by deep greenery. If you look at the scenic scenery that changes with the seasons, or listen to the murmuring of the river from afar, the beauty of nature will soothe your soul. For those who want a feast for the eyes and soul, a hotel rich in nature with a mountain view is perfect.

About 30 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station, there is "Auberge Tosayama" in a place surrounded by magnificent nature such as "Kuishiyama" and "Kagami River". An auberge is a restaurant where you can stay overnight. It is attractive that you can not only stay overnight, but also enjoy Tosa's unique delicacies to your heart's content. If you take a break from your daily life and listen to the whispering of trees and the chirping of birds, your soul will be purified.

There are 12 guest rooms in the hotel building and 4 villas, for a total of 16 rooms. The interior is filled with the warmth of wood such as cedar and cypress, and locally produced Tosa washi paper and Tosa plaster are also used. Amidst the tranquility that has been stripped of anything superfluous, you can hear the nostalgic sounds of nature. Beyond the window, the greenery of the mountains spreads out, and before you know it you'll be transported to a world of dreams, enveloped in a mysterious sense of security.

For dinner, there are exquisite dishes that make use of the natural blessings of Mt. Tosayama, the area where the hotel is located, is a place of beautiful nature, including the clear water of the Kagami River, which was selected as one of the 100 best waters of the Heisei period. When you eat dishes that make use of ingredients such as the rare autumn bamboo shoots "Yokatatake" and the specialty yuzu that are cultivated here, you will be energized by the beautiful power of nature.

Soothe away the fatigue of your trip and daily stress in the natural onsen where you can fully enjoy the nature of Mt. Tosa and the four seasons. The gentle breeze caressing your flushed cheeks sways the trees, and the smooth, soothing sounds tickle your ears. What you can see from the window is the nature of the four seasons, such as the fresh greenery and the autumn leaves of the valley. The synergistic effect of onsen and nature will give you a deeper sense of healing. It's also nice to get a new bath towel and face towel every time you go to the bathroom.

One of the attractions of this inn is the beautiful nature of Mt. Tosa that surrounds it. The scenery is completely different depending on the season, and you can also see fireflies from early to mid-June. Genji firefly, firefly, Hime firefly flying in the night sky is very fantastic. There are other seasonal attractions such as the Yomeishibai Festival in spring, cluster amaryllis in autumn, and the Seiryu Kagami River Terraced Rice Field Candles in winter, so be sure to visit in different seasons.

About 30 minutes by car from Nahari Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway. onsen Onsen Yuzunoyado is a two-story inn where you can feel the warmth of wood, like a secluded hideaway in the mountains. The open lobby is an atrium, and the large windows on the top and bottom offer a view of the lush mountains. If you look at this view as soon as you arrive, you will feel as if the fatigue of a long trip is wrapped up.

All 14 guest rooms are warm spaces with the warmth of trees. In addition to the “double” and “twin” types, there are three types of “Japanese-Western style room type” with a cypress bath, so you can choose according to your travel style and preferences. If you open the window, you can hear the murmuring of the river. Enjoy a relaxing time to your heart's content while gazing out at the majestic nature from the window.

Dinner is a kaiseki meal with fresh vegetables from Kitagawa Village and delicacies from the mountains and rivers. Among the many carefully crafted items, the Kitagawa Village Venison Roast is particularly popular. You don't get many chances to eat venison, but the mellow flavor that spreads in your mouth is addictive. Other seasonal ingredients such as simmered alfonsino, roasted Tosa Wagyu beef, and deep-fried sakura shrimp are prepared in the best possible way.

After enjoying dinner, head to the 100% onsen. It is a “beautiful skin hot spring” where you can expect moist and sticky skin that is as if you are soaking in lotion. If you want to relax and enjoy the hot onsen without worrying about the surroundings, make sure to reserve a private onsen with a tasteful “Shigaraki ware” bathtub. I'm also happy that there are amenity gifts for women with the scent of yuzu. After taking a bath, meet up while cooling off in the spacious "After Bath Lounge".

Sodayama Onsen Wa Yawaragi is about a 5-minute drive from JR Akuwa Station. There is also a scenic spot "Shikoku Karst" where you can feel the sky nearby, and you can stay surrounded by rich nature. This inn is recommended when you want to get away from your daily life and be healed quietly in the deep nature.

The guest rooms are tasteful spaces centered on Japanese-style rooms. Rich greenery spreads outside the window, and the air is so clear that you can take a deep breath. This is a Japanese-Western style room with a semi-open-air bath and a terrace. Sit on a sofa or hammock on the terrace and listen to the sounds of nature.

The limited 3-room detached room with a semi-open-air bath that flows directly from the source is also popular. You can enjoy a different space and semi-open-air bath, so let's find the room you like. At "Komorebi", there is also such a wonderful tree house just after walking on the wooden deck. You can spend a romantic time in this exciting hideaway.

Three kinds of hot pots are attractive for dinner. You can choose your favorite hot pot from shabu-shabu with Japanese black beef, seafood hot pot topped with spiny lobster, and rare “mountain whale hot pot”. Yamakujira means a wild boar, and the rumbling of the ingredients soaks into the broth, making it an exquisite dish. Fresh ingredients are full of natural energy. If you have a full stomach, your mind and body will be fine.

onsen, which you can enjoy in spacious indoor baths and open-air baths, boast the highest amount of water in Shikoku and excellent spring quality. It is said to be a “thousand-year beauty hot spring” and is loved by many people inside and outside the prefecture as a famous hot spring that is effective for health and beautiful skin. onsen are also exceptional after a full body activity, such as canoeing on the Shimanto River! If you are fully immersed and warmed from the core, you will feel very refreshed, as if the wind blows in your heart.

"Tosa Washi Kogeimura Kurado" is a slightly unusual "roadside station" where you can stay overnight. Standing on the banks of the Niyodo River, it is about a 15-minute drive from JR Ino Station. As the name "Washi Craft Village" suggests, you can experience making traditional crafts such as making Tosa Washi paper and weaving. If you think about the long history through experiences that you can't usually do, you will naturally be able to face your own way of life from the past to the present and the future.

All 12 guest rooms are simple, lean, and relaxing spaces. The glittering surface of the Niyodo River and the greenery of the mountains that you can see from the window will gently envelop your heart. The scenery of the mountains seen through the window has a different expression in each season of spring, summer, autumn and winter. While feeling the change of the four seasons and the quiet passage of time, let's soothe your tired mind from your busy daily life.

If you stay here, you definitely want to experience traditional crafts. In the hata weaving experience, you can make luncheon mats and mufflers in the colors you like, and in the nationally famous Tosa Washi paper making experience, you can make your own original postcards and colored paper. It would be nice to add a message of gratitude to your own postcard and send it as a New Year's card to those who have been indebted to you. A moment of creation where you can forget the time and immerse yourself in it will reset your mind and head. Canoeing and rafting on the Niyodo River are also recommended for those who want to exercise.

At the restaurant, which overlooks the courtyard from a large window, you can enjoy French-style hospitality that makes use of ingredients from the naturally rich Tosa region. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients carefully selected by the chef and fresh vegetables from local farms, and the rich flavors of the ingredients are what make it so appealing. Eating food in a setting that makes you feel like you're bathing in the forest will nourish not only your body but your mind as well.

After dinner, relax in a wood-fired bath with underground water from the Niyodo River. The unique herbal blended hot water, which is arranged according to the season, is also fully equipped with open-air baths and saunas. It's surprising that you can enjoy such a full-fledged bath while staying at a roadside station, but it's sure to be a superb bathing experience that disappoints your expectations in a good way. Refresh yourself to the core with soft steam and medicinal scents.

There are many attractive hotels in Kochi, both ocean view and mountain view. Spending time relaxing while looking out at the sea and mountains should gently heal the hearts of tired girls. If you take a break from the daily routine of repeating the same scenery and gaze at the wonderful scenery, you can wash your mind and regain yourself. In Kochi, in addition to the superb view, there are many delicious sea and mountain products and onsen, so please enjoy a rewarding stay that will fully heal you.