Half the joy of traveling is savoring the local cuisine! Kochi is often overlooked as a gourmet paradise, with its freshly caught seafood, sweet citrus fruits, and perfectly seasoned seaweed, but it is actually a fascinating place. Whether on the east or west coast, Kochi cuisine captivates travelers, and the place where you can taste it all is Hirome Market in Kochi Prefecture.
Kochi’s Foodie Paradise: Why Hirome Ichiba is a Must-Visit for Travelers
Walking into Hirome Market is like entering a festival! Picture a huge covered food court, bustling with laughter and the sound of expert chefs painstakingly crafting their signature dishes. Dozens of long communal tables in the center give the space a warm, welcoming feel. You can easily make friends with the people sitting next to you, and spy on your neighbor’s food to see what you want to try next! (which is my favorite thing to do)
Walking into Hirome Market is like entering a festival! Picture a huge covered food court, bustling with laughter and the sound of expert chefs painstakingly crafting their signature dishes. Dozens of long communal tables in the center give the space a warm, welcoming feel. You can easily make friends with the people sitting next to you, and spy on your neighbor’s food to see what you want to try next! (which is my favorite thing to do)
From Smoky Katsuo to Country-Style Sushi: Unmissable Kochi Delicacies
Just a short walk from the iconic Kochi castle, Hirome Market has been enticing locals and travelers alike for decades. With over 60 food stall restaurants, you can try some of Kochi’s most famous dishes like Katsuo no Tataki, bonito fish seared to a smoky perfection, and sample the most flavorful sake the prefecture has to offer.
One of my personal favorites that you can’t really find anywhere outside Kochi is inaka-sushi (country-style sushi) made with preserved vegetables. The crunch of the pickled veg mixed with the light rice and salty seaweed is the perfect thing to pair with a refreshing yuzu citrus sour, or yuzu citrus juice for those who don’t fancy a cocktail.
Just a short walk from the iconic Kochi castle, Hirome Market has been enticing locals and travelers alike for decades. With over 60 food stall restaurants, you can try some of Kochi’s most famous dishes like Katsuo no Tataki, bonito fish seared to a smoky perfection, and sample the most flavorful sake the prefecture has to offer.
One of my personal favorites that you can’t really find anywhere outside Kochi is inaka-sushi (country-style sushi) made with preserved vegetables. The crunch of the pickled veg mixed with the light rice and salty seaweed is the perfect thing to pair with a refreshing yuzu citrus sour, or yuzu citrus juice for those who don’t fancy a cocktail.
First-Timer’s Guide: How to Order and Enjoy Hirome Market Like a Loca
Step１：Find a seat and claim your spot!
Because the market is incredibly popular, finding a table should always be your number one priority before buying food. Delicious looking dishes are lined up everywhere, but resist the temptation and secure your base camp first!
Divide and Conquer (Keep Someone at the Table): Once you find a table, have at least one person stay behind to guard the seats while the others head out to buy food and drinks. There’s no need for everyone to sit around at first; assigning roles (seat guards vs. food runners) makes the process much smoother!
Team Up to Search: Take a good look around the market to find an empty table. If it’s crowded, it’s best to split your group up to scout different areas—you’ll find a spot much faster this way.
Step２：Scope out the restaurants you want to try first.
Once your base camp is secure, take a lap around the market to check out the 60+ unique stalls.
Don’t Rush: There is everything from fresh seafood and local street food to international cuisine and Kochi’s famous sake.
The Ultimate Must-Try: Keep an eye out for the stalls blazing with massive straw flames—that’s where they make Kochi’s famous Katsuo no Tataki (straw-seared bonito). Watching them sear it is half the fun!
Step３：Grab Your Food, Pay, and Feast!
Hirome Ichiba is essentially a giant indoor picnic where you can mix and match.
Pay as You Go: Order whatever catches your eye from different stalls. You pay at each individual stall when you order, grab your food, and bring it back to your table.
Step４：Just Leave Your Dishes!
When you are full and ready to leave, you might instinctively want to return your trays and dishes—but don’t!
Let the Pros Handle It: Simply leave all your empty plates, bowls, and glasses right on the table. Hirome Ichiba has a dedicated cleanup staff who will swiftly clear everything away for the next guests.
🚫Quick Note:
Only food and beverages purchased inside Hirome Ichiba are allowed. No outside food or drinks!
Double the Fun, Zero Hassle: Book Your Ultimate Shikoku Experience With Us!
You can explore the market at your leisure, but if you want to have the full experience with no hassle and twice the fun, we recommend booking a tour with us! Our “Unique Accommodation of Shikoku” is particularly unique, especially if you love cycling!
However you choose to explore Hirome Market, you will surely enjoy all the delicious food it has to offer!
You can explore the market at your leisure, but if you want to have the full experience with no hassle and twice the fun, we recommend booking a tour with us! Our “Unique Accommodation of Shikoku” is particularly unique, especially if you love cycling!
However you choose to explore Hirome Market, you will surely enjoy all the delicious food it has to offer!
Tour including a meal at Hirome Market
■Role：
Shikoku Tours Social Media Manager & Historian specializing in Japanese History
■Experience：
10 years of living in Japan, specifically in the Ehime area. I also have 8 years of experience in social media content creation, specifically in the areas of niche travel and History.
Hello! I’m Tehya, a historian with a passion for social media and using it as a tool for education. My goal is to help people discover the amazing and historical places Shikoku has to offer!
■Role：
Shikoku Tours Social Media Manager & Historian specializing in Japanese History
■Experience：
10 years of living in Japan, specifically in the Ehime area. I also have 8 years of experience in social media content creation, specifically in the areas of niche travel and History.
Hello! I’m Tehya, a historian with a passion for social media and using it as a tool for education. My goal is to help people discover the amazing and historical places Shikoku has to offer!
