Local Guide
5 delicious local souvenirs born from Kochi's nature and history

Souvenirs are essential for creating memories of your trip. Kochi, blessed with a rich food culture, history, and nature, is full of delicious souvenirs. We have picked out products that you will want to take home with you as wonderful memories, both for yourself and for your loved ones. If you can get a great souvenir, your satisfaction with your trip will increase dramatically. Please use this as a reference.

Selling souvenirs and original items that Kochi is proud of

Cosmetics made from local natural materials that you can use during your stay
Cosmetics made from local natural materials that you can use during your stay

This shop is located in Public space" OMO Base (Travelers' Fun Lounge)" on the first floor of the hotel. It stocks a wide range of products, from popular local seasonings to sweets and cosmetic items.

The original goods at "OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts" are also popular, and are eye-catching with their soft illustrations and vivid colors created by local creator "Paper message." Of particular note are Guest room mugs, which are based on the "flower medals" awarded to dancers at the Yosakoi Festival. They are popular as mementos of the trip and as souvenirs.

The mild sweetness and crunchy texture of sweet potato chips will make you addicted

The classic "imo kenpi" (left) and the sweet and salty "shio kenpi" (right) have very different flavors, so we recommend buying both and comparing the taste.
The classic "imo kenpi" (left) and the sweet and salty "shio kenpi" (right) have very different flavors, so we recommend buying both and comparing the taste.

Imokenpi, a sweet unique to Kochi, is also sold in an original OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts package. The sweet potatoes used are Kagoshima Prefecture's Golden Senkan, a variety of sweet potato that is ideal for making imokenpi. In addition to the standard crunchy imokenpi coated in a lightly sweet syrup, the addictive "shiokenpi" (salt-flavored kenpi) is also popular, with a sweet and salty taste that's so delicious you won't be able to stop eating it. Kochi's local sweets are loved by a wide range of generations, from adults to children, and are perfect as souvenirs or snacks.

[Product name and price] Imo-kenpi and Shio-kenpi, 550 yen each
[Best before date] Approximately 6 months from the date of manufacture
[Store] OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts

Comments Local Guide
"Paper message" has created four types of illustrations for original goods. All of them are related to Kochi, and each one is an item such as a clear file, masking tape, or an eco bag.
OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts
  • URLhttps://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/omo7kochi
  • 住所9-15 Kutanda, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 5 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
    About 4 minutes walk from Tosaden Transportation Sainobabacho Station
  • バスアクセスTake a local bus from JR Kochi Station, get off at "Sainobabacho" and walk for about 3 minutes
  • 営業時間8:00〜22:00
  • 定休日Same as hotel closing days
  • 駐車場Paid

An antenna shop promoting the charms of Umajimura, a famous yuzu producing area

I was surprised at the wide variety of yuzu-related products.
I was surprised at the wide variety of yuzu-related products.

Umajimura, a small village southeast of Kochi City, is known for producing high-quality, highly fragrant yuzu. The Umajimura Agricultural Cooperative Antenna Store sells a variety of processed foods using yuzu, such as ponzu sauce and drinks, and promotes the nature and charm of Umajimura.

Among their many products, one of their most popular is ponzu soy sauce. There are five main types based on flavor, with some with a strong dashi flavor and others with a prominent yuzu flavor, and locals use different types depending on their preferences and the dish they are cooking. They also independently developed and sell "umaji," a cosmetic product made with yuzu. It is gradually gaining popularity across the country.

"Gokkun Umajimura" is a drink with a distinctive yuzu aroma and refreshing sweetness.

Two types, bottled and canned, are available at the same price.
Two types, bottled and canned, are available at the same price.

Among the products that use yuzu, the yuzu drink "Gokkun Umajimura" is popular with a wide range of people, from small children to the elderly. It is a simple and refreshingly delicious drink made only with yuzu harvested in Umajimura, honey, and water. Freshness is valued, and the yuzu's unique acidity and aroma remain as fresh as ever. The golden-colored yuzu is harvested in autumn and processed immediately after harvest, and is produced all the way to bottling within the village, with no flavorings, preservatives, or additives used. The drink has a refreshing taste that anyone can gulp down with confidence, making it a great souvenir.

[Product name and price] Gokkun Umajimura (180ml) 135 yen per bottle
[Best before date] Approximately 4 months from the date of manufacture
[Stores that sell this product] Umajimura Agricultural Cooperative Antenna Store, JA Farmers Market "Tosanosato", Tosa Select Shop Tenkosu, Hirome Market Chinmidou, etc.

Comments Local Guide
Gokkun Umajimura is also available in carbonated and ginger flavors. Because it is safe for children to drink, many locals bring it as a gift to families with small children.
Umaji Village Agricultural Cooperative Antenna Store
  • URLhttps://www.yuzu.or.jp
  • 住所7-40 Minamikubo, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスJR高知駅から車で約7分
  • バスアクセスTake a local bus from JR Kochi Station, get off at Minamigoza and walk for about 10 minutes
  • 営業時間9:30〜18:00
  • 定休日Irregular (once a month)
  • TEL088-856-5544
  • 駐車場free

A long-established Japanese confectionery store with the longest history in Shikoku

Many local regulars come to the store to buy souvenirs when they travel outside the prefecture. Seasonal fresh sweets are also available in the store.
Many local regulars come to the store to buy souvenirs when they travel outside the prefecture. Seasonal fresh sweets are also available in the store.

Founded in 1688 (the first year of the Genroku era), this is the Japanese confectionery shop with the longest history in Shikoku. Even before it was founded as a confectionery shop, it served as a purveyor to the Tosa domain when Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the lord of the Tosa domain, entered the country, and has a long history as the official confectioner of the Tosa domain up until the Meiji era.

In addition to traditional sweets such as "Kenpi," a dried confectionery that is a Tosa specialty, and "Umeboshi," a rice cake confection with a scent of shiso, the shop is also trying its hand at creating new Tosa specialties, such as "Ryoma Monogatari," which hides the konatsu citrus fruit, a Tosa specialty, inside a chocolate bun, and "Ichitoyo no Tsuma," a sweet commemorating the 400th anniversary of the construction of Kochi Castle, which features lightly sweet white bean paste wrapped in a milk-flavored skin.

You'll be hooked on the simple flavor that lies behind the firmness of "Kempi"

It was named kempi (hard and dried) because of its hardness. It can be easily eaten by biting it with your back teeth or by breaking it and putting it in your mouth, where it will gradually come apart.
It was named kempi (hard and dried) because of its hardness. It can be easily eaten by biting it with your back teeth or by breaking it and putting it in your mouth, where it will gradually come apart.

The shop's signature product is the dried confectionery "Kenpi." The founder, Nishikawaya Saibei, was inspired by somen noodle making, and started by kneading flour, sugar, and a small amount of eggs, stretching it, slicing it into strips, and baking it. Its greatest feature is its hardness. It's hard at first bite, but the more you chew it, the deeper the flavor becomes, and the gentle sweetness slowly spreads in your mouth. Kenpi is commonly known as a sweet called "imo kenpi" made from sweet potatoes, but in fact Nishikawaya's kenpi is its roots. Giving this Tosa confectionery along with this untold story of Kochi's history would make a unique souvenir.

[Product name and price] Kenpi 5 bags 648 yen
[Best before date] Approximately 3 months from the date of manufacture
[Stores] Nishikawaya Chiyoricho Main Branch, Kochi Station Kiosk, Kochi Airport, Kochi Daimaru, Hirome Market Chinmidou, etc.

Comments Local Guide
In addition to the standard flavors, Kempi also comes in a variety of flavors, including yuzu, sesame, coconut, cacao, and cheese. The company's long-standing love for the locals may be due to its commitment to following tradition while continuing to take on new challenges in the creation of sweets.
Nishikawaya Chiyoricho Main Branch
  • URLhttps://www.nishigawaya.co.jp
  • 住所1-7-2 Chiyoricho, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 9 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
    About 1 minute walk from Tosaden Transportation Chiyoricho 1-chome Station
  • バスアクセスTake a local bus from JR Kochi Station, get off at "Chiyoricho 1-chome" and walk for about 2 minutes
  • 営業時間9:00〜19:00
  • 定休日January 1st
  • TEL088-882-1734
  • 駐車場free

A straw-grilled bonito specialty store that specializes in line-caught bonito

Each section is roughly three servings. Instructions on how to thaw it for best taste are also included.
Each section is roughly three servings. Instructions on how to thaw it for best taste are also included.

Myojinmaru is known as a specialty store for seared bonito over straw. Located inside the arcade of Ohashi-dori Shopping Street, the Ohashi-dori store is a specialty store that not only offers freshly grilled and frozen seared bonito over straw for takeaway, but also accepts nationwide shipping (frozen products only). It was opened so that customers can enjoy the deliciousness of bonito at home, just like they can at Myojinmaru's main store and Hirome Market store. In addition to seared bonito, they also sell processed seafood and souvenirs from Kochi.

Enjoy the same excitement of eating bonito at a restaurant at home

An example of how to serve it at home. The bonito tataki at Myojinmaru is made with special care in the straw used for the straw grilling, giving it a unique aroma.
An example of how to serve it at home. The bonito tataki at Myojinmaru is made with special care in the straw used for the straw grilling, giving it a unique aroma.

A recommended souvenir is the "straw-grilled bonito tataki," which is flash-frozen to preserve its freshness and flavor. It uses line-caught bonito, which is less likely to be damaged and retains its freshness. The traditional Tosa straw-grilling method involves quickly grilling the surface at a high temperature, which locks in the flavor and gives the skin a fragrant finish.
After thawing at home, cut the bonito into thick slices and garnish with your favorite condiments such as myoga, garlic, and shiso leaves. Serve with the sauce that comes with the set or your favorite ponzu sauce.

[Product name and price] "Straw-grilled bonito tataki 2-piece set" 5,940 yen
[Best before date] Approximately 30 days when stored frozen

Comments Local Guide
Of course it's delicious as is, but if you take the time to lightly grill it after thawing, it will taste even better than it did in the restaurant! We recommend grilling it on a wire rack over an open flame on the stove, or grilling it in a frying pan until the surface doesn't burn.
Myojinmaru Ohashi Street Store
  • URLhttps://shop.myojinmaru.jp/shop/ohashidori/
  • 住所2-4-15 Obiyacho, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 8 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
    Approximately 20 minutes walk from JR Kochi Station
    About 2 minutes walk from Ohashidori Station of Tosaden Transportation
  • バスアクセスTake a local bus from JR Kochi Station, get off at "Ohashi-dori" and walk for about 3 minutes
  • 営業時間10:00-19:00, 9:00- on Sundays
  • 定休日Varies
  • TEL088-821-8808
  • 駐車場None

Once you start eating, you won't be able to stop. Slightly salty biscuits

The richness of fried biscuits is addictive
The richness of fried biscuits is addictive

The company started out in 1923 (Taisho 12) as a beans processing and sales business, and is now known as the manufacturer of Millet Biscuits, a snack representative of Kochi.

Millet biscuits began to be made around 1955. They are a nostalgic, simple treat made of slightly sweet biscuit dough deep-fried in oil and sprinkled with sun-dried salt, and are a familiar taste to the people of Kochi Prefecture. Now, spread through the media and word of mouth, they have become a famous treat with fans all over the country. You can find them at supermarkets in Kochi City.

A hidden gem where you can get a wide variety of Millet

Millet biscuits come in a wide variety of flavors. New flavors and packages are released on an irregular basis.
Millet biscuits come in a wide variety of flavors. New flavors and packages are released on an irregular basis.

Millet Biscuits come in a wide variety of 16 flavors and many different package designs. Almost all of these varieties are available under one roof at the sales booth set up in part of the Nomura Senbei Processing Store's office. They stock everything from rare products with low distribution such as large-capacity types to products sold only in Kochi Prefecture, and you can purchase them at prices slightly cheaper than at retail stores. When you purchase, they also provide the added service of putting your biscuits in a special Millet Biscuit bag that is only available here. Although it is located a little far from Kochi city, it is well worth the trip.

[Product name and price] Yosakoi Millet Biscuits 170 yen, Millet Biscuits Salt Butter Flavor 200 yen, Super Big Pack 1,200 yen *All prices are reference prices
[Best before date] Approximately 210 days from date of manufacture
[Stores] Nomura roasted bean processing store, major supermarkets in Kochi city, souvenir shops, etc.

Comments Local Guide
Millet biscuits are sold in the building on the left in the photo below, which has a sign that says "Nomura Senbei Processing Shop." As it is part of the office, it is best to be considerate of those who are working when you come to buy your biscuits. Many customers come from far away, so they are always happy to welcome you.
Nomura roasted bean processing shop
  • URLhttps://nomura-net.co.jp/
  • 住所1910-3 Otsu, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 11 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station
    About 13 minutes walk from Tanabeshimadori Station on the Tosaden Transportation Line
    About 15 minutes walk from JR Nushida Station
  • 営業時間9:00〜16:00
  • 定休日Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
  • TEL088-866-2261
  • 駐車場free

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
Return to top of article
*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.