## Overview (history, features, appeal)
Hirome Market is a large food and beverage stall-style market in the center of Kochi City. Since it opened in the 2000s, it has been popular with both tourists and locals as a place to casually enjoy local ingredients and cuisine. The building houses a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops, and its unique feature is that you can freely eat what you buy in the shared dining space.
The attraction is that you can "enjoy local flavors in a lively atmosphere." You can experience Kochi's food culture in a short space of time by tasting straw-grilled bonito, fresh seafood, Tosa's local cuisine, local sake, and craft beer, all in one dish. The lively atmosphere, where you can chat with the locals, is also a big attraction.
## Highlights
- Straw-grilled bonito tataki: Watch a live demonstration of the bonito being grilled over straw, and enjoy the fragrant aroma and fresh taste.
– A wide variety of food stalls and individual shops: Sushi, udon, Tosa cuisine, delicatessens, sweets shops, and more. Another appeal is being able to try a variety of items in small portions.
- Local sake and craft beer: There are stores that serve sake and local beer from Kochi breweries, offering a lineup that is sure to please alcohol lovers.
- Special events and special events: There are seasonal fairs, direct sales by local producers, live music, and more.
- A space for lively conversation: Eating next to locals at a large communal table creates a unique atmosphere for travellers.
## Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Kochi Station or the Harimayabashi area on the Tosa Denryoku Kotsu (tram line).
From JR Kochi Station: Approximately 15 minutes on foot to the center (varies depending on walking speed and route). A few minutes by bus or taxi from the station.
- Tosaden Kotsu (streetcar): Get off at Harimayabashi stop or other stops and walk for a few minutes.
- Buses and trams: Public transportation is convenient as there are many city loop and tourist routes.
- By car: As the area is in the city center, parking is available in the surrounding area, but the number of spaces is limited and it tends to fill up, especially on weekends and in the evenings. We recommend using public transportation.
- Taxi: It takes just a short time to get there from Kochi Station. Just tell the driver "Hirome Market" as your destination.
*Please check the official website or map app in advance for timetables, operation status, and parking information.
## Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Light snacks: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Enjoy your meal slowly: 1-2 hours
– Eating out + souvenir hunting + exploring the surrounding area: about 2-3 hours
If you plan to relax at dinner time or for a drinking party, it's best to plan for at least two hours.
## Nearby spots
– Kochi Castle: A historical spot where you can see the castle walls and the castle tower. It is accessible on foot from Hirome Market.
– Sunday Market (Kochi Sunday Morning Market): A morning market held around Kochi Castle. Local specialties are on display (check the dates).
– Harimaya Bridge: An iconic bridge in Kochi City and a popular photo spot.
- Katsurahama Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum: A tourist attraction that can be reached by car or bus (it's a little far away, but recommended as a set tour).
– Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum and the area around the Ryoma statue: If you are interested in the history of the end of the Edo period, this is a must-visit.
## Things to note (crowds, etiquette, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets especially crowded at lunchtime (around 12 noon), in the evening, on weekends and holidays. It can be difficult to secure a seat, so if you're going with a group, we recommend coming earlier or going at a different time.
- Seating etiquette: There are many shared tables, so please be considerate of others when using them. Please follow the rules of each store or facility regarding cleaning up after yourself (there will often be instructions on returning trays and sorting trash).
- Payment method: Some stores only accept cash. Whether credit cards or electronic payments can be used varies by store, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
- Drinking and etiquette: Drinking is permitted indoors, but any disruptive behavior caused by drinking is strictly prohibited. Please be considerate of those around you. Serving alcohol to minors is prohibited.
- Smoking: Smoking rules in indoor and shared spaces vary by facility. Please check in advance whether smoking is permitted and where the designated smoking areas are.
- Hygiene: Many restaurants sell raw foods (such as sashimi), so if you have food allergies, please check when ordering. In the summer, care must be taken to store fresh food.
- Weather and season: In the summer, Kochi's temperatures are high and humid, so please take precautions against heatstroke. Please note that some stores change their opening hours and days of operation in the winter.
- Infection prevention measures during crowded times: Follow the instructions of the facility and wear a mask and disinfect your hands as necessary (follow the facility's latest information).
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With the above in mind, we recommend checking Hirome Market's official website or a map app for the latest opening hours, event information, and transportation information before your visit. Enjoy your Kochi gourmet experience!
