plasalle
Google
Kochi was one of three cities we visited in Shikoku, a beautiful island in southern Japan. We arrived at the Richmond Hotel after an afternoon drive from Takamatsu through the interior of Shikoku following a road winding through spectacular valleys, gorges, and profusely lush mountains including a stop at the Shanti restaurant -- a tiny place specializing in Indian cuisine way up the mountain in Otoyo. Really, a drive not to miss if you are planning to visit Shikoku. Maybe we expected too much but the Richmond, and Kochi itself, were not as congenial as we thought. In fact we were downright disappointed. The Richmond hotel catered to tour groups -- probably staying only one night and then moving on, and showed heavy wear and tear. Run down would be a compliment as the atmosphere of the hotel and our room with its over-the-hill decorating and dreary carpet was depressing. Luckily, the staff were professional, friendly and helpful and the Japanese breakfast was excellent although the long line formed by the tour groups early in the morning made access to the buffet (and the coffee and a table) very challenging. We reserved our rooms for three nights, but left after the second (forfeiting the third night) with no regrets, to check in for an extra day in Matsuyama. As far as Kochi is concerned, we found it far less interesting than we hoped and would recommend more time in Takamatsu or Matsuyama as much more impressive and fun cities for a visit.
