Where You Least Expect It — Kochi | Project 47 EP 12
Project 47: Episode 12 — Kochi Prefecture
The road through Shikoku continues as Project 47 enters Kochi Prefecture, the twelfth stage of a solo motorcycle journey across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
In this episode the ride begins where the previous one ended — a quiet coastal campsite before heading out along the Pacific shoreline in search of Kannon Rock, one of Kochi’s lesser-known coastal landmarks. From there the road leads inland to a hidden forest shrine and waterfall, before returning to the coast and riding west through the remote landscapes of Shimanto.
That evening the journey stops at a traditional Japanese riders cabin — a motorcycle guest house built for touring riders exploring Shikoku.
The next morning begins with a visit to a local fish market, where Kochi’s famous Mejika (young bonito) sashimi is served fresh from the morning catch. From there the road climbs into the mountains toward one of Shikoku’s most spectacular rides — the Tengu Highlands and the Karst Road, where limestone plateaus stretch across the skyline above the island.
The ride continues through Nakatsu Gorge, before an unexpected campsite appears while attempting to cross the mountains in search of a hotel for the night.
The following morning a new development appears on the weather forecast: a typhoon forming far to the south of Japan. While still distant, the decision is made to finish exploring Kochi before the storm arrives and begin the ride home toward Miyazaki.
The final stretch of the episode heads into Kochi City to visit the museum dedicated to Sakamoto Ryoma, one of Japan’s most influential historical figures. From there a recommendation from the museum staff leads to the unique Kaiyodo Hobby Museum, before the ride continues south to Cape Ashizuri and the dramatic Hakusan Natural Arch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
This episode documents the twelfth prefecture of Project 47, a long-form motorcycle travel series exploring every prefecture of Japan by road — one region at a time.
A cinematic journey through places most travelers never see.
🇯🇵 About Project 47
Project 47 is a solo motorcycle documentary series covering all 47 prefectures of Japan. This Japan road trip explores the real country beyond the tourist trail. From motocamping spots to hidden rural shrines, this series captures the essence of solo travel in Japan. If you enjoy cinematic motovlogs, Japan travel guides, or long-format motorcycle road trips (like Long Way Round or Itchy Boots), welcome to the journey.
Watch the full Project 47 playlist — my ride through all 47 prefectures of Japan: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmfZhaoecyj7cmIPW3d5RVHgljlKch4H
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27 Comments
Kochi boasts a beautiful coastline and clear mountain streams. Since I live in Yawatahama City, which is close to Kochi in Ehime, I often choose cities in Kochi, such as Shimanto City or Sukumo City, as my weekend cycling destinations. However, I want to remind anyone planning to visit Kochi: First, do not choose a motorhome; second, before leaving the city area, make sure your vehicle is in good working order; third, be prepared that you will likely arrive half an hour or more later than the estimated arrival time given by your navigation system. Remember, Kochi has one of the most notorious road networks in Shikoku, with most national highways and even a large portion of them so narrow that two cars cannot drive side by side. For example, on Route 381 leading to Shimanto City, last month when I went there, I encountered two SUVs with their tires stuck in a ditch within an hour. In such cases, it usually takes four or five hours for a tow truck to get there. My top recommendation is to visit the roadside station Niji no Mori Park Matsuno on Highway 381. There's a small aquarium there that houses aquatic animals from the waterways of the entire Shikoku Highlands region. If you're interested in aquariums, you absolutely must go see it.
Boy there was a lot of cool stuff in this video! I love those little roads in the middle of nowhere with no traffic on them! I bet you could get might lost following them 😅
As always! Way too much great stuff to comment on! Looking forward to the next one!
Ich merke gerade etwas. Mir gefallen gerade die Präfekturen am besten, die angeblich langweilig sind. Ich würde alle paar Kilometer anhalten und die Aussichten und Eindrücke genießen. Und dabei kaum vom Fleck kommen. 😂
Love the enthusiasm brother…
Who makes that jacket that you are wearing?
All this, the meeting of new people and exploring the "old" roads before the highways came in is why I love riding motorcycles 🙂
What a great trip you had this time. Many beautiful places. Thank you for letting me follow you on this trip. Greetings from Sweden❤😊
Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your ride. It was an amazing "adventure" ride without ever having to leave pavement. Definitely a magical place!
What’s going to be the new bike, if it’s not a secret? 🙂
Loved this video so much I watched it 3 times. Twice on my TV, such beautiful scenes. Awesome brother.
Wah 😍
I watch all your videos and overall, all japan is just incredibly beautiful, but I think Kochi was maybe my favorite here ..
Damn, so gorgeous.. I hope you managed to reach safety home in time before your storm, never fun (as you pretty much know perfectly by experience 😅)
I hope to see the next one soon, thank you again Adam for all those dream pictures. ✌
Ride safe and Godspeed
Another video that's absolutely stunning—the scenery, the road, the temple nestled in nature—everything is just beautiful. Thank you!
The whole series was a such a tonic for the soul. Thank you!
Great video again. That coastal trip reminded me of the Washington State Cape Flattery area. Your little Scramber really is a great bike for this sort of travel. It's fun metting all sorts of people of on these trips. That Cape reminded me of Big Sur in California. Safe travels my friend.
Another excellent video. I had a bad experience with a local 40 years ago and since that I skipped Kochi, but your video has made me wanting to visit Kochi again. I agree with skipping cities in Japan as you have no pleasure on a motorcycle.
四国・高知には神域に相当する場所が散在しますのでどうぞご安全に。中には非常に危険な存在を封じ込めたようなものもありますので。公開された情報ではありませんし。日本は長い歴史の中でそう言った恐れの対象と折り合いをつけて共に生きてきたところがあります。
My new favorite sayings are ‘良い一日を！’ and ‘良いお旅を！’ 😂✌️
Another outstanding show! Only thing is, I've got to put aside an hour or so, just to pause and follow along on google maps!
Hey Adam. Hope you’re well.
Thanks for sharing another great video.
Beautiful scenery and waterfalls.
My wife and I both have a visit to Japan on our bucket list and we will be there one day for sure.
I just love the quiet country lanes.
Take care and safe riding.
Steve 🇬🇧
天狗高原、すごいですっ👍
thanks for taking me visiting so many beautiful places,❤
Welp, I just binged the series…well done!
I’m usually not commenting on YouTube, but I just wanted to say thank you Adam. Watching your videos is a huge inspiration. You’re an awesome dude, with great character and spirit. It’s a joy following you on this journey! Greetings from Austria! ❤
Loved this! Beautiful storytelling
The landscapes remind me of Australia but I'm sure they are uniquely Japanese
Beautiful line always!! 🙏🏻
I made a mistake. There's a city named Kochi here in Kerala, India. At first, when I saw the title of your video, I thought you had come all the way to India…😅