Kochi Original Food Culture
People in Kochi love a good party, and happy times like marriages and seasonal events are celebrated with parties called okyaku , which often involve special foods and plenty of locally brewed sake. In Japanese, okyaku usually just means “guest.” However, in Kochi Prefecture it has a different meaning, which is “gathering/party.” This culture of gathering together to celebrate is deeply rooted in everyday life in Kochi.
From getting married or buying a new house to seasonal harvest or flower viewing festivals, in Kochi there is always something to celebrate. Friends and relatives are invited around and plied with drinks and sawachi cuisine (more about that below). The excitement continues from morning till night, and even passers-by are invited to join in. In areas with many bars or during outdoor festivals, groups will invite strangers to come and drink with them, until they become friends. This friendly- fun-loving culture also extends to visitors, so you can experience okyaku culture for yourself in Kochi Prefecture.
Discover the warm, lively food culture of Kochi. It's about enjoying heaped platters of the freshest food, with friends and strangers alike.
From getting married or buying a new house to seasonal harvest or flower viewing festivals, in Kochi there is always something to celebrate. Friends and relatives are invited around and plied with drinks and sawachi cuisine (more about that below). The excitement continues from morning till night, and even passers-by are invited to join in. In areas with many bars or during outdoor festivals, groups will invite strangers to come and drink with them, until they become friends. This friendly- fun-loving culture also extends to visitors, so you can experience okyaku culture for yourself in Kochi Prefecture.
Discover the warm, lively food culture of Kochi. It's about enjoying heaped platters of the freshest food, with friends and strangers alike.