🐉 A Hidden Gem in Tosashi: Discover “Dragon Square”
Have you heard of Dragon Square, located in the heart of Tosashi, Kochi Prefecture? It’s a vibrant local hub packed with the charm of the region—and a place beloved by locals. I actually learned about it recently from a friend outside Kochi, and I’m glad I did! Just a short drive south of the Tosashi main road, this spot is still a bit of a hidden gem. Plus, it’s one of the official stamp locations for the Ryoma Passport, making it a perfect stop for travelers.
🛍 Fresh Produce and Local Flavors
Inside the square, you’ll find a JA Tosashi direct market, offering freshly picked vegetables, fruits, and local specialties unique to Tosashi. It’s a great place to explore the seasonal bounty of Kochi.
🍜 A Variety of Local Eateries
The square features a variety of dining options, including:
- Sakana no Morisawa (seafood)
- Soba Marche (handmade soba)
- Gokuu (nabe-style ramen)
- Ryuu Shokudo (Japanese set meals)
There’s also an open-air dining area where you can enjoy your meal on the spot.
On my visit, I tried the salad soba from Soba Marche, a collaboration between a soba master and a vegetable sommelier. The hand-pulled noodles are blended with “Kirin-sai”, a type of seaweed grown in the sea off Tosashi. Topped with fresh vegetables and tempura, it was both hearty and refreshing!
🛍 Traditional Sweets with a Twist: “Noshiya Honke”
Just across from Dragon Square, you’ll find Noshiya Honke, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop with roots tracing back to the Edo period.
I picked up one of their signature items, the karinto manju—a deep-fried bun with a crispy shell and dense, sweet bean paste inside. It was absolutely delicious. Another standout was the Konatsu Monaka, a unique sweet shaped like the konatsu citrus fruit, offering a visual and flavorful delight.
📍 Shop Information
Shop Name: Noshiya Honke
Address: 2171 Takaokacho Ko, Tosashi, Kochi
Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Phone: 088-852-0115
Official Website: https://www.noshiya.jp/
If you find yourself in Tosashi, be sure to stop by both Dragon Square and Noshiya Honke. Whether it’s the food, the people, or the atmosphere, your visit is sure to become a memorable part of your journey through Kochi.
