It’s been six years since I relocated to Kochi.
What once shocked me has now become part of my everyday life—but for those of you considering a move to Kochi, I’d like to share some honest and personal impressions that might help you prepare.
Having lived in various cities across Japan due to work relocations, I’ve found that Kochi offers many charms—but also comes with a few inconveniences. So today, I’m sharing “What surprised me after moving to Kochi”—as real and as honest as it gets.
(Note: These are my personal opinions and experiences.)
① Rental Housing Is Extremely Limited!
About two months before my move to Kochi, I began browsing online for rental listings. After narrowing down my options, I visited the area to view them—only to be told by real estate agents:
“That property has already been taken.”
It was much harder than expected to find a place.
According to a local real estate site:
In Kochi City, nearly 48% of available rentals are for single residents (studio to 1LDK),
and only about 3% are detached houses. Most listings are apartments or condos.
If you’re looking for a property that ticks all the boxes—family-friendly, pet-friendly, new construction, near a station, and outside of tsunami risk zones—you may only find a handful of options.
It’s best to prioritize your must-haves and search patiently!
② Life Without a Car? Almost Impossible in Kochi
Kochi City does have public transportation:
- The Tosaden streetcar (tram)
- JR train lines
- Local buses
However, the number of services is limited, and last trains/buses come early.
For everyday needs—commuting, shopping, school runs—you’ll likely need a car. Even going out for a drink after work often means using a designated driver service on the way home.
Kochi is definitely a car-centric society—keep that in mind!
③ Only 3 Commercial TV Channels!? Kochi’s Surprising TV Situation
In Kochi, the TV landscape includes:
- NHK, NHK E-TV
- Just three commercial broadcasters: RKC, KUTV, and KSS
That’s it—just five channels total.
I still remember how shocked I was when I couldn’t watch the WBC (World Baseball Classic) live on terrestrial TV!
Fun fact: In Kochi, people memorize the channel numbers using a local phrase:
“One-Two-Europe” (1-2-4-6-8)—it’s a unique local mnemonic.
🎵 Mi-te mi-te Kochi 1-2-4-6-8~ (Kochi United SC version)
みてみて高知12468♩(ワンツーヨーロッパ) 高知ユナイテッドSC Ver
That said, streaming services like TVer are now widespread, so it may not be such a big deal anymore.
✍️ Final Thoughts: If You Can Embrace the Inconveniences, Kochi Is a Wonderful Place to Live
Yes, housing shortages, the dependency on cars, and limited TV options may surprise you—especially if you’re coming from a major city. But Kochi also offers many unique and irreplaceable charms.
If you’re thinking about moving to Kochi, I hope this post gives you some practical insight into the realities of life here.
👉 Stay tuned for Part 2 of “Things That Surprised Me About Living in Kochi” in the next post!
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