Deep inside the mist-shrouded valleys of Kochi, discover a cinematic road trip blending the alpine limestone formations of the "Shikoku Karst" with the wooden architecture of master architect Kengo Kuma. This artistic model course starts at Kochi Ryoma Airport. Drive west to Yusuhara, known as the "Town above the Clouds", where Kuma discovered the beauty of local cedar and traditional Japanese interlocking joinery. Stroll inside the towering wooden columns of "Yusuhara Library". Check into "Marche Yusuhara", a prestigious eco-resort presenting wooden louvers and natural thatch textures. Unwind in your cedar-scented suite, and savor legendary grilled "Tosa Aka-Ushi" beef (rare local brown Wagyu). The next day, drive through the rolling karst pastures at 1,400m altitude and conclude at the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Niyodo River.
Day 1: Kengo Kuma's Forest Sanctuary and a Cedar-Scented Eco-Resort
Begin at Kochi Ryoma Airport. Drive deep into the green valleys to Yusuhara town. Feast on local wild-herb buckwheat noodles at the market. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent "Library above the Clouds". Walking inside, look up at the intricate network of timber beams constructed to resemble a sun-dappled forest canopy.
In the afternoon, check into "Marche Yusuhara Ryokan". Soak in their mineral spring baths. Dinner features their flagship Tosa Beef Dinner. Relish premium Tosa Aka-Ushi steak, celebrating extremely deep, savory beef flavor with minimal sweet fat, paired beautifully with local Kochi sake.
Day 2: The Flying Castle Karst Drive and Crystalline Blue Rivers
On the second morning, climb the steep mountain road to the "Shikoku Karst" at 1,400m altitude. As the clouds clear, witness the stunning green meadows covered in thousands of white limestone pillars and grazing cattle—a true "Japanese Switzerland".
For lunch, stop at the legendary farmhouse cabin "Mominoki" to enjoy their famous gooey warm cheese cake. Afterward, drive to "Niyodo River" (Anryu Gorge). Gaze at the mystical crystalline turquoise pools—often called "Niyodo Blue"—and breathe in the forest mist. Conclude your nature escape at Kochi Airport.