Hirome Market

Hirome Market in central Kochi opened in 1998 and packs about 60 stalls and shops under one roof on the site of a former domain retainer's residence. The communal dining setup, over 400 shared seats with people ordering from different stalls, creates a daily atmosphere closer to a street festival than a food hall. Kochi's signature katsuo no tataki, seared bonito prepared over burning rice straw, is the centerpiece, alongside shamo chicken, fresh sashimi, and Tosa Red Beef. Sake flows freely throughout the day, and the mix of pilgrims, surfers, and locals sharing tables is a genuine cross-section of the city. It sits a few minutes walk from Kochi Castle.