- A Day at Hirome Market: Why I Keep Coming Back in Kochi
- A personal look at how I spend a day at Hirome Market in Kochi—enjoying seared bonito, local sake, and the reasons I keep coming back.
Discover the Charm and Flavors of Hirome Market in Kochi
If you’re looking to taste authentic local cuisine while traveling, Hirome Market is the perfect destination. From traditional Kochi dishes to local comfort food, sake, and sweets, the market offers a full taste of Kochi’s culture that’s accessible to everyone.
The open, communal dining style and spontaneous encounters with locals make it an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
In this guide, we’ll explore the highlights and best ways to enjoy Hirome Market.
About Hirome Market
Hirome Market is an indoor food court-style venue located in the center of Kochi City, within the Obiyamachi shopping arcade. Around 60 eateries and retail shops are densely packed into the space, making it beloved not just by tourists but by locals as well. Many people enjoy drinks starting from midday, and the market is filled with a vibrant, laid-back energy that’s uniquely Kochi.
- Business hours
- Mon–Sat 10:00 am–11:00 pm (hours may vary by shop)
- Sunday 9:00 am–11:00 pm (hours may vary by shop)
- Regular holiday
- Open year - round (occasional closures for maintenance)
- Telephone number
- +081-88-822-5287
- Official site
- https://hirome.co.jp/
- Parking
- Parking available on 2nd and 3rd floors (capacity: 180 vehicles)
- How to visit
- 2 - minute walk from Tosaden Kōtsū “Ōhashidōri” tram stop
- Address
- 2 - 3-1 Obiyamachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture 780 - 0841
A Foodie’s Paradise — Enjoy Local Kochi Cuisine in One Place
Hirome Market is home to a wide variety of culinary delights representing Kochi’s food culture. From the iconic “Katsuo no Tataki” (seared bonito) to more unusual local dishes like fried moray eel and whale meat, it’s a great place to try something new.
The selection spans gyoza, ramen, curry, Western dishes, and sweets, offering something for everyone—families, solo travelers, and groups alike. Many places operate in izakaya style and are open from noon.
All shops are casual and welcoming, letting you soak in the true spirit of Kochi without any pressure.
More Than Food — Great Souvenirs to Explore After Your Meal
Hirome Market also offers plenty of shopping options. You’ll find shelves filled with local processed foods, condiments, sake, and more.
Popular items include bonito flakes for gifting, sweet potato snacks (imo-kenpi), local sake, and yuzu products from Kochi-based makers. It’s the perfect post-meal activity whether you’re looking for a memento or a gift to bring home.
How to Get a Seat — Embrace the Flexible Dining Style
At Hirome Market, guests are encouraged to pick up food and drinks from any vendor and gather at shared tables. Seating is unassigned—just grab an open table when you see one.
You’re free to mix and match dishes from different stalls. The fun of sharing with friends or family is part of the market’s unique charm. Some vendors have dedicated seating too, perfect for those who prefer a quieter setting.
You don’t need to clear your dishes—just leave them on the table and staff will handle cleanup, so you can relax and enjoy.
Thoughtfully Designed for All Visitors — Layout and Facilities
Hirome Market is thoughtfully laid out to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone. The mix of eateries, shops, and services is balanced to suit both tourists and locals.
Facilities include a tourist information desk, restrooms, nursing room, and baby bed, making it family-friendly. The venue is also wheelchair accessible for peace of mind.
With around 60 stores inside, you can find the full list on the official store directory.
Tips to Maximize Your Visit to Hirome Market
Now that you know what’s available at Hirome Market, here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit. Having been here many times, I’ll share personal highlights that bring out the essence of the market.
Don’t Miss the Straw-Grilling Show — Taste Seared Bonito and Fresh Seafood
Katsuo no Tataki is Kochi’s signature dish. At Hirome Market, several stalls conduct live straw-grilling demonstrations. Watching them sear the fish with high flames right in front of you is an experience that stimulates all your senses.
Fresh seafood is abundant—from sashimi and sushi to small plates using locally caught fish. Some stalls even serve unique whale dishes like Tatsuta-age (deep-fried) and whale bacon, showcasing flavors exclusive to Kochi.
These dishes go beyond the familiar, offering you a genuine taste of Kochi’s culinary roots.
Daytime Drinking? Totally Welcome — Experience Kochi’s Lively Drinking Culture
Many stalls at Hirome Market start serving alcohol from midday.
Kochi is famously known as “Sakokoku Tosa” (The Land of Sake), a place where love for alcohol transcends age and gender. The market lets you dive into that unique drinking culture firsthand.
Seared bonito isn’t just served à la carte—it’s also available in set meals, making it great for both main meals and light bites with drinks.
Whether you’re here to eat or to drink, Hirome Market welcomes all styles of enjoyment.
Beyond Tourism — Connect with the Locals
One of the unique aspects of Hirome Market is how it blends tourism with local everyday life. At the counter seats attached to some stalls, it’s not unusual to find yourself sitting next to a friendly local regular.
Locals often strike up casual conversations, giving you a chance to connect with Kochi’s people and learn about the area from those who know it best.
From my experience, the counter seats are the best places for these spontaneous interactions. If you see a lively conversation happening between the shop owner and a patron, that’s a good sign you’ve found a local favorite—go ahead and join in. You might just discover some insider tips for your trip.
Visitor Guidelines
Hirome Market is a casual, welcoming environment, but there are a few rules to keep in mind so that everyone can enjoy their time.
No Smoking Indoors — Use the Outdoor Smoking Area
Smoking is prohibited throughout the entire market.
Smokers can use the designated outdoor smoking area located in the “Yosakoi Plaza” near the main entrance.
Since there are no indoor smoking areas, it’s best to locate the designated spot ahead of time.
No Outside Food or Drink — Enjoy the Market Offerings
All food and drink consumed in Hirome Market must be purchased from vendors inside. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Even packaged items bought from souvenir shops within the market cannot be eaten in the dining areas. Only food and drinks from the eateries are permitted.
The open-style dining where you can combine dishes from various vendors is one of the market’s highlights—help preserve this experience by following the rules.
No Pets Allowed
To maintain hygiene and consideration for other guests, pets are not permitted inside Hirome Market. If you’re traveling with a pet, please make arrangements to leave them outside.
However, certified guide dogs and service animals are allowed, so visitors who require assistance can use the facility with peace of mind.
What’s in a Name? The Origin of “Hirome Market”
The name “Hirome” comes from Hirome Shigeaki, a senior retainer of the Tosa Domain, who once had a residence on this land. The market was named in his honor, as it now stands on the former site of his estate.
Hirome Market opened in 1998 as an indoor venue with a wide mix of eateries and gift shops, created to address the decline of the city center and revitalize the shopping district. Since then, it has become a symbol of Kochi City and a beloved hub for both tourists and locals.
A Space Filled with the Flavors and People of Kochi
Hirome Market is not just a food destination for tourists—it’s a deeply rooted part of local life. Inside, you’ll find about 60 shops offering everything from seafood and regional dishes to sake, crafts, and souvenirs.
At any given time of day, you’ll see tourists indulging in local specialties while regulars sip drinks beside them. This natural mix of visitors and locals is what defines Hirome Market.
Whether it’s the iconic seared bonito or a local sake, Hirome Market offers a genuine taste of Kochi. Make sure to stop by and experience it for yourself.
