Hirome Market

Author: Richard Perkins
Photos/Videos Taken: 2025/05/16
Address: Kochi-Shi, Kochi,
Obiyacho 2-3-1【780-0841】

In Kochi, Kochi Prefecture, there are many places to eat, including numerous cafes and restaurants, ensuring visitors won’t go hungry. Most people who come to Kochi Prefecture, however, do so to try the local specialty skipjack tuna—called 鰹 (katsuo) in Japanese. This prefecture is famous for serving skipjack tuna prepared in a style called たたき (tataki), where the fish is seared on the outside but remains raw inside. Many restaurants in Kochi City serve this local specialty, but one of the best places to enjoy it is Hirome Market.

Hirome Market is on the intersection of the Ōhashi shopping arcade in the heart of the city. First opening its doors back in October 1998, it now stands on the site where the residence of the chief retainer of the Tosa clan, Shigeaki Hirome Fukao, stood during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The market that stands now utilises part of this name. Fewer and fewer people had been visiting the local shopping arcades due to the (at the time) bad economy. Hirome Market was built to attract more people. It was designed as a “food theme park”. It is now a popular spot to visit in Kochi Prefecture.

Inside this market, one will find many 屋台 (yatai—Japanese food stalls). Here, one can purchase food from one of the stalls and enjoy it on the numerous benches set up throughout the area. This is truly a food paradise. It's not just for tourists; locals also love this part of the city. Since many people visit for the famous skipjack tuna tataki, plenty of yatai specialize in serving it. Thanks to this vibrant market, you don't have to wander the city to experience the best of Kochi Prefecture's cuisine.

When skipjack tuna tataki is prepared, grilling it directly over an open flame often results in the tuna being cooked (all the way) through. To avoid this and keep the center raw, many restaurants use straw for grilling skipjack tuna. Called 藁 (wara) in Japanese, straw is the preferred method because it prevents the heat from penetrating too deeply, ensuring the middle stays raw. The large flames produced during grilling create a dramatic scene that looks like a performance. While this isn’t an (intentional) show, many restaurants position their grills in visible areas or near seating so guests can watch. It’s enjoyable to stroll around Hirome Market, watching chefs grill skipjack tuna.

Believe it or not, Hirome Market isn’t just about food. Many yatai here also serve alcohol—not just standard beer and whatnot, but also a variety of locally produced drinks. It’s a lot of fun to sample products from local breweries and experience their unique flavors. There are also a few shops that sell gifts and various souvenirs.

Hirome Market is easily accessible by public transportation. As mentioned above, you can enjoy a wide range of local dishes here, making it a must-visit, especially for first-time visitors to the prefecture. Most of the yatai here stay open late, creating the perfect spot for those who want to eat and drink at a relaxed pace. It’s also ideal for those who’d like to sample food from various restaurants. When next in Kochi Prefecture, be sure to stop by Hirome Market to experience the best local cuisine the prefecture has to offer.