After around six hours of traveling by bus from Osaka, we arrived at Kochi Station. Kochi Prefecture, the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan is situated on the South coast of Shikoku Island. We were greeted by our host, Prof. Satoru Ishizutsu from Kochi University. He was a pleasant and friendly man; neither too forward nor too distant.Â
He escorted us to our accommodations, where we gratefully rested our weary feet and body, even if it was just for a moment. Afterward, we continued on with our main purpose: to visit Kochi University's people and facilities.
The next morning, we have a chance to explore Kochi. We went to a beautiful beach called "The Dragon Beach", named after it shape. The temperature by then had dropped to 1 degree Celsius, making us very grateful when we had a taste of onsen by soaking our feet in hot spring near the beach.Â
Satisfied with the onsen, we continue to fisherman village to visit local tsunami evacuation tower. A 30 meters tall tower consisted simply of metal and reinforced concrete. This tower is among measures taken by the government to decrease the number of casualties resulting from earthquake and tsunami in the area. Though we weren't allowed to enter the center, we still had an amazing view of the dark blue Pacific Ocean from the neighboring building.
![Fisherman blue camp and Pacific Ocean at the background](https://assets.kompasiana.com/items/album/2018/09/29/img-20180125-wa0053-5baf8d886ddcae3a5a455216.jpg?t=o&v=770)
On our way back from the beach, we made a small detour to the riverbanks of the Niyodo River. The river is crystal clear and looks blue during the day time. Its mystical blue colour is called "Niyodo Blue".Â
That cleanest river in Japan, have succeeded to attract many tourists including us with its amazing clarity and distinctive colour. Another important site not to be missed in Kochi is Statue of Three Samurai from Tosa: Takechi Hanpeita, Sakamoto Ryouma and Nakaoka Shintaro, who devoted themselves to modernizing Japan in 1800's.
![Niyodo River](https://assets.kompasiana.com/items/album/2018/09/30/img-20180123-wa0014-5bb0d0baab12ae1b714687d2.jpg?t=o&v=770)
![Preparation of Indonesia Night at Satobito Cafe](https://assets.kompasiana.com/items/album/2018/09/29/img-20180130-wa0004-5baf8d2daeebe113032bcc32.jpg?t=o&v=770)
They have to sell tickets to other students to attend the Indonesia food dinner along with fun programs like games, singing and dancing to introduce Indonesian culture. Every month, their ticket for Indonesian dinner always sold out!
![Halal Beef](https://assets.kompasiana.com/items/album/2018/09/19/img-20180124-wa0010-5ba25be4ab12ae1e695f9448.jpg?t=o&v=770)