![[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Kochi! OCAT departure: Seared bonito and a tour of stunning scenery](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/08/21-269381.webp)
From OCAT, the bus terminal in Osaka, Minami, Osaka, you can access Kochi, the Kochi of Ryoma Sakamoto, by express bus without transfers. We introduce a itinerary that allows you to fully enjoy the history, nature, and gourmet food of Tosa in about 1 night and 2 days.
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One of the largest bus terminals in western Japan. This is a bus terminal for express buses departing to and arriving at Kansai International Airport and Osaka Airport, which offer flights to destinations all over the world, as well as to destinations throughout Japan. As befits OCAT, which has a bus terminal directly connected to the airport, you can enjoy cuisine from all over the world. There are many shops where you can do your everyday shopping, and it is used not only while waiting for the bus, but also on a daily basis by local residents. Located on the first basement floor of OCAT, the "Ponte Plaza" features a large sphere that shines brightly in the sunlight. This open-air space, where you can see the blue sky, is used as a place of relaxation by people of all ages.
1 night, 2 days
Access between Osaka and Kochi(express bus)
The express bus connecting Osaka and Kochi is a comfortable and well-equipped option for long-distance travel. It offers a direct route to Tosa Station, the gateway to the Kochi region, without any transfers. Its appeal lies in its ease of use, allowing you to travel whenever you feel like it.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes
Main departure/arrival points: OCAT ⇔ Kochi Station
Joint operating companies: West Japan JR Bus / JR Shikoku Bus
The bus is equipped with a toilet, free Wi-Fi, and convenient power outlets or USB ports (Type-A) for charging your smartphone. Enjoy a comfortable journey even on long trips!
*Some vehicles may not be equipped with charging facilities or Wi-Fi.
Flight schedule and timetable [Osaka ⇔ Kochi] Timetable
*The express bus schedules are as of the time of creation and are subject to change. Please check the latest timetable.
Expressway Bus | WEST JAPAN JR BUS COMPANY
How much cheaper are express buses compared to trains?
Let's compare the main modes of transportation between Osaka and Kochi, focusing on travel time and approximate one-way fares.
| Means of transportation | Estimated time required | One-way fare (estimate) |
| Express bus (OCAT → Kochi Station - direct) | Approximately 5 to 5.5 hours | Approximately 5,600 to 6,900 yen |
| Train (Osaka → Okayama transfer → Kochi ) | Approximately 3 and a half hours | Approximately 11,000 to 12,800 yen (regular season) |
It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours longer than the train, but the fare is roughly half, and on some routes, nearly a third. Plus, there are no transfers. You can use the money you save to Kochi Kochi's local cuisine, such as seared bonito or local sake from Tosa , which will greatly enhance your travel experience!
*Note: Train fares vary due to dynamic pricing (variable fares) and discount tickets. Express bus fares also vary depending on the route and time of year. Please check the latest fares and seat availability on each company's booking website.
*Excludes some vehicles.
There will be a break along the way.
Since you can depart from OCAT, which is directly connected to JR Namba Station, travel is smooth even if you have a lot of luggage. You can start your trip with peace of mind.
One of the pleasures of the journey is watching the scenery change from the train window as you travel from the Setouchi, over the Shikoku Mountains, and towards Tosa.
![[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Kochi! OCAT departure: Seared bonito and a tour of stunning scenery](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/04/27-263269.webp)
The distance from Kochi Station to Kochi Castle is about 2 km, which takes about 25 minutes at a leisurely pace.
The road is flat and the sidewalks are wide, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of the town as you go.
Closed days: New Year's holidays, December 27th to January 1st. *There may also be other closures for maintenance.
Admission fee: 850 yen for adults (free for high school students and younger)
Duration of stay: Approximately 2 hours
The distance is about 1 km, and it's a leisurely 15-minute walk.
If you go through the Obi-ya-cho shopping arcade, you can travel comfortably even on rainy days as it is covered.
The arcade is lined with shops selling local delicacies and souvenirs, giving you a glimpse into the everyday life of Kochi.
This is a lively space unique to Kochi, where numerous shops gather and you can freely enjoy what you've bought in a shared space.
Be sure to experience the lively atmosphere where locals and tourists mingle and share drinks side by side.
Let's have dinner here and enjoy the flavors of Tosa to our heart's content.
When you come to Kochi, you absolutely must try katsuo no tataki (seared bonito). The surface, quickly seared over a straw flame, is fragrant and crispy, while the inside remains moist and slightly raw. "Shio tataki" (salt-seared bonito) allows you to fully appreciate the natural flavor of the fish, and the classic style of enjoying it with condiments and ponzu sauce is also exceptional. At Hirome Market, there are even shops that demonstrate the straw-searing process right before your eyes, allowing you to enjoy the dish with a sense of awe and excitement.
![[2026 Latest] Direct flight from Osaka to Kochi! OCAT departure: Seared bonito and a tour of stunning scenery](https://resources.matcha-jp.com/resize/720x2000/2026/08/21-269379.webp)
Kochi, a region Kochi, boasts an abundance of dry, crisp sake that pairs well with food.
We offer nationally renowned brands such as "Suigei," "Tosa Botan," and "Tosatsuru," which pair perfectly with seared bonito and fresh seafood.
Comparing different sakes to find your favorite is one of the unique pleasures of traveling in Tosa.
You can purchase the Katsurahama ticket at the Kochi Station Bus Information Center (inside the Kochi Station Bus Terminal), which allows you to efficiently visit both the Makino Botanical Garden/Chikurinji Temple area and the Katsurahama area.
Kochi Station 9:00 AM departure (MY Yu Bus, weekday schedule) → Makino Botanical Garden 9:27 AM arrival
Katsurahama Line Bus Timetable
*Please note that the schedules for MY Yu Bus and Katsurahama Line buses differ between weekdays and Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. For details, please check the official website.
Closed days: New Year's holidays, December 27th to January 1st. *There may also be other closures for maintenance.
Admission fee: 850 yen for adults (free for high school students and younger)
Makino Botanical Garden and Chikurinji Temple are located next to each other on top of Mt. Godai, and you can reach them by walking along the pilgrimage route that runs through the garden.
This walking course at Mt. Godai offers a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy both flowers and history at the same time.
From "Chikurinji-mae" on Mt. Godai, board the sightseeing bus "MY Yu Bus" and head towards Katsurahama.
Chikurinji Temple 11:54 departure (MY Yu Bus, weekday schedule) → Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum 12:14 arrival
The Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum is located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just a two-minute walk from the bus stop.
With the magnificent sea that Ryoma loved as your backdrop, you can learn about his life and read his letters.
Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum Homepage
In this area overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you'll find a collection of restaurants where you can enjoy the flavors of Kochi.
The grilled beef bowl and steak made with the rare Tosa Tosa beef, and the dumplings made with Shimanto pork, are incredibly satisfying.
For something quick and easy, there are also Tosa Hachikin chicken burgers and thick omelet cutlet sandwiches.
After your meal, enjoy the famous "Ice Cream" (iced ice cream) and roasted green tea sweets by the sea, accompanied by red and white parasols, to conclude your day at Katsurahama.
Express bus: Departs Kochi Station at 17:10 → Arrives at OCAT (JR Namba Minatomachi Bus Terminal) at 22:23. This is a standard plan that allows you to return to Osaka on the same day.
How to get back ②: Overnight flight
Overnight express bus: Departs Kochi Station at 10:30 PM → Arrives at OCAT at 5:50 AM
For those who want to spend a little more time relaxing in Kochi, taking an overnight bus is recommended.
In the evening, you can stroll through the Obi-ya-machi shopping street, enjoy choosing souvenirs, and have dinner.
This plan allows you to travel overnight while ensuring you have ample time to stay in your destination.
A trip from Osaka to Kochi by express bus.
Traveling from Osaka to Kochi is convenient and affordable by express bus. From OCAT (JR Namba Minatomachi Bus Terminal), you can take a direct bus from the Setouchi, across the Shikoku Mountains, and into Tosa . The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes, and in addition to daytime services, there are also overnight services, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy sightseeing from the morning. Take advantage of this route to experience the history, nature, and cuisine of Tosa , including Kochi Castle (a surviving castle tower), Katsurahama Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and authentic katsuo no tataki (seared bonito).
Japan Expressway Bus Net - Check Seat Availability (Select Boarding Date)
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