Banks and exchange Shikoku Bank is on the corner at Harimaya-bashi; there's a branch of Kochi bank further west, along Dencha-dori. Credit cards can be used in the cash machine at the post office on Dencha-dori.

Bike rental Bikes can be rented from Kagiyama Rental Cycle, 4-11 Aioi-cho (tel 088/882-1585), for ?600 for 2hr and ?1200 for a day.

Bookshops Fuji Bookstore, on the corner of Kochijomae-dori (Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun & hols 10am-7pm), has a few English paperbacks on the second floor.

Car rental Try Eki Rent-a-car (tel 088/882-3022); Toyota Rent-a-car (tel 088/823-0100) Nissan (tel 0888/83-4485); or Budget (freedial tel 0120-23-0543).

Hospitals and clinics The Red Cross Hospital (tel 088/822-1202) is behind Kochi Station.

Internet access NTT, opposite the castle at the end of Obiya-machi arcade, has a section with free Internet access. Time on the computers is limited to 30min and you're not supposed to send emails (but can). Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Laundry There are coin-operated machines outside the Tosa Bekkan .

Police The main police station is opposite Kochi Station. .

Post office The main post office is just to the west of Kochi Station. Opening hours are Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 9am-12.30pm.

Shopping The main department stores are Daimaru on the Obiya-machi Arcade and Seibu on the corner of Harimaya-bashi, which includes an outlet of Muji. On Harimaya-bashi Shotengai, Hana Usagi sells beautiful secondhand and antique kimono and obi . For Kochi's handmade washi paper, try Pepie at 2-8-11 Harimaya-machi.

Sports There's an outdoor swimming pool at the Sogo Taikokan (City Gym) next to the baseball stadium across the Yanagihara-bashi south of the Kagami-gawa.

Taxis Call Kenko Hire (tel 088/882-6166) or Mikuni Hire (tel 088/882-3660).

Travel agencies The main branch of JTB is at Harimaya-bashi, but you're not guaranteed to be served by English-speaking staff.