What percentage of the Kochi Prefecture land area is covered by dense, green mountains?
Answer
84%
The geography of the Kochi Prefecture, formerly Tosa province, plays a defining role in its culinary identity. This region on the southern coast of Shikoku is characterized by a rugged topography where towering, dense, green mountains cover a very substantial portion of the landmass. Specifically, this mountainous terrain accounts for 84% of the total land area. This high percentage explains the sharp rise of the peaks close to the ocean, contributing to intensely flavorful ingredients sourced from both the cool mountain rivers and the nearby Pacific, which is warmed by the Kuroshio Current.

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