[MMM]

Kochira is a noun and it means "this way" or "this direction"
Kono means "this" and needs to be followed by a noun.

Kochira wa Yamamoto-san - This is Yamamoto-san (when introducing someone).

toire wa kochira desu - The bathroom is this way.

kono hito ha Yamamoto-san. This person is Yamamoto-san (an awkward introduction, but could be used when pointing out someone in a picture.)

kono mise ha yasui desu - This store is inexpensive.