Discover the World of Figures and Dioramas w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Discover the fascinating world of figures and dioramas at the KAIYODO Hobby Museum in Shimanto Town.
This museum displays more than 10,000 works, from dinosaurs and animals to robots, anime, and movie characters. Visitors can admire giant dioramas, detailed miniatures, and learn the story of Japan’s leading figure maker.
Optional workshops allow you to paint or build a small figure, making a personal souvenir. A must for families, collectors, and pop-culture fans.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City
- I will pick you up by van at Kochi New Port, Kochi Airport, Kochi Station, or any hotel in Kochi City. Please let me know your preferred pickup location and time in advance.
KAIYODO Hobby Museum
The KAIYODO Hobby Museum, located in Shimanto Town, Kochi, is a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to the art of figures and dioramas.
Inside, you will find over 10,000 models ranging from dinosaurs, animals, and insects to robots, anime, and film characters.
The museum highlights the creativity of KAIYODO, Japan’s most famous figure maker, known worldwide for its craftsmanship and detail.
Giant displays and miniature masterpieces fill the halls, creating a wonderland for both children and adults.
Visitors can also enjoy seasonal exhibits, a museum shop with exclusive items, and optional workshops where you can paint or build your own small figure.
Optional Workshops
Figure Painting
Paint your own mini figure using professional tools. The finished piece can be taken home as a unique souvenir.
Diorama Making
Assemble a small diorama with figures, trees, and buildings. Beginner-friendly kits make it easy to enjoy.
Workshop Notes
Fee: Small extra charge (varies by program).
Booking: Advance reservation is required.
Notice: Please let us know in advance so I will make a reservation.
Duration: Around 30–60 minutes.
It is a hidden gem combining Japanese pop culture, imagination, and artistry in the heart of Kochi.
Ending Point
Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
English-speaking licensed guide
Private transportation by Van up to 6 people
Pick-up and drop-off
Gasoline and expressway toll fees
Parking fees
Photos by me
Entrance fees (approx. $8 per person)
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Travel insurance (please arrange your own if needed)
Tour Important Information
*Entrance fees and meals are not included in the tour price.
*The entrance fee for Kaiyodo is about $8 for each person.
*Workshop Notes
Fee: Small extra charge (varies by program).
Booking: Advance reservation is required.
Notice: Please let us know in advance.
Duration: Around 30–60 minutes.
For all ages: Kids can join.
Closed Days
Every Tuesday (if Tuesday is a national holiday, the museum will be closed the following day instead)
Golden Week (Apr 29 – May 6): Open every day. Closed on May 7 as a substitute holiday
Summer Vacation (late July – end of August): Open every day
New Year Holidays: Closed from December 28 to January 1
Important message from the supplier
I currently offer several tour options, but I can also create a fully customized itinerary based on your interests. In the photo gallery, you'll find examples of places and experiences I’ve introduced to past guests.
If there’s a specific place you’d like to visit, feel free to reach out.
For cruise ship travelers, most tours are around 6 hours, so I recommend choosing 3 to 4 spots. To make planning easier, I’ve grouped locations into Central (C), Eastern(E), and Western(W) Kochi in the gallery—please use that as a reference.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Hiroshi M.
I’m a local licensed guide based in Kochi Prefecture. I grew up by the Pacific Ocean in Kochi and spent four years each in Tokyo and the United States—giving me both deep local knowledge and a global perspective.
Although I’m new to GoWithGuide, I’ve been welcoming international guests for years through my private rental villa in Aki City and as a local guide in Kochi. Working in the travel industry, I know not only the famous landmarks but also the hidden gems of the region.
All the photos you see here were taken by me—I enjoy photography, and if you’d like, I’d be happy to capture some memorable shots for you during the tour.
Reviews
Karla D.
“Beautiful Kochi with Hiro”
Kochi is a beautiful city in Japan and Hiro was an excellent guide who spoke of his hometown with great knowledge. As a welcome bonus, he came with a D-SLR camera and took excellent photos of our group in the different settings, then he shared them with us afterwards. He even summarized our tour so we wouldn't forget the sopts we visited with him. It was wonderful to experience Kochi with Hiro & I highly recommend him to anyone.
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour in Kochi. I’m also glad the photo album helped capture the memories of the day. I always bring my D-SLR camera and share photos and a short tour summary afterward, so I hope my guests will remember the places we visited in Kochi. Your group was warm, curious, and a joy to guide. Thank you again for choosing Kochi, and I truly hope to welcome you back someday. Best Regards, Hiroshi
Edson E.
“The best guide I have had so far”
We are a group of 6 Brazilians. Kochi surprised us. A welcoming and beautiful city. And the guide Hiroshi san took us to the best places, giving us valuable guidance. He showed us places and details that probably many other tourists missed. And to end the perfect tour, we enjoyed typical Kochi dishes (bonito fish and the best gyoza I've ever tasted). Hiroshi san, we are grateful for the incredible day you provided us
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review — “the best guide I have had so far” is truly the highest compliment I could receive! I’m so happy to know that you enjoyed discovering Kochi and experiencing its local culture and food. Your group’s warmth, smiles, and curiosity made the day unforgettable for me as well. Please say hello to everyone for me — muito obrigado / obrigada! I hope our paths will cross again here in Kochi someday.
Robert B.
“Thank you Hiro-san”
We enjoyed a wonderful day with you and appreciate you sharing your knowledge of beautiful Kochi and the sites we visited. This was our first time visiting Kochi and we love it. Thank you, Robert B.
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much! I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed your first visit to Kochi. It was a pleasure guiding you and showing you some of the beautiful spots and local stories of this area. I hope you’ll visit Kochi again someday to explore more of the local food, sake breweries, and hidden scenic places that only locals know. Wishing you all the best, – Hiro
$256/ per group
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Explore Kochi’s top highlights in one day with a local licensed guide! Visit Kochi Castle, Chikurinji Temple, and Okawasuji Samurai Residence or Makino Botanical Garden, and enjoy local food at Hirome Market. The tour is flexible—we can visit other spots based on your interests. All photos were taken by me, and I’m happy to take photos of you during the tour and share them afterward as a free souvenir. Perfect for first-time visitors who want a personalized and memorable experience in Kochi.
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