/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/33572d7c-f940-4294-91a9-1fdb2ef6f68b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/81b159a1-269b-4596-8258-460512fe0bfd.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/f5344155-c747-4f78-9f2c-d0600566f8ed.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/4c8f0ee2-fe49-45f5-9286-7773ba41889d.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/51e59c9a-358e-46d7-86d1-5275c8b26d26.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/5f069be2-9f05-4d4f-9599-1bff12405ee4.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/0583715c-7cf1-47be-b958-39b51f0d0054.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/a786cfa1-03cb-42ee-98e9-847d22234f4d.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/becc3043-1f49-4cb4-8654-f7b419c81413.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/e6c23dfb-29d6-47c1-85c4-483df7c98e36.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/af2e7767-3616-4923-bc0e-ca80165c99d0.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/2c1c7fdb-39a1-4162-8e6a-c60cdb31be64.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/b8c954c4-5858-45fa-bc1a-d8f7d912c67a.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/0de816a5-0554-47b5-9a83-68b9e002eb77.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/2e1022ee-338a-444a-b728-5dfcdbc7e5b7.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/3779f27f-9884-4143-ba3b-8567582d8522.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/a7a34144-ff44-41e6-89e8-cc1822561db5.jpg)
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater / Ocean Views with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75444/7e8aad7c-cea4-43cd-8978-522bed2bb728.png)
Joined 2025
Discover Kochi’s culture and scenery on this 6-hour private tour with a licensed guide. Visit a samurai house, the birthplace of Mitsubishi’s founder and a museum of bold theatrical art.
If available, we’ll also explore Bentenza, a traditional kabuki theater (no show), where you can step on stage. If not available, we’ll visit Katsurahama Beach, known for ocean views and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma a beloved historical figure.
Private car included. Please check the itinerary for more details.
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.
Doi Kachu Samurai District (Aki City)
Step into the past as you walk through the peaceful Doi Kachu district in Aki City—one of the best-preserved samurai neighborhoods in Kochi.
Lined with white-plastered walls, black wooden gates, and stone-paved streets, this area once housed middle-ranking samurai of the Tosa domain.
Some of the homes, such as the former Hamada family residence, are open to the public and offer a glimpse into daily life during the Edo period.
Unlike popular tourist spots, Doi Kachu remains quiet and authentic, making it a perfect place to experience the atmosphere of old Japan.
Birthplace of the Founder of Mitsubishi, Yataro Iwasaki
Visit the humble thatched-roof home where Yataro Iwasaki, the founder of the Mitsubishi Group, was born in 1835.
Located in Aki City, this preserved residence offers a look into his early life and the modest beginnings from which he rose to become one of Japan’s most influential industrialists.
Ekingura (Ekin Museum)
Step into the dramatic world of Ekin, a local painter from the late Edo period known for his vivid and sometimes shocking theatrical artworks.
Whether you’re an art lover or a cultural explorer, Ekingura offers a truly unique glimpse into Kochi’s creative past.
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant between stops. Recommendations include fresh bonito tataki, seasonal seafood, or countryside-style teishoku meals.
If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please let us know in advance — I will do our best to find a suitable place for you.
Bentenza Kabuki Theater (depending on availability) or Katsurahama Beach
If the schedule allows, we may be able to visit Bentenza, a beautiful kabuki theater located right next to the Ekingura museum in Akaoka.
Please note: There is no live performance.
This is a cultural visit focused on the building’s unique architecture and historical features.
The guide will show you around the interior of the theater, including the wooden audience seating, dressing rooms, rotating stage, and hidden passageways beneath the floor.
If the theater is open and not in use for local events, you may even have the rare chance to enter from backstage and walk up onto the stage, just like an actor in the Edo period.
However, Bentenza is occasionally closed due to private events or rehearsals, and access cannot be guaranteed in advance.
In that case, we will instead visit Katsurahama Beach, one of Kochi’s most scenic spots, where you can enjoy panoramic ocean views and take photos with the famous statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, a beloved hero of the Meiji Restoration.
Whether it's the historical charm of Bentenza or the natural beauty of Katsurahama, this part of the tour offers a special look into Kochi’s culture and identity.
Ending Point
Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City
Want to personalize this tour?
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 to attractions (Ekingura is about $4 for each person, Bentenza is about $4 and for the experience $4 (if available) for each person.)
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Travel insurance (please arrange your own if needed)
Tour Important Information
*This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and stairs—comfortable shoes are recommended.
*Please note that some indoor areas, such as samurai residences, require guests to remove their shoes before entering.
*Please inform me in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
*Entrance fees and meals are not included in the tour price.
*The entrance fee for Ekingura is about $4 for each person.
*The entrance fee for Bentenza is about $4 and for the experience $4 (if available) for each person.
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
Joined 2025
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
Sophia B.
“Garden Tour in Kochi”
Thank you Hirosan for a lovely day out. He went out of his way to accommodate us. He took the most amazing photos and are now most cherished. We hope to come back !
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75444/7e8aad7c-cea4-43cd-8978-522bed2bb728.png)
Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your kind review and for spending the day with me in Kochi. I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed the garden tour and that you liked the photos. That’s such a wonderful thing to say I always take photos hoping they will become cherished memories, so I’m truly happy to hear that. I also enjoyed talking with you and showing you around the gardens and the temple. I hope you’ll come back to Kochi someday – I’d be very happy to guide you again. Best regards, Hiroshi
Carmelo G.
“Hiroshi is a miracle worker!! ”
There is not enough words to describe how amazing of a time my wife and I had with Hiroshi. My wife and I traveled Japan for a total of 20 days from Kochi to Tokyo, but the two days with Hiroshi were the highlight of the entire trip! My wife and I based most of our trip on traveling to areas involving one of our favorite franchises Pokemon. Crazy thing is that Kochi's Ambassador Pokemon happens to be my wife's favorite Pokemon Quagsire; Nuoh in Japanese. I spent 8-10 hours on my own trying to surprise my wife with a special trip seeing all things Nuoh while we were in Kochi. I ran into so many problems until I finally decided to find a guide to help bring us to all the areas, but boy did Hiroshi do SOOOOO much more!! I contacted a few different traveling options, but Hiroshi was the most enthusiastic for the personal trip which left me with such a good feeling. He was so patient and quick responding during the entire process. I had even change plans (which I felt really bad about), but he completely understood and was able to quickly come up with a new plan and more. Hiroshi did so much in the background that I really had nothing to worry about. He made sure we did everything that was available and found activities we knew nothing about. Hiroshi truly knows and LOVES Kochi and that energy brushed off onto us. He even checked out activities ahead of time to make sure things ran smoothly. He put in so much more work than just those two days, and those were already a LONG two days of work for him. We relax with no worries while he stayed making sure we were comfortable. All I had to do was tell Hiroshi that my wife loves Quagsire, shopping, with minimal traveling, while I enjoy nature, and he was able to PERFECTLY blend our enjoyments together. He put in so many surprises that I didn't even know about without making us feel overwhelmed. He pays attention to so many details and truly made our trip an once in a life time experience.
Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for this incredible review. Reading it honestly made my day (and probably my whole month). I’m truly grateful you chose me for such a special Nuoh mission in Kochi and I’m so happy those two days became a highlight of your 20-day Japan trip. For me, just having guests come to Kochi already means a lot so I always want to do everything I can to help them enjoy it, feel relaxed, and think “I want to come back.” Because I was born and raised here, I can quickly adjust and recommend places depending on the day, and the timing and planning that kind of custom trip is something I genuinely love. Also, I would like to say… you and your wife had such a warm, happy vibe the whole time. Being around you both made me feel happy too. I had so much fun guiding you and I even enjoyed all the researching and behind-the-scenes planning. And the Doburoku festival happening on the exact day we visited with Nuoh showing up. That was just perfect! Thank you again. Please give my best to your wife! If you ever come back, I’d love to show you even more of Kochi. And one day, I hope I can visit the US too — I’ll say hello for sure! All the best, Hiroshi
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.
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
$319/ per group
More tours by Hiroshi M.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19490/fc6493c8-d145-4b79-97d4-8875c9835a14.jpg)
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
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.
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19997/f6ff42f4-9841-4a20-9117-29d2c7d9eb4d.jpeg)
Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Niyodo Blue – Japan’s Clearest River The Niyodo River in central Kochi is known for its brilliant “Niyodo Blue.” In 2025, it was ranked No.1 in water quality in Japan. This tour visits Yasui Valley, where blue streams, waterfalls, and pools shine in the sunlight. Stroll riverside paths, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the sound of flowing water. Come and see why this “miracle clear stream” is one of Kochi’s most iconic destinations.
Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19999/9d45e0d4-88a7-4997-a5dd-c61cca2a3761.jpeg)
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.
Discover the World of Figures and Dioramas w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21198/43b1b51a-0dba-46aa-99bd-fc881c15b28f.jpeg)
Kochi Cultural Cycling Tour – with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Discover the hidden beauty of Konan City on a 6-hour cycling tour with car pick-up from Kochi port, airport, or a hotel. Starting from the Konan City Cycling Terminal, enjoy a scenic seaside route with Pacific Ocean views, passing peaceful fishing villages and coastal roads. Visit Ekingura Museum for vivid Edo-period paintings, and Benten Theater, a preserved kabuki stage that still hosts performances today. I will share local stories and take photos along the way.
Kochi Cultural Cycling Tour – with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kochi
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
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.
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Niyodo Blue – Japan’s Clearest River The Niyodo River in central Kochi is known for its brilliant “Niyodo Blue.” In 2025, it was ranked No.1 in water quality in Japan. This tour visits Yasui Valley, where blue streams, waterfalls, and pools shine in the sunlight. Stroll riverside paths, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the sound of flowing water. Come and see why this “miracle clear stream” is one of Kochi’s most iconic destinations.
Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
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.
Discover the World of Figures and Dioramas w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Kochi Cultural Cycling Tour – with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Discover the hidden beauty of Konan City on a 6-hour cycling tour with car pick-up from Kochi port, airport, or a hotel. Starting from the Konan City Cycling Terminal, enjoy a scenic seaside route with Pacific Ocean views, passing peaceful fishing villages and coastal roads. Visit Ekingura Museum for vivid Edo-period paintings, and Benten Theater, a preserved kabuki stage that still hosts performances today. I will share local stories and take photos along the way.
Kochi Cultural Cycling Tour – with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up