/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/7706922c-b542-426e-ac5a-37ee584f54bf.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/4938cb5f-7fbd-4447-be5d-4ee01e0f425a.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/62a73125-dfc1-4c35-940e-890c780762f3.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/055523b6-7b75-4228-88c5-a406110b68b9.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/f88ab80c-4d99-4b02-b50d-1506c69b0fcb.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/2c64ec33-a4ac-4df0-bd9c-d2ff427e89db.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/e00b3f32-4d09-48da-8a5b-8a32e04724d5.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/7e30f498-aa27-4eb8-a31b-7d7879303e01.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/64d513ad-e0bd-4ec0-89a9-7cb9f167270e.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/1bc3179d-02a8-422b-b277-7c80251cf8c7.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/e505d662-7a5e-4da0-a75e-70e23b2ce387.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24730/caa36ed8-bd08-44c0-b897-e4ee1fb8c4f9.JPG)
Iya Valley Vine Bridge Tour: One of Japan’s Three Great Hidden Regions
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75444/00f65d37-05c1-4835-8c63-9702cc003401.png)
Joined 2025
Deep in the mountains between Kochi and Tokushima lies the Iya Valley, one of Japan’s Three Great Hidden Regions.
On this private tour from Kochi, we’ll cross the famous Kazurabashi vine bridge, ride a boat through Oboke Gorge, enjoy local mountain cuisine, and visit an ancient Heike clan thatched house.
Hard to reach on your own, this tour is ideal for cruise guests wanting to explore the real, hidden Japan at their own pace.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kochi New Port (Cruise Ship Terminal), Kochi Ryoma Airport, JR Kochi Station, or any hotel in Kochi city
- I meet you at Kochi New Port (Cruise Ship Terminal), Kochi Ryoma Airport, JR Kochi Station, or any hotel in Kochi city, with door-to-door service in a comfortable Toyota Alphard. Then we start our drive into the mountains.
Iya Vine Bridge (Kazurabashi)
We cross the famous vine bridge, about 45 meters long and 14 meters above the clear Iya River. It is rebuilt about every 3 years with fresh mountain vines, and it is a nationally designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. A small waterfall is right next to the bridge. (About 30 minutes)
Oboke Gorge Sightseeing Boat
We ride a relaxing sightseeing boat through Oboke Gorge, a canyon carved by the Yoshino River over millions of years. The white rock walls and deep green water are stunning. (About 1 hour)
Local Lunch in the Iya Valley
We enjoy local mountain dishes such as Iya soba, grilled river fish, and miso dengaku. This menu is one example. I check your tastes and any food allergies in advance and choose the best place for your group. (About 45 minutes)
Heike Residence (Heike Yashiki)
We visit a historic thatched roof house linked to the Heike clan, who are said to have escaped deep into these mountains in the 12th century. A quiet and peaceful place to end the visit. (About 30 minutes)
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
Private English-speaking guide service (Local guide based in Kochi)
・Door-to-door escort by Toyota Alphard (Luxury Minivan) (Comfortable seating for up to 6 guests)
・Hotel meet-up and drop-off (Within Kochi city area)
・ All vehicle-related expenses (Includes gasoline, expressway tolls, and parking fees)
・ Complimentary photos taken by your guide (I will capture your memories during the tour)
・ Meals and beverages (Lunch, snacks, and drinks during the tour)
・ Entrance and activity fees (Vine bridge about 550 yen, sightseeing boat about 1,500 yen, Heike Residence about 500 yen, per adult)
・Optional activities (River rafting, riverside sauna)
・ Personal expenses (Shopping, souvenirs, and incidental costs)
・ Personal travel insurance (Please ensure you have your own coverage)
Tour Important Information
Physical Requirements: This tour involves some walking and crossing the vine bridge, with a few uneven steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Dietary Needs: Please inform me in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions. I will choose the best lunch place for your group.
Expenses: Meals and entrance fees are not included in the tour price. You can pay them at each spot. As a guide, lunch is about 1,000 to 1,500 yen per person.
Fear of Heights: The vine bridge hangs about 14 meters above the river, and you can see the water through the gaps under your feet. If you have a strong fear of heights, this tour may not be a good fit. Feel free to ask me about other tour options.
Winter Season: From December to February, snow and icy mountain roads can make this tour difficult to operate. Please contact me first, and if the conditions are not safe I will suggest another Kochi tour instead.
Important Note regarding Transportation
My primary service is providing high-quality guiding as your private local guide. For your comfort and to ensure an efficient itinerary, I provide my private vehicle as a courtesy support.
Please understand the following:
This is not a taxi or commercial transportation service.
Winter Season: From December to February, snow and icy mountain roads can make this tour difficult to operate. Please contact me first, and if the conditions are not safe I will suggest another Kochi tour instead.
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
Alex E.
“Kochi Highlights Tour”
Dear Hiroshi, We are really enjoyed time spent in Kochi with your very professional, knowledgeable guidance! You organized the tour that covered all very interesting and beautiful places, aseptically the Chikurinji Temple! And the experience with Yosakoi dancing competition was amazing. We definitely will recommend you service as the best choice. Thank you for the pictures you’ve sent! Regards, Lidiya, Elena, Robert, and Alex
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75444/00f65d37-05c1-4835-8c63-9702cc003401.png)
Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your lovely message! I had a great time with all of you in Kochi. I am so glad Chikurinji Temple was a highlight for you, and we were really lucky to catch the Yosakoi dance competition that day. It was such a fun and happy group to spend the day with, and I am happy you enjoyed the photos too. Please come back to Kochi anytime, I would love to show you even more of my hometown! Hiroshi
Greg B.
“Away from the city. You get to see the real beauty of this country. ”
Hiroshi is a fantastic guide with a great knowledge of his home land. We went up into the Yasui valley and explored the Hiryu falls, Crystal basin and Sabine dam with the beautiful blue water streams. On our way back to the ship we stopped at a small country restaurant for some traditional Japanese lunch. Then Hiroshi took us to another little seaside restaurant to try the local delicacy of seared bonito. It was amazing, despite our reservations. It is so good to have local food and experiences when you have a guide to translate and assist you. Hiroshi has a great Toyota van that is very clean and comfortable. He was punctual and mindful of getting us back to the ship. Hiroshi is a keen photographer and gave us many photos of our experiences with him on the day. Make sure you book early so you don’t miss out on this kind and amazing guide in Kochi.
Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for this warm and kind review, it really touched my heart. I loved being able to take you both away from the usual tourist path and share places like Yasui Valley and the Crystal Basin, spots that most visitors never get to see. Hearing that you enjoyed the local food too made the day even more special for me. Spending time with you and your wife was a real joy, and I feel lucky to have shared it with you. I truly hope you both continue to enjoy many more happy, healthy trips together, and I would love nothing more than to welcome you back to Kochi again someday.
Kirk H.
“We had a blast in Kochi with Hiroshi!”
Hiroshi was an absolute joy to spend the day with. He took us all around to the best spots - even with the downpour! - and made sure we had fun. He has a great demeanor and knows all about the history of Japan and did a good job of sharing with us. And he took us to a GREAT lunch spot! The car was clean and comfortable, and Hiroshi was a safe driver.
Hiroshi M.
Hi Kirk, Thank you for the fantastic feedback! I had so much fun guiding you all, starting right from the pickup with "The H" sign! Your great humor and positive vibes completely blew the rainy weather away. I'm so glad we could share some interesting history and enjoy a great lunch together. Please give my warmest regards to everyone. You are welcome back to Kochi anytime! Warmly, Hiroshi
$376/ 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 Local Guide & Premium Minivan (Toyota Alphard)
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 Local Guide & Premium Minivan (Toyota Alphard)
/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 with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan
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 with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/0583715c-7cf1-47be-b958-39b51f0d0054.JPG)
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan
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.
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22028/a8d03d1c-f3fa-44b4-8390-dd05f3c7913b.JPG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21113/bdc6473c-56e5-4707-94ed-719b1d9ab1dd.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/84397/07dc43d0-0036-4a71-acbe-5046982a2314.png)