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Kochi City Walking Tour (Public Transport & Walking Only)
Experience Kochi like a local on this immersive walking tour. You will discover the heart of Kochi in a way that’s only possible on foot. We will explore iconic landmarks such as Kochi Castle, the lively Hirome Market, and the bustling Obiyamachi arcade.
If you prefer a door-to-door experience in a shorter time, I also offer a "Kochi Highlights Tour with Private Vehicle Support" featuring a comfortable Toyota Alphard. Please check my profile for more details.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Harimaya Bridge Bus Terminal
- We will meet at the central hub of Kochi City. Your guide will provide a brief orientation of the day’s adventure before we set off on foot. Note for Cruise Ship Passengers: A shuttle bus usually operates between Kochi Port (Kochi Shin-ko) and the Harimaya Bridge area for most cruise arrivals. If a shuttle is not provided for your specific ship, please take a taxi (approx. 20 minutes) to the meeting point.
Kochi Yosakoi Information Museum
Dive into the energy of Kochi’s soul! Learn about the "Yosakoi" festival, a high-energy dance that started here and has spread worldwide. You can see the colorful costumes and even try playing the "Naruko" clappers.
Harimaya Bridge
Just a short walk from the terminal/Yosakoi museum, we’ll visit this famous red bridge. You’ll hear the poignant 19th-century forbidden love story associated with this landmark—a must-see photo spot for every visitor.
Obiyamachi Arcade (Local Life Stroll)
We’ll walk through this vibrant, 500-meter-long covered shopping street. It’s the perfect place to see modern local life, browse traditional shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Okawasuji Samurai Residence
A peaceful, well-preserved former residence of a samurai family from the Edo period. This site offers an intimate look at the traditional architecture and the daily lifestyle of the warrior class in old Kochi.
Kochi Castle
One of only 12 original wooden castles remaining in Japan. It is uniquely preserved, as both the main tower (Donjon) and the lord's palace still exist today. The castle grounds offer a rare look at authentic Edo-period architecture and a panoramic view of the city.
Hirome Market
Known as the "Kitchen of Kochi," this bustling indoor market is packed with over 60 food stalls. It is the best place to witness the friendly local culture while tasting regional specialties like Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito).
Ending Point
Harimaya Bridge Bus Terminal
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
Local English-speaking licensed guide service
Personalized tour itinerary and local recommendations
Complimentary photos taken by your guide during the tour
Public transportation fares (Tram/Bus: approx. 500–1,000 JPY per person)
Admission fees for attractions (e.g., Kochi Castle, etc.)
Meals and beverages
Personal expenses (Souvenirs, etc.)
Personal travel insurance (Please ensure you have your own coverage for the tour)
Tour Important Information
Tour Notes & Information
Physical Requirements: This is a walking tour that involves a significant amount of walking and stairs. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Accessibility: Please be advised that the interiors of Kochi Castle and the Okawasuji Samurai Residence are not wheelchair accessible.
Dietary Needs: Please inform me in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Expenses: Meals and admission fees are not included in the tour price. Please prepare approximately $10 (approx. 1,500 JPY) per person for entrance fees.
Public Transport: Please note that guests are responsible for their own public transportation fares (trams/buses) during the tour.
【For a More Comfortable Experience】
If you prefer to avoid long walks and waiting for public transport in the sun or rain, I highly recommend my "Kochi Highlights Tour with Private Vehicle Support." That plan features a spacious Toyota Alphard with door-to-door service, allowing us to cover more sights (including Katsurahama Beach) efficiently and in air-conditioned comfort.
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
Eddyse K.
“Passionate about Kochi”
Hiroshi is a wonderful guide. He truly wanted to show us his city. He planned our tour perfectly and took us to places that are well known and some that we never would have discovered on our own. His explanations of history were amazing and gave us the background we needed to understand the importance of what we were seeing. I highly recommend Hiroshi to show you Kochi !
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. As someone who was born and raised in Kochi, I always enjoy sharing not only the well-known highlights, but also local history and places that even many locals do not often visit. I’m very glad I could take you to some of those spots today. It truly meant a lot to hear that the historical background helped you better understand what you were seeing. Showing you my hometown was a real pleasure. Thank you again for choosing Kochi and for taking the time to write such a warm review. Best regards, Hiroshi
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 !
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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.
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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
$284/ per group
More tours by Hiroshi M.
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Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Vehicle Support
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 Vehicle Support
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Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River w/ Licensed Guide and Private Vehicle Support
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 Vehicle Support
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater with Licensed Guide & Private Vehicle Support
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 Guide & Private Vehicle Support
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