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Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
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Joined 2025
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.
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.
Chikurinji Temple
Chikurinji is a peaceful Shingon Buddhist temple located on Mt. Godaisan. It is one of the 88 pilgrimage temples of Shikoku and is known for its beautiful five-story pagoda, tranquil moss garden, and deep spiritual atmosphere. Founded in the 8th century, it offers a glimpse into Japan’s ancient religious traditions and a serene break from the city.
Okawasuji Samurai Residence or Makino Botanical Garden
You can choose either of these two spots. During seasons such as summer or winter, when there are fewer flowers, the Okawasuji Samurai Residence is highly recommended.
However, please note that the Samurai Residence is closed on Wednesdays — in that case, we will visit the Botanical Garden instead.
The Okawasuji Samurai Residence is a beautifully preserved samurai house from the Edo period, offering a glimpse into the life and architecture of the samurai class. Inside, visitors can see tatami rooms, elegant wooden interiors, and historical artifacts that reflect the lifestyle and aesthetics of Japan’s feudal era.
Located on Mt. Godaisan, the Makino Botanical Garden honors Dr. Tomitaro Makino, known as the father of Japanese botany. This spacious garden features over 3,000 plant species, scenic walking paths, and seasonal flower displays. Visitors can enjoy both nature and science while learning about Dr. Makino’s life and Japan’s rich botanical heritage.
Kochi Castle
Kochi Castle is one of the few original castles in Japan with its main keep, palace, and gates still intact. Built in the early 17th century, it served as the seat of the Yamauchi lords and offers panoramic views of the city. Walking through its wooden interiors and climbing the stone steps is like stepping back into the time of the samurai.
Hirome Market
Hirome Market is a lively food court and local hangout where you can sample a wide variety of Kochi’s regional dishes all in one place. From freshly seared katsuo no tataki to local sake and street food, it’s a perfect spot to experience Kochi’s unique food culture. Grab a seat, order from different stalls, and enjoy the festive, communal atmosphere.
Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade
Obiyamachi is Kochi’s main shopping street—a covered arcade lined with local shops, cafes, and souvenir stores. It’s a great place to find regional products, try Japanese snacks, and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional downtown shopping district. Perfect for a casual stroll between sightseeing spots.
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 (e.g., Kochi Castle, Makino Botanical Garden)
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.
*Kochi castle(inside) is not wheelchair accessible.
*Please inform me in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
*Entrance fees and meals are not included in the tour price.
*Entrrance fees are approximately $10 per 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
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.
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
Mateus G.
“Great Guide”
We were with Hiroshi for our 5-day trip to Kochi. He's a wonderful person and became a great friend in this time. He managed to understand exactly what kind of spots we were interested in and made a personalized itinerary. The best part was being able to visit secret spots that only locals go to.
Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your warm review. It was a true pleasure spending five days with you! I really enjoyed getting to know you and your wife and tailoring each day to your interests. Hearing that the personalized tour showed you the “real” local spots — the small eateries, sake places, and neighborhood pastimes — makes me very happy. Thank you for letting me be part of your Kochi experience. Your friendship means a lot — I hope I can welcome you back to Kochi someday. Please keep in touch! Warm regards, Hiroshi M Kochi Local Licensed Guide
$329/ per group
More tours by Hiroshi M.
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Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
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Discover the World of Figures and Dioramas w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kochi
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater / Ocean Views with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
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 / Ocean Views 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
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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