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Kochi Private Tour - Welcome to Kochi(高知)
Welcome to Kochi(高知)
Kochi Private Tour - Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Kochi Private Tour - Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Kochi Private Tour - Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Kochi Private Tour - Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Kochi Private Tour - Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Chikurinji Temple(竹林寺)
Kochi Private Tour - Okawasuji Samurai Residence(大川筋武家屋敷)
Okawasuji Samurai Residence(大川筋武家屋敷)
Kochi Private Tour - Okawasuji Samurai Residence(大川筋武家屋敷)
Okawasuji Samurai Residence(大川筋武家屋敷)
Kochi Private Tour - Okawasuji Samurai Residence(大川筋武家屋敷)
Okawasuji Samurai Residence(大川筋武家屋敷)
Kochi Private Tour - Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Kochi Private Tour - Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Kochi Private Tour - Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Kochi Private Tour - Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Kochi Private Tour - Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Kochi Private Tour - Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Makino Botanical Garden(牧野植物園)
Kochi Private Tour - Kochi Castle(高知城)
Kochi Castle(高知城)
Kochi Private Tour - Kochi Castle(高知城)
Kochi Castle(高知城)
Kochi Private Tour - Kochi Castle(高知城)
Kochi Castle(高知城)
Kochi Private Tour - Kochi Castle(高知城)
Kochi Castle(高知城)
Kochi Private Tour - Hirome Market(ひろめ市場)
Hirome Market(ひろめ市場)
Kochi Private Tour - Hirome Market(ひろめ市場)
Hirome Market(ひろめ市場)
Kochi Private Tour - Hirome Market(ひろめ市場)
Hirome Market(ひろめ市場)
Kochi Private Tour - Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade(帯屋町商店街)
Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade(帯屋町商店街)
Kochi Private Tour - Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade(帯屋町商店街)
Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade(帯屋町商店街)
Kochi Private Tour - Toyota Alphard
Toyota Alphard

Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan (Toyota Alphard)

Highlights
Car Tour (driving guide)
Kochi Tour Guide - Hiroshi M.

Joined 2025

Hiroshi M.
5.00 / 5
(28 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Kochi
English
6 hours
Private tour (only you and Hiroshi M.)
Up to 6 people

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!

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City

- I offer a convenient door-to-door meet-up service using a luxury Toyota Alphard. I can meet you at any of the following locations: Kochi New Port (Cruise Ship Terminal) Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ) JR Kochi Train Station Any hotel or accommodation within Kochi City Please inform me of your preferred meet-up location and time in advance. I will be there to welcome you and start our Kochi adventure in comfort.

08:30 AM

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.

09:30 AM

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.

11:00 AM

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.

12:00 PM

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.

12:30 PM

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.

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

What‘s included

Local English-speaking licensed guide service (Regional license holder)


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 and share the data with you)

What‘s not included

Admission fees for sightseeing attractions (e.g., Kochi Castle, Makino Botanical Garden, etc.)


Meals and beverages (Lunch, snacks, and drinks during the tour)


Personal expenses (Shopping, souvenirs, and incidental costs)


Personal travel insurance (Please ensure you have your own coverage before the tour)

Tour Important Information

Tour Notes & Information


Physical Requirements: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and stairs. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.


Accessibility: Please be advised that Kochi Castle (interior) and the Okawasuji Samurai Residence (interior) are not wheelchair accessible.


Dietary Needs: Please inform me in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.


Expenses: Meals and entrance fees are not included in the tour price.


Entrance Fees: Please prepare approximately $10 (approx. 1,500 JPY) per person for entrance fees.


Important Note regarding Transportation


My primary service is providing high-quality guiding as a licensed 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.


The price difference from the "Walking Tour" option is dedicated solely to covering actual vehicle expenses, including fuel, highway tolls, parking fees, and specialized insurance.


For guests who prefer to use only public transportation or taxis, I recommend booking my "Walking Tour" option.

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
Kochi Tour Guide - Hiroshi M.

Joined 2025

Hiroshi M.
5.00 / 5
(28 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Great Day in Kochi

We had booked the Kochi Highlights Tour with Hiroshi during our Diamond Princess cruise stop in Kochi. We had a full day starting with Kochi Castle, lunch at Hirome Market, strolling through the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, visiting the Chikurinji Temple and finishing with the Makino Botanical Garden. We had a wonderful day exploring the highlights of Kochi and were well taken care of by a local expert. Hiroshi was knowledgeable, attentive and patient, he introduced us to local dishes and the Konatsu fruit and took care in ensuring that my partner was able to enjoy a vegan meal at Hirome Market. We also made short stops at a local grocery store to pick up Inaka-zushi - countryside sushi - and at a gift shop that sold locally produced products. On top of all this, Hiroshi took amazing photos of us and provided a photographic perspective that on our own we would not be able to capture. We had a great memorable day and look forward to booking another tour with Hiroshi that next time we are in Kochi!

Tina C.

Hiroshi M.

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! It was a great pleasure guiding you both during your cruise stop. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed our day exploring Kochi. It was a lot of fun introducing you to some of my favorite local flavors, and I am especially glad we found good vegan options for your partner at Hirome Market. Thank you also for your kind words about the photography. I always love taking photos to help my guests remember the day. I look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure the next time you are in Kochi. Safe travels! Warm regards, Hiroshi

Amazing Tour Guide & Photographer in Kochi

We had a wonderful experience touring Kochi with Hiroshi as our guide. He was very personable, knowledgeable, and easy to spend the day with, making our visit feel relaxed, enjoyable, and thoughtfully planned. One of the highlights of our tour was Makino Botanical Garden, which was an amazing experience and absolutely worth visiting. One member of our group had mobility challenges, and Hiroshi was very considerate in arranging the visit so that everyone in our party could see and enjoy the garden comfortably. His care and attention made a real difference in allowing the whole group to fully participate. Hiroshi also recommended a great restaurant that everyone enjoyed, which was especially impressive given the different preferences within our group. We also visited Kochi Castle, and throughout the day Hiroshi helped us capture wonderful memories. He took amazing photos of our group and later provided us with a link to enjoy them all, which was truly priceless and such a thoughtful extra touch. For anyone looking to see Kochi in a more personal and customized way, especially within a shorter amount of time, having Hiroshi as a guide is well worth it. It allowed us to enjoy the sights at our own pace without feeling rushed or crowded, which made the day much more meaningful than a large cruise ship or bus tour.

William B.

Hiroshi M.

Thank you so much for this kind review. Spending the day with your group was a real pleasure, and I am so happy the tour felt relaxed and easy to enjoy. I was glad we could plan the Makino Botanical Garden visit so everyone could explore it together and take their time. It meant a lot to me that the whole group could enjoy the garden comfortably, side by side. It was fun finding a restaurant that worked for everyone, and Kochi Castle was a nice way to round out the day. Taking photos along the way is one of my favorite things, so being able to share them with you afterward made me happy. Thank you again for spending the day with me. I hope you all made it back to the ship with good memories of Kochi, and I would be happy to welcome you back someday. Hiroshi

Want to Personalize?

$374/ per group

More tours by Hiroshi M.