GoWithGuide
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
(41 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
(41 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

“Paper making and Niyoda River Tour ”

We can’t recommend Hiroshi enough! From start to finish, he planned an amazing one-day tour for my wife and me, perfectly customized to our interests. His Toyota Alphard was spotless, spacious, and comfortable, and Hiroshi himself was courteous, friendly, and a pleasure to spend the day with. Our adventure began at a washi paper studio and museum, where we had a blast trying our hand at traditional washi paper-making. Next, we stopped to watch fresh bonito (Kochi’s famous Katsuo no Tataki) being seared over straw flames before enjoying a delicious takeaway lunch. The day continued with stunning views of the Niyodo River, a drive across the iconic Nagoya Chinkabashi (submersible bridge), a visit to a scenic village popular on social media, and finally, a hike to the breathtaking Niyodo Blue, where we got to witness a beautiful waterfall. Along the way, Hiroshi also shared fascinating stories about Kochi’s history and culture, making the experience even more enriching. What impressed us most was how smoothly and thoughtfully everything was organized. We packed so much into one day without ever feeling rushed, leaving us plenty of time to relax and enjoy each experience. As a wonderful finishing touch, Hiroshi even shared some fantastic photos he had taken of us throughout the tour! If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, thoughtful, and personable guide to help you discover the best of Kochi, we highly recommend Hiroshi. He made our day truly memorable, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Calvin K.

Hiroshi M.

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It was a real pleasure to spend the day with you and your wife. I was so happy you enjoyed making washi paper and watching the katsuo no tataki being seared over big straw flames. Those are some of my favorite ways to show guests the real Kochi. The hike to the Niyodo Blue was not easy, but you both did great, and the waterfall at the end was worth it. I also really enjoyed our talks in the car about history, Japan, and even K-pop. I learned a lot from you both. I'm glad you liked the photos too. There is still so much more of Kochi to see, like the Iya Valley and our summer matsuri. I hope to welcome you back someday!

Want to Personalize?

$412/ per group

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