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

Welcome to Kochi（高知）

Chikurinji Temple（竹林寺）

Okawasuji Samurai Residence（大川筋武家屋敷）

Makino Botanical Garden（牧野植物園）

Kochi Castle（高知城）

Hirome Market（ひろめ市場）

Obiyamachi Shopping Arcade（帯屋町商店街）

Toyota Alphard

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

Name: Kochi Guided Tours
Brand: GoWithGuide
Price: 370 USD
Rating: 5.0 (31 reviews)

Highlights

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Hiroshi M.

5.00 / 5

(31 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

Joined 2025

Hiroshi M.

5.00 / 5

(31 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

Kirk H.

5 / 5

Jul 15, 2026

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

Jul 15, 2026

Kochi

6 hours

“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

Mitchell M.

5 / 5

Jul 15, 2026

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

Jul 15, 2026

Kochi

7 hours

“Exceptional white glove tour Hiroshi is the best ”

Exceptional White-Glove Tour – Hiroshi is the Best! I’ve traveled a lot and had many guides in my day, but Hiroshi easily ranks among the absolute best. He provided a true five-star, white-glove experience from start to finish! First-Class Comfort: The car was pristine with ice-cold A/C, a speaker so everyone could hear, and he even brought a camera along to capture our memories. Expertly Tailored: He was incredibly accommodating, guiding us to the best eats at the fish market, shifting our itinerary to show us amazing hidden gems, and even preparing a special presentation to share the deep history of one of the sites. Fantastic Vibe: Beyond his incredible professionalism, Hiroshi has a wonderful personality and is just an awesome guy to hang out with. He knows the island inside and out. Thank you, Hiroshi, for an unforgettable trip and a great life experience. We appreciate everything you did for us!

Hiroshi M.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a kind and detailed review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding your group around Kochi. Despite the summer heat, everyone's fantastic energy made the entire day incredibly fun and rewarding for me as well. I am so glad that you enjoyed the food at Hirome Market, learning about our local history, and that the ride was comfortable and relaxing for everyone. Thank you again for choosing my tour and for your generous words. I hope the photos we took bring back wonderful memories of Kochi. Wishing you and your group safe and amazing travels ahead, and I hope to welcome you all back someday! Best regards, Hiroshi

Mikhail K.

5 / 5

Jun 12, 2026

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

Jun 12, 2026

Kochi

6 hours

“Hidden gem”

We had a wonderful day with Hiroshi san. Our group of 5 was diverse; 2 seniors, 2 middle aged and 1 young person; everyone had fun, learned a lot and felt welcomed by Hiroshi san. Highly recommend to anyone if you stopping in Kochi ;

Hiroshi M.

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind review! I really enjoyed spending the day with your group. It was wonderful to have guests of different ages all enjoying Kochi together, and I am so glad everyone had a good time. Also, I hope she continues to enjoy learning Japanese! Kochi is truly a hidden gem, and I hope you all carry a little piece of it with you and welcome you back someday! Arigato Gozaimashita. Hiroshi