Manga Kingdom Kochi's Anime Culture Tour with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan
Explore Kochi’s deep connection to manga and anime culture. This tour traces the evolution of Japanese manga from its early roots to modern pop culture. Visit the Yokoyama Ryuichi Manga Museum and Kochi Manga BASE to explore manga’s origins and its living culture today, then continue to Kaiyodo Space Factory Nankoku, where characters are transformed into world-class figures. If time allows, an optional visit to the Anpanman Museum, one of the most famous anime in Japan, is also possible.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kochi New Port (Cruise Ship Terminal)
- I provide a door-to-door meet-up service using a luxury Toyota Alphard. Please inform me of your preferred meeting location and time in advance. Options --> Kochi New Port (Cruise Ship Terminal), Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ), JR Kochi Station, or any hotel or accommodation within Kochi City.
Yokoyama Ryuichi Manga Museum
Visit a museum dedicated to Yokoyama Ryuichi, one of the earliest professional manga artists in Japan.
Learn how manga began as a form of daily entertainment and social commentary long before modern anime existed.
Kaiyodo Space Factory Nankoku
Explore Kaiyodo’s flagship facility, where characters from manga, anime, games, and movies are crafted into highly detailed figures admired worldwide.
This visit highlights the craftsmanship behind Japan’s global pop culture.
Local Lunch
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant selected according to the day’s route and your preferences.
Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Kochi Manga BASE
Visit Kochi Manga BASE, a modern cultural space introducing manga artists connected to Kochi and current trends in Japanese manga culture.
This stop connects historical roots with manga as a living, evolving art form.
Ending Point
Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City
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
(Regional license holder)
Door-to-door escort by Toyota Alphard
Hotel meet-up and drop-off (within Kochi city area)
All vehicle-related expenses (fuel, toll, parking fees)
Complimentary photos taken by your guide and shared after the tour
Meals and beverages
Personal expenses
Personal travel insurance
Tour Important Information
Physical Requirements: Light to moderate walking is involved.
Accessibility: Some facilities may have stairs or limited elevator access.
Dietary Needs: Please inform me in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Optional Stop: The Anpanman Museum visit depends on time availability and guest interest.
Important Note Regarding Transportation
My primary service is providing guiding as a licensed guide.
For efficiency and comfort, my private vehicle is provided as a courtesy support and is not a commercial transportation service.
>>Yokoyama Ryuichi Manga Museum
Closed on Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday).
??Kochi Manga BASE
Open daily from 13:00 to 17:00.
The itinerary is arranged to visit this location in the afternoon.
>>Kaiyodo Space Factory Nankoku
Closed on Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a national holiday).
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
Sandy A.
“Perfect Guide for Kochi”
I cannot recommend Hiroshi more highly. His local knowledge of Kochi allowed us to see and do things we would not have been able to do on our own. We had a wonderful day in Kochi.
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and the kind words. It was a real pleasure to spend the day with your family in Kochi, and I am so glad you enjoyed the experience. Kochi is still off the beaten path for many travelers, so I always try to share the small local stories and hidden details that make a visit here special. I am very happy that I could help you discover sides of the city that would be hard to find on your own. Cruise days in Kochi can feel short, but with good planning there is so much to enjoy. With a private guide and car, we can move at your own pace and add small local spots that are hard to reach on a group tour. Wishing you safe travels, and I would be delighted to welcome you back to Kochi anytime. Hiroshi
William B.
“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.
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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
Patricia S.
“A dream came true”
It has always been a dream of my father’s to go to Tsuno Town, a small village in Kochi with about 5 thousand people, where his ancestors came from before immigrating. Since it’s a place only accessible by car, we were searching options to take us there from Kochi and found Hiroshi-san’s personalized tour. It couldn’t have been a better experience. He is a gentle soul, safe driver and absolutely in love with Kochi itself. After paying respects in the grave of our ancestors, he showed us some beautiful sights of Kochi and took us to have lunch where we could experience local cuisine and buy plenty of souvenirs. Hiroshi-san speaks very good English and is extremely friendly. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide! Thank you for helping us make this dream come true, me and my family will definitely come back to stay longer next time!
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review! It was a true honor and a privilege to be part of such a significant journey for your family. Assisting in fulfilling your father’s lifelong dream of visiting his ancestral roots in Tsuno Town is a memory I will cherish as a guide. Standing by as you paid your respects at the family grave was a deeply moving moment, and I am glad we could make this return to Kochi a reality for all of you. I am also delighted that you enjoyed the scenic drive to the highlands, our local cuisine, and found some great souvenirs to take back to Brazil! Your family's warmth and kind spirit made the day truly special for me as well. Please know that you are always welcome back in Kochi. There are still many hidden gems I would love to show you next time! Wishing you and your family a safe journey home and all the best. Warm regards, Hiroshi
$376/ per group
More tours by Hiroshi M.
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Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan (Toyota Alphard)
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 Local Guide & Premium Minivan (Toyota Alphard)
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Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan
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 with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan
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 Local Guide & Premium Minivan
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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.
Kochi City Walking Tour (Public Transport & Walking Only)
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