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
Calvin K.
“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!
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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!
Rosa maria C.
“Informative and Caring Guide”
Hiroshi was great from the first initial contact we had with him! His suggestions were excellent, and was able to provide 2 days of sights, even with rain!! Would definitely recommend him!
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I really enjoyed planning this trip with you from the first message. We changed the plan a few times together, and I think it became a great two days. Even with the rain, we saw so much of Kochi and the Iya Valley. Please come back to Shikoku again. It would be great to see you both again!
Carl S.
“Wonderful Kochi tour with Hiroshi”
Our group of 8 thoroughly enjoyed our day with HIROSHI. He was very knowledgeable and engaging. Everyone in our group commented afterwards about how good a guide he was. We would highly recommend him for anyone visiting Kochi.
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for this kind review! It was a real pleasure to spend the day with your group of eight. I'm very happy to hear that everyone enjoyed the tour and learning about Kochi together. Guiding a big group is always fun, and your group made the day so easy and cheerful. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your cruise, and I would love to welcome you back to Kochi someday!
$412/ per group
More tours by Hiroshi M.
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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.
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Discover the 1,000-year legacy of Tosa Washi and the crystal-clear Niyodo River. This 6-hour private journey is ideal for those seeking authentic craftsmanship. Create your own paper at the Ino Museum and visit the iconic Nagoya Chinka Bridge to see the stunning "Niyodo Blue" water. Travel comfortably in a Premium Minivan with a local expert. I provide vehicle support to ensure an efficient, personalized trip from the port. Experience Kochi’s heritage!
Traditional Papermaking Experience & Riverside Tour with Licensed Guide and Premium Minivan
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