Traditional Papermaking Experience & Riverside Tour with Licensed Guide and Premium Minivan
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!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kochi New Port (Alternatively: Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City)
- Kochi New Port, (Alternatively: 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.
Ino Town Paper Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of Tosa Washi. See master craftsmen at work and explore the intricate history of one of Japan’s finest papers.
Traditional Papermaking Workshop
The highlight of the tour: Make your own Tosa Washi paper using traditional techniques. A unique and lightweight souvenir to take home.
Nagoya Chinka Bridge & Niyodo Blue Scenic Drive
Experience the stunning emerald-blue water of the Niyodo River. Walk across the famous "submersible bridge" and enjoy the serene rural landscape.
Local Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant along the route, selected based on the day’s itinerary and your preferences.
This is an opportunity to experience everyday regional food enjoyed by locals, using seasonal ingredients from the surrounding mountains and coast.
Lunch is not included in the tour price, allowing flexibility based on individual tastes.
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
Private transport by Toyota Alphard (Premium Minivan)
Spacious, clean, and climate-controlled.
Door-to-door meet-up and drop-off
Kochi New Port (Cruise Terminal), Airport, or your Hotel.
All vehicle-related expenses
Gasoline, expressway tolls, and parking fees.
Admission to Ino Town Paper Museum: 500 JPY per person.
Papermaking Experience Fee: Approx. 400–800 JPY per person (depending on the program).
Meals and beverages: Approx. 1,500–2,500 JPY for a local riverside lunch.
Personal expenses: Souvenirs and other individual costs.
Travel insurance: Please ensure you have your own coverage for the tour.
Tour Important Information
//Tour Notes & Information//
Papermaking Workshop: Advance reservation is required. Please confirm at the time of booking.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the bridge visit.
Expenses: Admission (500 JPY), Workshop (400–800 JPY), and Meals are not included.
Vehicle Support: For your comfort and efficiency, I provide a Premium Toyota Alphard as a courtesy support. It is the most reliable way to visit the river area within 6 hours.
//Important Note regarding Transportation//
My primary service is providing high-quality guiding as a licensed guide. For your comfort and to ensure an efficient journey, I provide my private vehicle as a courtesy support. This is not a taxi service. The price difference from a "Walking Tour" covers actual vehicle expenses like fuel, tolls, and parking.
Important notes on availability:
On Mondays: The Ino Town Paper Museum is closed. Instead, we will visit the Tosa Washi Village "Qraud" for our papermaking experience and riverside lunch.
On Wednesdays: Tosa Washi Village "Qraud" is closed. We will focus our visit on the Ino Town Paper Museum and I will arrange an alternative local restaurant for lunch.
Start Time: I can adjust the start time to match your cruise ship’s arrival at Kochi New Port. Please let me know your ship's schedule when booking.
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
Eric B.
“Wonderful time with Hiroshi ”
We explored the Niyodo River with Hiroshi. He took us to beautiful locations . He is very knowledgable about Kochi and Japan history. He is a very nice person and we highly recommend him.
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! It was a wonderful day at the Niyodo River, and I am really glad you enjoyed the beautiful locations along the way. The Niyodo Blue is truly special, and it means a lot to hear that you felt that too. Your kind words about my knowledge of Kochi and Japanese history are very encouraging. I always try to share not just the sights, but the stories behind them. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of your Japan cruise, and I would love to welcome you back to Kochi someday! Best, Hiroshi
Jeffrey K.
“Great visit in Kochi”
Hiroshi was an absolute gem and we were fortunate to have him as our guide in Kochi. He is both charming and full of knowledge and history about his hometown. He not only showed us the major highlights but also shared a few of the “off the beaten path” places I’m sure few have gone to as tourists. We made a friend in Japan who we would be fortunate to meet again. Jeff & Marcia
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Hiroshi M.
Jeff & Marcia, thank you so much for this wonderful review! It truly made my day. You were such great guests to spend the day with, and I loved that you were open to trying everything, from the local food to the unexpected detours. That is what makes a tour memorable for me too. I hope our paths cross again someday. You are always welcome in Kochi! Hiroshi
Gary G.
“The BEST Tour Guide”
We could not have had a better experience with Hiroshi. What a great way to see Kochi. Not only was he knowledgeable, but his English was perfect and so easy to understand. He was pleasant and exceeded expectations by taking photos along the tour and sent them to us after our time with him (and he's a great photographer on top of all else!). We had some fussy eaters in our small group of 3, yet he found a way to accommodate all of our needs at a local, favorite place of his--and it was perfect. I HIGHLY recommend him if you are going to be visiting Kochi.
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review! I am really glad you enjoyed the day in Kochi. I appreciate your kind words about my English, though I still have a lot to learn! I just try my best to make sure every guest feels comfortable. As for the photos, I am not a professional photographer at all, but I do love taking pictures. I want every guest to go home with good memories of Kochi, so I always try to capture the moments throughout the day. I am happy the photos were a nice addition to your experience. It was also my pleasure to find something everyone could enjoy at Hirome Market. That is one of the best things about that place, there is always something for everyone! Honestly, your group was so much fun to be with. I was laughing all day! Thank you for making it such a great day for me as well. I hope to welcome you back to Kochi someday. Safe travels to you and your group! Hiroshi
$379/ per group
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