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Traditional Papermaking Experience & Riverside Tour with Licensed Guide and Premium Minivan
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Joined 2025
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?
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
Joined 2025
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
Vivien M.
“Wonderful day despite the rain”
Knowledgeable and personable guide gave us a great overview of Kochi in a comfy van. Well timed tour gave us enough time to enjoy each activity. Hiroshi organized lunch for us at the Hirome Market, adventurous but not overly so! Definitely recommend him.
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Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your kind review, and I'm really glad you enjoyed the day despite the rain! It was a pleasure showing you around Kochi. I'm happy the pace worked well for your group, and you enjoyed my food picks at Hirome Market. Please enjoy the rest of your time in Japan! Best Regards, Hiroshi
Nathan D.
“Above and beyond”
Hiroshi went the extra mile to make our private tour special. I had a special request which was intended to be a surprise and he brought in additional help to accommodate. 5 isn't enough stars.
Hiroshi M.
Thank you very much for your generous review. It was a true honor to be your guide for the Kochi Castle tour. As a local guide, my greatest reward is ensuring that my guests feel truly glad they chose to visit Kochi and Japan. Your kind words, "above and beyond," mean a lot to me, as that is always my goal for every guest I meet. I hope the rest of your journey in Kochi and Japan is just as wonderful. You are always welcome back to Kochi! Warmest regards, Hiroshi
Edward R.
“A Perfect Day and Tour of Kochi”
Hiroshi provided us with truly excellent guide service during our Japan cruise stop in Kochi. He was waiting for us in the cruise port terminal to drive us and guide us through a perfect itinerary including the fascinating and picturesque Chikurinji Temple and five-story pagoda, the world-class Makino Botanical Gardens, a lunch of local delicacies in Hirome Market, and the famous Kochi Castle History Museum and climb to the Keep of Kochi Castle! Hiroshi’s command of English and clear pronunciations was a relief to us. And we were delighted to discover that he is an excellent photographer so he captured many wonderful digital memories for us throughout the day. If you’re going to Kochi and want a professional tour guide, then Hiroshi is your man!
Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your kind and generous review! It really made my day. I'm so happy that you enjoyed Chikurinji Temple, Makino Botanical Garden, Hirome Market, and Kochi Castle. Even with the rain in the morning, you both embraced everything with such a wonderful spirit. That made the day truly special for me as well. I also appreciate your kind words about my English and photography. Taking photos for my guests is one of my favorite parts of the job, so I'm really glad the pictures became good memories for you. Your advice and stoty about guiding during the tour was something I will always remember. Thank you for sharing that with me. I hope our paths cross again someday! With warm regards, Hiroshi
$315/ per group
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Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kochi
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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.
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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.
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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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