Top Kochi Prefecture Culture

See Kochi your way with this customizable private guided tour. To ensure you only visit places that interest you, you can choose 2–3 sites from a list provided to you before the tour. Then, enjoy the company of a private guide who can provide commentary as you explore the sights. Potential places to visit include Kochi Castle, Chikurinji Temple, The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden, and Harimayabashi Shopping Street.

■Discover the best of Kochi on a guided half-day walking tour. ・Perfect for cruise passengers & first-time visitors ・Explore Kochi Castle and the vibrant Hirome Market in a small-group tour with a local guide ・Visit Kochi Hachimangu Shrine to experience Japan’s spiritual culture and learn traditional Shinto customs ・Enjoy a well-paced walk through Obiyamachi, featuring local food, culture, and a lively atmosphere ・All entrance fees included for a smooth experience ・Taste local flavors with complimentary citrus juice and biscuits ・Professionally managed by a certified tour coordinator for a smooth experience ■For Cruise Ship Guests Kochi Port is about 20–30 minutes from JR Kochi Station. Most cruise ships provide shuttle service to the city center, and taxis are available at the port. If requested in advance, our guide can meet you at Kochi Port and accompany you to JR Kochi Station (additional taxi fee may apply). For further details, please feel free to contact us in advance.

Try your hand at the traditional Japanese art of knife-making on this engaging workshop in Shimanto. Under watchful guidance from your instructor, a master blacksmith, heat your steel in the flames and forge your metal the traditional Japanese way. Create cutlery, kitchen knives, scissors, and more—with all necessary safety equipment provided on this hands-on workshop.

Explore the vibrant culinary scene of Kochi on a guided food-focused market tour at Hirome Market, a bustling hub for locals and travelers. This tour provides a deep dive into Japan's seafood culture, highlighting Kochi's renowned ingredients like bonito and seasonal citrus such as yuzu. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the market, sharing insights on regional food traditions and helping you navigate the diverse stalls with ease. Enjoy a flexible tasting experience, sampling local favorites and discovering new dishes at your own pace in this lively atmosphere. - Guided exploration of Hirome Market, a local dining hotspot - Learn about Japan's seafood culture and Kochi’s unique ingredients - Flexible food tasting experience tailored to your preferences - Convenient meeting options near city center or Kochi Station

This is a private tour, exclusively for your group (only your group will participate). Cruise ship guests are welcome & timely return to the port is guaranteed. Perfect for one-day visitors with limited time. Ideal for first-time visitors looking to make the most of their time while experiencing local attractions & culture. The itinerary is flexible & can be fully customized to suit your interests & pace. Admission tickets costs are included for a seamless & immersive experience. Discover the best of Kochi on this private full-day tour, perfect for cruise passengers & culture lovers. Visit Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s last original castles, & explore the peaceful Chikurin-ji Temple, a stop on the famous Shikoku Pilgrimage. Stroll through the scenic Makino Botanical Garden, then enjoy local flavors at the lively Hirome Ichiba market. With a private guide, enjoy a personalized & immersive experience in this charming historic city.

■Create your own Japanese cat lamp with traditional Tosa Washi. ・Perfect for travelers looking for a hands-on cultural experience in Kochi ・Make a unique glowing cat lamp using traditional Tosa Washi, a craft unique to Kochi ・Beginner-friendly workshop with staff support, suitable even for first-time makers ・Take home your handmade lamp as a one-of-a-kind Japanese souvenir ・Small-group experience with up to 8 participants for a relaxed creative atmosphere ・All materials, tools, and workshop instruction included for a smooth experience ・Conveniently located near Hirome Market in central Kochi ■For Cruise Ship Guests Kochi Port is about 20–30 minutes away by shuttle or taxi. Most cruise ships provide shuttle service to the city center, and taxis are available at the port. Pickup from Kochi Port is not available.

Discover the best of Kochi in a compact, full-day tour that weaves together nature, history, and local charm. Start at Chikurinji Temple. Return to the city for lunch at Hirome Market, where the lively, communal atmosphere invites spontaneous encounters and a real taste of local life. Then explore Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles. Its preserved wooden interiors and hilltop views offer a rare, authentic glimpse into samurai-era Japan. Finish at Katsurahama, a beautiful beach known for its crashing waves and the iconic statue of Sakamoto Ryoma—a striking place where nature and history meet.

Kochi is a charming coastal city on Shikoku, blending samurai history with vibrant local flavors. Just a short ride from the port, explore Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few original wooden castles, offering panoramic city views and an authentic Edo-period atmosphere. Nearby, dive into the lively Hirome Market to taste local specialties like katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) alongside friendly locals. If visiting on a Sunday, don't miss the historic Sunday Market, one of Japan’s largest with 300+ stalls. For a cultural touch, visit the symbolic Harimayabashi Bridge and the serene Makino Botanical Garden, filled with diverse flora. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking authentic history and incredible food in one easy-to-reach destination.

・Learn about traditional ways of making Tosa washi paper in a washi studio with over 120 years of history. ・See almost all steps of making washi paper presented in details by a 4th generation craftsperson. ・Try your hands at making new washi paper from recycling Tosa washi. ・Choose between making a colorful Tapestry, a paper lamp shade or a paper bag. ・Enjoy the quiet rural area near one of Japan’s clearest water basins: Niyodo River.

This is a five hours tour visiting Kochi Castle and Yōhōji Temple with an English speaking guide. Kochi Castle, built over four hundred years ago, is a must see landmark for visitors to Kochi. After exploring Kochi Castle, you will visit Yōhōji Temple, which has deep historical ties to Kazutoyo Yamauchi, the feudal lord who constructed the castle. At Yōhōji Temple rarely visited by tourists you will have the special opportunity to hear directly from the temple staff. You can also enjoy a matcha tea experience and a meditation session while overlooking the temple’s garden, which showcases beautiful seasonal scenery throughout the year.

■Experience a Zen journey of panoramic views, sacred practice, and reflection. ・Ideal for cruise passengers seeking authentic cultural experiences ・Practice traditional sutra copying at historic Chikurin-ji Temple ・Begin and end with panoramic views from Godaisan ・Experience Zen through three stages: Prepare, Practice, Reflect ・Enjoy a private experience with flexible pacing ・Learn about Japanese Buddhist culture through immersive practice ・All entrance fees included ・Complimentary citrus juice and biscuits ・Managed by a certified tour coordinator ■For Cruise Ship Guests Kochi Port is about 15 minutes by taxi from the Godaisan Observatory Bus Stop. Taxis are available at the port. If requested in advance, our guide can meet you at Kochi Port and accompany you to the Godaisan Observatory Bus Stop (additional taxi fee may apply). For further details, please feel free to contact us in advance.

You will meet your guide near the cruise port and take a brief shuttle to the Niyodo river mouth. While watching surfers where the river meets the sea, you will get an easy e-bike tutorial. Even for infrequent cyclists, the e-bike makes it easy to ride hilly terrain and experience Japan's landscape on this one-day trip. Time to ride! As we start, you can see Kochi’s scenery where mountains meet the sea. After a warm-up, we will arrive at Shoryu-ji Temple, tucked into the hillside of the Yokonami peninsula. Leaving the temple, we will ride through tranquil coastal villages with unique historic storehouses. Later, we will pass through an amazing bamboo forest before reaching the ferry. Onboard, you can observe the busy Kochi port and a vista of mountains surrounding this coastal city. Disembarking, we will climb to Chikurin-ji Temple. Known as one of the most beautiful temples in Kochi, its colorful exterior will captivate your senses and soothe your mind

In Ino Town, the birthplace of Kochi ginger, you will visit Kariya Farm, a ginger farm dedicated to carefully cultivated produce. The farm’s representative will personally share the philosophy behind their cultivation, the passion that drives their work, and the challenges of growing exceptional ginger. You will also have the opportunity to see freshly harvested ginger, dug directly from the soil in the fields.

Discover Kochi, the gateway to southern Shikoku, on this fully private 6-hour tour led by a friendly, government-licensed guide with a private vehicle and driver. Famed for its laid-back charm, Pacific coastline, and samurai history, Kochi rewards curious travelers. Climb the original wooden keep of Kochi Castle, one of only twelve to survive in Japan, and stand beneath the bronze statue of local hero Sakamoto Ryoma above Katsurahama Beach. Sample seared bonito and sake at lively Hirome Market, cross the storied red Harimaya Bridge, and visit the serene Chikurin-ji Temple with its sweeping Godaisan views. Because the tour is completely private, the itinerary is flexible and built around you: travel at your own pace, linger wherever you like, and ask your guide anything about local history, culture, and food. With comfortable door-to-door transport and a knowledgeable local by your side, you'll enjoy the very best of Kochi in one relaxed and memorable day.

This is a private day tour in Kochi for shore excursion travelers! With local English speaking guide from Kochi, we will visit the historic site, the local markets, and natural sites. Depends on the time limit, we can arrange sightseeing area with the guide to fit you as much as we can. Feel free to let us know your request!

This 7-hour tour takes you to two of Kochi Prefecture's most beautiful gardens: Monet's Garden Marmottan and the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden.In just one day, you can immerse yourself in the fantastical world that faithfully recreates the Giverny gardens where Claude Monet spent half his life and drew inspiration for his masterpieces, all set within Kochi's stunning natural scenery. You’ll also enjoy the vast botanical garden infused with the passion of Dr. Tomitaro Makino. Experience the feeling of stepping inside a painting, with expert guides sharing in-depth stories about plants and art that most visitors never hear. Perfect for adults who love art and nature, photography enthusiasts, families with children, couples seeking relaxation, and seniors looking for a peaceful escape. Step away from everyday life and immerse yourself in Kochi’s rich natural and artistic heritage for a truly special day.