Top Kochi Prefecture Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

Lose yourself in the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While this journey evokes images of grand sanctuaries and solemn, robed monks, it offers far more than quiet contemplation. The true magic lies in the paths connecting the temples. You will venture down twisting backstreets, over wooded knolls, past local greenhouses, and even across coastal waters by ferry. This tour immerses you deeply in the vibrant daily lives and warm hospitality of the Shikoku communities surrounding these sacred sites. The whole pilgrimage involves over 30 days of walking around the entire island. Unfortunately, this amazing journey is not possible for all of us. Join us on this tour of two temples to get your pilgrimage trip started. Maybe this will inspire you to come back again for the whole 1200 kilometer odyssey!

■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.

Lose yourself in the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. While this journey evokes images of grand sanctuaries and solemn, robed monks, it offers far more than quiet contemplation. The true magic lies in the paths connecting the temples. You will venture down twisting backstreets, over wooded knolls, past local greenhouses, and even across coastal waters by ferry. This experience immerses you in the vibrant daily lives and warm hospitality of the Shikoku communities surrounding these sacred sites. The complete pilgrimage involves more than 30 days of walking around the entire island. While this remarkable journey may not be possible for everyone, this experience offers the opportunity to visit three temples and begin exploring the pilgrimage route. It may even inspire you to return one day and undertake the full 1,200-kilometer pilgrimage.

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

The 196 km Shimanto River is one of Japan's last remaining undammed rivers, famous for its clear water, unspoilt surroundings and distinctive chikabashi submersible bridges, built to withstand flooding. Enjoy the region’s incredible natural beauty as you journey from the headwaters of the mighty river all the way along the lowly flowing river to the Pacific Ocean. It is a wonderful way to glimpse the lives of people who have long lived in harmony with nature in an environment largely unchanged for centuries.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This fast-paced 4-hour private shore excursion covers Kochi’s essential city highlights. Explore Kochi Castle—one of Japan’s best-preserved original castles—then enjoy local specialties at the lively Hirome Market. Wrap up with quick photo stops at Harimaya Bridge and a stroll through Obiyamachi Arcade for shopping vibes before returning to Kochi New Port.

This express 4-hour private shore excursion is ideal for first-time visitors to Kochi. Enjoy the dramatic Pacific views at Katsurahama Beach, take photos with the iconic Sakamoto Ryoma Statue, then dive deeper into Ryoma’s life at The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum. Finish with a relaxed break at Katsurahama Sea Terrace before returning to Kochi New Port.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion starts and ends at Kochi New Port, taking you to the crystal-clear “Niyodo Blue” waters at Nakatsu Gorge, followed by a relaxing riverside lunch area near the Niyodo River. You will then visit Ino Paper Museum to learn about Japan’s traditional washi culture, and finish with a scenic stop at a local “chinka-bashi” (submersible bridge) before returning to the port.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion from Kochi New Port takes you to the legendary Shimanto River, often called Japan’s “last clear stream.” Visit the iconic Sada Chinkabashi (submersible bridge) for river views and photos, enjoy lunch around Shimanto City, then relax on a traditional yakatabune riverboat cruise to experience the river’s calm scenery up close before returning to the port.

Yuzu, known for its refreshing aroma and mellow acidity, is one of Japan’s most familiar citrus fruits. Kochi Prefecture accounts for approximately 50% of Japan’s domestic yuzu production, and Umaji Village is one of the region’s major yuzu-producing areas. With a population of around 800, this small village has no traffic lights or convenience stores, and time seems to pass at a wonderfully leisurely pace. Surrounded by abundant nature, approximately 96% of the village is covered by forest. From late October through November, during the harvest season, the refreshing aroma of yuzu fills the village and has become one of the defining scents of autumn in Umaji. Yuzu in Umaji is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. On this tour, you will visit a yuzu orchard in Umaji Village and experience harvesting yuzu and hand-squeezing the fresh fruit together with local farmers.