Shore Excursion Full Day Private Kochi Tour from Kochi port
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Kochi Castle
Kochi Castle is one of Japan's most beautiful and historic original castles, having never been destroyed by war or disaster. You can explore its magnificent main keep, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside from the top floor. This unique opportunity to walk through authentic samurai history makes it an absolute must-see on any visit to the region.
Chikurin-ji Temple Homotsukan
Nestled on the sacred grounds of Chikurin-ji Temple, this Homotsukan (Treasure Hall) safeguards a breathtaking collection of cultural artifacts passed down through centuries. Here, you can view exquisite Buddhist statues, ancient manuscripts, and personal items belonging to the revered monk Kukai, offering a profound glimpse into Japan's spiritual history. A visit to this quiet museum beautifully complements the temple's serene atmosphere and is an essential stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Options
Transp. cost included: 8 pax
Pickup included
Private Tour with a Guide
Optional Private Transport: Transportation is not included, we can arrange private transportation for your group with payment made directly to the driver Pickup included
Transp. cost included: 5 pax
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Transportation cost is NOT included. Please carefully review the exclusions listed below.
Entrance fees to all attractions included in the itinerary are covered
Japanese Licesned Guide Fee
Transportation(cash): up to 5 travelers:¥100,000, up to 8 travellers: ¥120,000
Entrance fees for attractions not specified in the itinerary
Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected (In case your experience was exceptional)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
365-traveling-365,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely wonderful day in Kochi with Rimo as our guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and accommodating, making the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. Rimo tailored the day to our interests, shared fascinating local history and culture, and made sure we made the most of our limited time in port. Her English was excellent, and she was patient, kind, and always happy to answer our questions. We never felt rushed, and her recommendations made the day even more special. If you’re visiting Kochi, I highly recommend requesting Rimo—you’ll leave with wonderful memories and a much deeper appreciation of this beautiful part of Japan. Thank you, Rimo, for an unforgettable day!
Kochi Tour
Denise T,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Traveled with our family around Kochi and had a wonderful time with tour guide Hiroshi. He made sure we got to see everything on our list and took us to local places to eat and get donuts, yum!
Must Do Trip (Read the Fine Print)
Joshua F,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tomoko was amazing tour guide, she has so much knowledgeable about history, culture, and local events. The Botanical Garden and the Castle were beautiful, but Tomoko provided the context, legends, and history to make it an amazing experience. Despute having some rain Tomoko was able to adjust things in our tour and make it an unforgettable experience.
Patrick family
David P,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was fantastic… the botanical garden was phenomenal and the castle and temple were definitely worth seeing! We had plenty of time to visit the shopping area and have a fantastic meal as well. Rimo was our guide and she did a fabulous job coordinating everything we wanted to see and do! I highly recommend doing a private tour in your own van so you can spend the most time at the places you enjoy the most!
History and Nature
Nomad39630749448,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kazu was a lovely guide. She is a bundle of energy. We started our day with a walk to an overlook where we could see the convergence of two rivers. This provided prospective of the working city of Kochi versus the historic castles and temples we would visit. Our first stop was the Chikurin-ji Temple. This temple is set on beautiful grounds that combine nature and spirituality. A treat for us was seeing a bride and groom in traditional wedding attire pose for a picture. Another bonus was being there during the season when religious pilgrims visit all the temples of their prefecture. Kazu included in our day lunch at Hirome Ichiba which is a local food hall that showcases some of the local specialties. We settled on chicken yakatori, but there were many other choices as well. The Kochi castle included many steps, but provided a great example of traditional Japanese architecture. Kazu had a number of hand drawn pictures that she shared with us that told the history of the castle and its shogun. Our last stop was the Makino Botanical Garden. This center included many different styles of gardens and gave a great overview of the of the kind of plants grown in this region. This was a wonderful day, full of a variety of interesting sites in this region. Kazu packed in a full day and returned us to the cruise terminal at the agreed upon time. Working with a local guide who shares her experiences, highlights our visits and gives us a glimpse into local life.
Romi was a great guide....
Cam C,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Romi was a great guide. Appreciate the transportation arrangement change since we just had 2 people.
Outstanding Tour of Kochi!
Marie J,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Romi was outstanding guide. Very patient and knowledgeable. Very flexible. Great sights. Beautiful trip. We loved the Kochi Castle, Museum, coffee shop at Museum, Shopping, Lunch in gallery, and the Botanical Garden.
Kaori was a lovely tour...
IAIN B,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kaori was a lovely tour guide. We particularly enjoyed her company in the food market. Thanks Kaori and the driver for a wonderful day
Rainy but nice day in Kochi
tass310,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Masanari was an excellent guide — very knowledgeable and attentive. We shared our interests, and he organized the tour perfectly, even though some attractions were a bit far apart. We visited Kochi Castle and Hirome Market, and despite the heavy rain, he made sure we stayed safe and comfortable and even helped us get back to the cruise ship on time. I would strongly recommend Masanari!
Perfect Tour
SAWA9595,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I strongly recommend this tour. It was worth every moment! Our guide, Nagahama, was both tactful and engaging, sharing excellent insights throughout the day. He was incredibly patient with our many photo stops, especially during our visit to Kochi Castle. He helped us book a private car which we paid for in cash. It was a seamless and thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish
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Operated by Japan Experiences and Tours Company