Kochi: Kochi Castle Museum of History & Shinko — Guide Kay

July, 2026

This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 9:30　Depart from Shinko
  • 10:00　Harimaya Bridge, Sunday Market, Hirome Market (preview)
  • 11:00　Kochi Castle Museum of History
  • 11:30　Kochi Castle
  • 12:30　Hirome Market (lunch)
  • 13:20　Travel
  • 13:40　Makino Botanical Garden
  • 14:40　Chikurin-ji Temple
  • 15:20　Travel
  • 15:30　Arrive at Shinko

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Over the course of the day the route took in Harimaya Bridge, Sunday Market, Hirome Market (preview) at 10:00, Kochi Castle Museum of History at 11:00, Kochi Castle at 11:30, Hirome Market (lunch) at 12:30, Travel at 13:20, Makino Botanical Garden at 13:40, Chikurin-ji Temple at 14:40, Travel at 15:20 and Shinko at 15:30.

What's a Private Day Tour of Kochi Like from the Port? A Licensed Guide's Report

The weather forecast had predicted clouds, but instead it was a day of heavy rain. We departed from the new port, took commemorative photos at Harimaya Bridge, and then enjoyed local specialties such as sweet potato tempura and grilled shishito peppers on skewers at the Sunday market. The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and most of them followed a plant-based diet and did not want to spend much time on lunch. So that they could decide for themselves whether to sit down and eat or just have some snacks, I scouted Hirome Market in advance and found an Indian curry shop, and we decided to return there after visiting Kochi Castle. Because the rain was so heavy, we spent about 30 minutes at a history museum, which had not been part of the plan, before heading up to the castle. Luckily, the doors of the castle keep, which had been closed until just before, were now open. After finishing lunch, we also visited the Makino Botanical Garden and Chikurin-ji Temple, and returned to the port at just the right time. Aside from the rain, it turned out to be a satisfying experience for the guests.

The hire taxi company often has older drivers, but this time we had a younger driver, which was reassuring. The mountain roads to the Makino Botanical Garden and Chikurin-ji Temple have no guardrails, so there are times when I feel a little concerned when the driver is elderly.

Click here for more details: Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide

Tour Report by KAY

Hi! I’m Kay.
It’s my pleasure to be your guide.
I was born and raised in Kochi city, and I worked for Kochi City Hall for nearly 30 years, so I think I know a lot about Kochi.

Firstly, I can guide you to the Kochi castle. Most castles you can find in Japan have been rebuilt after fires, wars, or natural disasters. However, Kochi Castle is one of the very few castles that still have the whole structure of its original tower and the mail palace from the Edo period (1603–1868). This makes it especially valuable for understanding Japan’s history and traditional architecture. You’ll like it!

Other major tourist sites are adventurous Ryugado limestone cave, Makino botanical garden, Chikurinji temple with historical stonesteps, Zenjibuji temple with the spectacular panoramic view, paper-making activity, Oboke gorge, Nakatsu gorge, Niyodo river with a historical bridge and so on.
If you like sake, you can visit sake brewery, and if you are interested in walking local streets, you can stroll my neighborhood.

Kochi is a small city, but it’s very popular among tourists for its beautiful nature and good food. I took my kids to rivers and mountains when they were little. If you are interested in those places, please ask me. And I know many good restaurants, too.
I’m looking forward to enjoying them together with you!

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Jul 7, 2026
A_J
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Excellent tour with Kay
Had an amazing time with our…

Jun 1, 2026
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Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Our trip to Kochi
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May 28, 2026
nancykotr
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Kay was a wonderful…
Kay was a wonderful guide. We…

Apr 22, 2026
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