Kochi: Kochi New Port & Zenjibuji Temple — Guide Kay

September, 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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 8:30　Kochi New Port
  • 9:10　Kochi Castle
  • 10:10　Sunday Market and Hirome Market
  • 11:20　Travel
  • 12:00　Ryugado Cave
  • 13:00　Travel
  • 13:40　Zenjibuji Temple
  • 14:10　Travel
  • 14:30　Kochi New Port

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The itinerary covered Kochi New Port at 8:30, Kochi Castle at 9:10, Sunday Market and Hirome Market at 10:10, Travel at 11:20, Ryugado Cave at 12:00, Travel at 13:00, Zenjibuji Temple at 13:40, Travel at 14:10 and Kochi New Port at 14:30.

What's a Private Rainy-Day Tour of Kochi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kochi Castle and Ryuga Cave

The guests were visitors from North America. As it was unfortunately raining, I recommended changing our originally planned visit to a botanical garden and going to Ryuga Cave instead. Since we started early, we were able to finish visiting Kochi Castle before the buses from the ship arrived, and then headed to Ryuga Cave. As we were not able to find time for lunch, we ate seaweed rolls bought at Hirome Market in the car while traveling. The guests found Ryuga Cave fascinating, so I was glad we went there. On the way back to the port, I had them take in the view from Zenjibuji Temple, and we then took commemorative photos with the ship from a hilltop at the new port before ending the tour.

A notable stop on the tour was Kochi Castle. Kochi Castle is one of only twelve castles in Japan that retains its original main keep built during the Edo period. Located in the center of Kochi City, it offers sweeping views from the top of the keep and is admired for its well-preserved historic structures, making it a valuable site for understanding traditional Japanese castle architecture.

Click here for more details: Kochi Shore Excursion: Custom 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!

Request Booking

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
romankU9693SM
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Our trip to Kochi
Kay was a wonderful guide, very…

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
Jörg R
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Ein toller Ausflug in Kochi
Pünktliche Abholung, kurze Transferzeiten…