Kochi Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour — Guide Kumi

Title: What Can You Do in Kochi on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report

Because some of the guests had difficulty walking, we were not able to climb up to Kochi Castle. Since it was also raining, I guided the group to the Kochi Castle Museum of History and Culture instead. They enjoyed the indoor exhibits, trying on a jinbaori (samurai surcoat) on the third floor, and making postcards. At the Sunday Market, they were very curious about Kochi vegetables and fruits that are not found in their home region. As they did not want lunch, they tried imo-ten, a local Kochi specialty, at the Sunday Market. They said it was delicious.

When I saw them off at the new port, I received a tip. On my way back in the car, I found a raincoat on the floor of the back seat, so I turned around and delivered it to them. They were very pleased, and I later received a message of thanks for the item and for the trip through a messaging app.

A notable stop on the tour was the Kochi Sunday Market, which is one of Japan's oldest and largest open-air street markets, with a history stretching back more than 300 years. Held every Sunday along a long street near Kochi Castle, the market features hundreds of stalls selling fresh local vegetables and fruits, plants, antiques, local crafts, and street food such as imo-ten. It is a lively place where visitors can experience the everyday food culture and seasonal produce of the Kochi region, making it a popular stop for those wishing to see local life beyond the usual sightseeing spots.

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Tour Report by Kumi

I qualified as a regional interpreter-guide in Kochi Prefecture in 1991 and I am a guide as the first student.　Since then, I have guided many visitors, and they have enjoyed Kochi. I am encouraged by the 5-star reviews I receive from TripAdvisor.　Kochi is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Shikoku Mountains to the north and is blessed with nature.　I want visitors to enjoy food, nature, history, experience the lifestyle of the people of Kochi. I hope you will make good memories of Kochi.　I will continue to devote myself to becoming a guide who makes you think, “I’m glad I came to Kochi and I’m glad I had you as my guide”.