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
- 8:40 Kochi New Port
- 9:00 Kochi Castle
- 9:20 Kochi Castle Museum of History
- 10:00 Hirome Market light meal
- 11:00 Chikurin-ji Temple
- 11:25 Makino Botanical Garden
- 13:25 Katsurahama Beach
- 14:15 Kochi New Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kochi New Port at 8:40, Kochi Castle at 9:00, Kochi Castle Museum of History at 9:20, Hirome Market light meal at 10:00, Chikurin-ji Temple at 11:00, Makino Botanical Garden at 11:25, Katsurahama Beach at 13:25 and Kochi New Port at 14:15.
Can You Do a Private Kochi Day Tour Including Kochi Castle and Katsurahama? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour began with a meeting at the port at 8:40. At Kochi Castle, I guided the guests up to the area around the gate, where we took photos, and then moved on to the museum. Since the museum is on the third floor, the guests were pleased to be able to take clear photos of the castle, and they also made postcards.
As the guests preferred a light meal, at Hirome Market they enjoyed konatsu citrus, seasonal fruits, and negitoro rolls.
At Chikurinji Temple, the guests took photos of the Jizo statue and the five-story pagoda, and purchased zodiac good-luck charms corresponding to their birth years.
Since there was time to spare, we decided to also stop by the Makino Botanical Garden. The guests were both very knowledgeable about plants and flowers, and they told me they were glad we were able to visit.
As there was a lot of outdoor activity, one of the guests appeared tired in the latter half, and before heading to Katsurahama they asked whether it would be alright to return to the port a little early.
I suggested taking a break at a café in Katsurahama, but the guests preferred to rest on the ship, so the tour ended a little earlier than planned.
Click here for more details: Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Hello, I am Keiko.
I was born and raised in Kochi Prefecture which is blessed with beautiful rivers, mountains and the ocean.
I majored in English in college and enjoy communicating with people in English. I have also worked at a university, assisting international students from admission to graduation.
I consider myself friendly and enjoy helping others.
In my free time, I visit an onsen, swim, do yoga and watch TV dramas.
I am also a big foodie! I would be happy to recommend some great restaurants and bars.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Kochi.
Apr 5, 2026
Giovanni_M
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Fantastic
Our tour was just amazing worth every moment and…
Apr 5, 2026
Giovanni_M
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Fantastic
Our tour was just amazing worth every moment and our guide Keiko was just wonderful she really adapted the tour to our request and needs
My brother and sister are very limited in walking and our driver really managed to get very close to the sites to limit our walking
Mar 18, 2026
Victor_P
Great tour.
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Keiko was great. Very friendly and accommodating. The…
Mar 18, 2026
Victor_P
Great tour.
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
Keiko was great. Very friendly and accommodating. The castle read very interesting. Highly
recommended.
Jun 19, 2025
Brad_M
Best Tour of our Entire Trip to Japan
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We had…
Jun 19, 2025
Brad_M
Best Tour of our Entire Trip to Japan
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We had such a great time on our tour in Kochi. Keiko was an amazing, fun, knowledgeable and kind tour guide, and Mr. O was a great driver. The van was modern, spacious and comfortable. Kochi Castle was a great start to the day and we enjoyed all the views and climbing to the very top. The museum was also very nice and a good way to escape the heat. Lunch in Hirome Market was so much fun. Keiko took us to the different shops and stalls and helped us pick out our lunch, and make sure we didn’t accidentally buy any items that we were allergic to. We then went to Chikurinji Temple and Makino Botanical Garden. They were both beautiful and worth the trip. Keiko made a big difference, keeping the tour fun and also teaching us about Japan along the way. At the end she even gave us some lovely origami cranes she had personally made. Such a nice touch!
The entire family (3 teenage boys) agreed that this was the best tour of the our trip to Japan (and we had been on many!). We loved it and would recommend it to anyone.