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
- 9:40 Meet at Kochi Shinko Port
- 10:20 Ryuga Cave
- 12:30 Hirome Market
- 13:30 Kochi Castle
- 15:10 Katsurahama Beach
- 15:50 Kochi Shinko Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Ryuga Cave at 10:20, Hirome Market at 12:30, Kochi Castle at 13:30, Katsurahama Beach at 15:10 and Kochi Shinko Port at 15:50.
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kochi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ryugado Cave, Hirome Market, and Kochi Castle
Because the meeting time was slightly delayed, the return also ended up being close to 4:00 PM. Ryugado Cave overlapped with a bus tour, so the inside of the cave was quite crowded and took some time. The guests enjoyed themselves at a leisurely pace, taking photos along the way. We arrived at Hirome Market during peak crowded hours as well, so it took time both to place orders and for the food to arrive. Since some of the guests had a dietary preference, I chose Hirome Market for its wide range of options, though it was still quite a challenge. The shop for inaka-zushi (mainly wild vegetables) was also closed, so I recommended a vegetable and bean Indian curry. I also introduced them to seared bonito (katsuo no tataki) and gyoza, which they enjoyed with beer. I treated them to some konatsu citrus, and they said it was delicious and that they wanted to take some home since it isn't available where they live, enjoying it very much. The guests were all strong walkers, and they made the effort to climb the stairs at both Kochi Castle and Katsurahama. They commented that they had gotten a good workout and were satisfied.
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.