Kochi: Makino Botanical Garden — Guide Yamamoto

What Is a Private Chartered-Taxi Day Tour of Kochi City Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Chikurin-ji, Makino Botanical Garden, and Kochi Castle

A [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private group visiting from Oceania around Kochi. The guests were all very cheerful, and the atmosphere within the group was wonderful, making it a relaxed and pleasant tour from start to finish.

To keep walking distances as short as possible, we made use of a chartered taxi for transportation throughout the day. At Chikurin-ji Temple, we entered through the west gate to reduce the burden of moving around the grounds. At the Makino Botanical Garden and Kochi Castle as well, I guided the group while checking everyone's walking pace and condition.

For lunch, since raw fish was not an option for the guests, instead of Kochi's signature dishes such as seared bonito (katsuo tataki) and other raw-fish dishes, everyone chose something they were able to eat. They ordered a fried chicken set meal and a minced chicken rice bowl, and everyone was very satisfied. They also enjoyed beer rather than sake.

At the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, we set aside time for shopping, and the guests enjoyed their stay in the central area of Kochi City.

This time I also brought a Polaroid camera, took photos of the group during the tour, and handed over the developed prints on the spot. This was very well received, and I was glad to be able to give them something tangible to remember the tour by.

Even while accommodating the needs of the guests, we were able to progress through the itinerary at a comfortable pace by making use of the chartered taxi, and we finished the tour without any major trouble. Beyond sightseeing, including meals and shopping, I believe everyone was able to enjoy Kochi at their own pace.

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

Tour Report by Yamamoto

I’m a licensed regional interpreter-guide for Kochi and Hiroshima Prefectures, currently living in Kochi. I have experience guiding both group bus tours and private tours for cruise ship visitors at Kochi Port.

I always try to make sure guests feel safe and comfortable. For example, I adjust the walking pace and take breaks as needed, especially at places like Kochi Castle where there are steep paths. I’m physically strong, so I can handle long or active tours without any problem.

During private tours, I often take many photos for guests and share them afterward. This has been very well received by guests. I also like talking about local food and drinks—not just what they taste like, but also the stories behind them.

I can respond flexibly to different guest needs. If the weather changes or guests want to stop by a shop, pharmacy, or ATM, I can adjust the tour. I can also help with things like buying tickets at convenience stores or topping up IC cards.

I’m available for English-speaking tours in Kochi. Please feel free to contact me, even on short notice.