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
- 8:50 Port -9:10 Arrive at Katsurahama, stroll around 9:50 Depart Katsurahama
- 10:25 Arrive at Kochi Castle ~ Kochi Castle Museum of History ~ Hirome Market ~ stroll around Obiyamachi 13:15 Depart Obiyamachi -13:40 Arrive at Uniqlo Tosa Road Store 14:10 Depart 14:50 Arrive at Kochi New Port
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kochi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Katsurahama, Kochi Castle, and Hirome Market
The tour started at Katsurahama Beach. I had been told in advance that walking might be difficult for the guests, but since they had also gone sightseeing on foot at their previous stops in Osaka and Nara, we proceeded. As walking was a little unsteady for one of the guests, they took a rest near the statue of Ryoma while the other went to see the beach. At Kochi Castle as well, only one of the guests climbed up to the castle keep. At the Kochi Castle Museum of History, they viewed the castle from the second floor, and then shopped for coffee beans and matcha in the Obiyamachi district.
The guests followed a strict vegetarian diet, so I was a little concerned, but at Hirome Market they enjoyed edamame, chilled tofu (without dried bonito flakes), and part of a plate of inaka-zushi. During our stroll through Obiyamachi, the guests expressed a wish to visit a Uniqlo, so we made an impromptu stop there. Prices seemed much lower than back home, and they did some shopping, including souvenirs. When I asked which part of the day's sightseeing they had enjoyed most, one of the guests said Kochi Castle, and the other said Uniqlo. We returned to the port before 3:00 and said our goodbyes.
Click here for more details: Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Hello from Kochi! My name is Mina, and I was born and raised here in this beautiful prefecture. I have over 30 years of experience in international exchange, and I have hosted many guests from more than 10 countries. I love traveling and meeting people from all over the world!
As a local housewife, I would love to show you the ‘real’ Japanese lifestyle. I can guide you through our wonderful food culture. I also have a knowledge of traditional arts such as Kimono dressing, Tea ceremony, Flower arrangement, and Calligraphy. I focus on warm hospitality to make every guest feel at home. Please feel free to tell me what you would like to see or what you are interested in. I will do my best to help you have a wonderful and memorable trip in Kochi. I am truly looking forward to meeting you.