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
- 9:00 Kochi Port
- 9:30-10:40 Kochi Castle
- 10:50-11:30 Kochi Castle Museum of History
- 11:35-12:30 Hirome Market
- 12:45-13:30 Chikurin-ji Temple
- 13:40-14:30 Makino Botanical Garden
- 14:45 Kochi Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kochi Port at 9:00, Kochi Castle at 9:30, Kochi Castle Museum of History at 10:50, Hirome Market at 11:35, Chikurin-ji Temple at 12:45, Makino Botanical Garden at 13:40 and Kochi Port at 14:45.
What's a Private Kochi Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kochi Castle and Makino Botanical Garden
The tour turned out to be a very active one for the group. We walked quite a lot around Kochi Castle and the Makino Botanical Garden, but everyone enjoyed it. They had also visited Nagoya Castle, and they appreciated how Kochi Castle had a different character. It was very hot that day, so we visited a museum to cool off. We had lunch at Hirome Market. Since there was a food consideration to keep in mind, we checked the ingredients together as we chose. It was reassuring to find things they could eat. They enjoyed sushi, teriyaki-flavored fried chicken, and yakitori. They told me it was their favorite of all the tours they had joined.
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.