Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour — Guide Kimy

Title: What Can You See on a Private Kochi Day Tour from the Ferry Port? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a family group visiting from Asia. The advance information stated four adults, but the group actually included a child. Because destination selection differs greatly depending on whether the guests are all older travelers or include children, I understand this may be difficult to change quickly due to system constraints, but if possible I would appreciate receiving accurate guest information. The day before, the guests requested to visit Ryugado Cave, but it is located outside Kochi City and was not listed in the "What to Expect" section, so I was unable to meet their expectation. The guests explained that when they checked the same course on the travel review site, they saw comments from people who had visited Ryugado Cave, and had therefore assumed it was included, and I agree this could be misleading. If possible, I would also hope for an improvement to a display that avoids such misunderstandings.

The guests had entered Japan from Asia and were ferry passengers touring Beppu, Hiroshima, Kochi, Kobe (Kyoto), Shimizu (Shizuoka), Nagoya, and Tokyo before departing. They had a strong determination to thoroughly enjoy western Japan and were seeking one-of-a-kind experiences unique to Kochi that could not be had in other prefectures. Ryugado Cave is on a completely different scale from limestone caves in other prefectures and is very authentic; rather than descending underground, you climb upward, making it feel closer to mountain climbing, and when the season is right you can also enjoy an endangered orchid species near the exit. There are challenges inside the cave, such as many narrow sections that larger visitors cannot pass through, slippery footing that can lead to injury, and no other attractions nearby, but even so it can become an unforgettable and impressive experience and memory of Kochi Prefecture. I would like to ask you to consider adding it as one of the "What to Expect" options.

The guests were eager sightseers with a strong desire to learn, and on the day they wished to minimize time spent on restaurant meals and incorporate more sightseeing into the itinerary. Since the Makino Botanical Garden they had hoped to visit was closed that day, we quickly added Chikurinji Temple and Katsurahama Beach instead. Under food labeling laws, seasonings containing fish as an ingredient may be used even when not listed on the label, so I was concerned about whether the local cuisine that appeared acceptable at the pre-check stage could truly be enjoyed, but the local dishes made with only vegetables at Hirome Market, including inaka-zushi, were fine. The guests loved the myoga sushi and noted down its name. They also happily drank ginger ale made with local ginger, saying its flavor was strong. At Katsurahama they enjoyed sweets such as soft-serve ice cream made with Kochi's specialty hojicha and mochi topped with red beans, which delighted the guests. Finally, after resting a little with feet dipped in the sea at Katsurahama, we returned to the port.

With key attractions closed or inaccessible, along with dietary considerations and language challenges, it was a trip full of concerns for someone with limited experience like me, but thanks to the prompt advice from KOBAYASHI of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), the driver's kindness, and the guests' wonderful character, I feel I was able to enrich the content. I have nothing but gratitude for everyone involved.

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

Tour Report by Kimy

Medical interpreter. ::: I am living in both Tokyo and Kochi now:::
I was born and raised in Tsukiji, and was brought up in a big family.
Shibuya is my home ground and Jiyugaoka is my backyard. I can take you the places where locals visit instead of the famous tourist spots.
Cooking and eating are my hobby so maybe that is why I am familiar with many local restaurants that serve delicious Japanese meals. So please trust me with restaurant recommendation!
I love Tokyo more than any place in the world. Tokyo has many different sides and that is what Tokyo makes charming. Let me take you around my home town and let’s enjoy Tokyo with five senses!