Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

Kochi Castle is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan, meaning that it survived both the Edo and Meiji eras when many castles were destroyed. Even amongst the original castles, Kochi is notable for being one of only three where the original main gate survives. Kochi Castle is unique in one other way: it is the only castle where the lord's reception suite remains. The castle has a long history, with construction starting in 1600 though most of the keep was rebuilt in 1748. While it is on the smaller side when compared to Himeji or Matsuyama, it is well preserved with nice displays inside and beautiful views. The castle itself is set in a pleasant park that is a popular picnic and hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) spot. Kochi Castle is a short walk from Kochijomae tram stop or you can walk in about twenty minutes from the Harimayabashi area.

While most castles in Japan double as a museum, Kochi actually has a separate museum dedicated to the history of the castle. The museum chronicles the history of the Tosa kingdom from the Warring States period through the Meiji Reformation. It includes the typical artwork, historical documents, and national treasures, and kids can also get the chance to dress up in samurai armour. The third floor also houses an observatory with a beautiful view of the castle. History buffs will no doubt enjoy learning more about the castle and its town as well as the Tosa kingdom. A combined ticket with the castle costs 730 yen for permanent exhibits only or 890 yen during special exhibits. By itself, it's 700 or 500 yen for special exhibits or permanent only respectively though the My Yu bus pass offers a discount. The museum is located right across the street from the castle, making it easy to combine the two.

The Makino Botanical Garden was created to honor Makino Tomitaro, who is considered the father of Japanese botany. This spacious and beautiful park is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city; one can easily spend a few hours exploring the grounds. It includes all kinds of gardens — a greenhouse, cherry blossom groves, medicinal plants, rose gardens — as well as ponds, a large lawn perfect for picnics, exhibition rooms, and cafes. Due to the size, you can always find something blooming. Even when it isn’t bursting with flowers though, it’s a pleasant and relaxing walk. It's located on the top of Godaisan, so the stunning view alone is worth the trip. Entrance is 720 yen (discount with bus pass), and it is best accessed via the My Yu bus, where it is twenty minutes or so outside of the city.

Chikurinji, built in 724, is one of the stops of the Shikoku pilgrimage, and as the bodhisattva enshrined there is associated with wisdom, many students come here as well to pray for academic success. While the temple building itself may pale in comparison to the more famous temples in Kyoto, the five story pagoda is gorgeous and well worth seeing. The tree lined approach through the spectacular old wooden gate, passing by moss-covered lanterns, is incredibly atmospheric. In fact, the grounds are more interesting than the temple itself, and it’s worth a wander to see the small pond and collection of Buddha statues. While the temple and much of its grounds are free, the paid area also includes a treasure house that includes many Buddhist statues, and a gorgeous Japanese style garden. The temple is on the My Yu bus route, and if you are visiting the botanical garden, simply exit from the south exit (re-entry possible), where the temple is steps away.

The Yokoyama Memorial Manga Museum honors the legacy of Yokoyama Ryuichi, the first cartoonist to be deemed a person of cultural merit. The museum has many fun comic strips you can read as well as fun, interactive exhibits on his popular character, Fuku-chan. Additionally, Yokoyama's studio and quirky home bar and toy collection are also presented. For an extra fee, you can visit the fifth floor that contains an eclectic assortment of objects that meant something to Yokoyama. Even the museum information admits that some of these things may seem like junk to us, and, indeed, many of the things included (like a rather terrifying cat onesie or a strand of leg hair) would be very out of place in most museums. That said, it is sure to bring a smile to your face. Even with no knowledge of the character or the author, the museum is delightful and will bring out your inner child.

Kochi's shopping arcades are extensive, and make walking to various tourist sites more exciting. You can find everything you could want, and it's a great place to get a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs. One popular souvenir is the naruko noisemaker. These were traditionally used to scare off birds in rice fields, but now they are an essential part of the Yosakoi dance, and all teams are required to use them. Additionally, some days you can find vendors selling fresh produce and other goods. Lastly be sure to look up and admire the wonderful banners hanging from the ceiling. The arcades start close to Kochi Station and take you through the Harimayabashi area all the way to the castle.

Harimayabashi may seem rather unimpressive at first. After all, the bridge is small at only 20 meters long. However, the bridge is famed not because of its look but due to its role in a local folktale and song. According to the legend, a monk from Chikurinji fell in love with a local woman. However, due to his position as a monk, their love was forbidden, forcing them to meet in secret. One day, though, he was spotted buying his lover a hairpin at Harimayabashi, revealing their affair and forcing the couple into exile. The song describing this sad tale of love became a part of the Yosakoi festival song, cementing itself into Kochi local culture. In the 60s, a song by Peggy Hayama was based off it, which even inspired a film adaptation, jolting the bridge and love story into national fame. Now, the bridge is one of Kochi’s main attractions, and many tourists buy hairpins here, just like in the story.

Hirome Ichiba is a unique market and food court. While the building may seem small, it houses over 60 shops, many of which are restaurants or izakaya (Japanese-style pubs). Seating is done on long shared tables and benches. It's a great place to enjoy local cuisine and meet new people, and the food court style restaurants make it easy to sample many different things and to socialize. It's not just food and drink though. You can also buy everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It's located right in front of the castle park, at the end of the shopping arcades, so access is easy. You can't miss the maneki neko beckoning cat welcoming you inside.

Katsurahama is a scenic beach a little outside of Kochi City center. Due to the strong current, swimming is prohibited but fortunately there are other things to do in the area. One of the main sites is the Sakamoto Ryoma museum. Sakamoto, a Kochi native, was part of the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate. One of his main achievements was helping to create an alliance between two hostile clans, Choshu (present day Yamagata) and Satsuma (Kagoshima). When the end of the shogunate was imminent, he also helped with the negotiations of the shogun's resignation. If that's not enough, he is considered the father of the Japanese imperial navy, and his ideas were influential in the new parliamentary system, which he unfortunately did not live to see. In short, he is an important figure in Japanese history, and the museum details his life and legacy.

If you are in Kochi on a weekend, the Sunday market is not to be missed. The market opened in 1690, making it the oldest outdoor market in Japan. The market spans 1 kilometer from Otesuji avenue to Kochi Castle and includes over 500 stalls. Vegetables, fruit, and other local produce is the most popular thing sold, but you can also buy fish, handicrafts, and knives. It’s a great place to sample local dishes and get a taste of local life.

Ryugado Cave is one of Japan’s three major limestone caves, located in Kochi Prefecture, and stretches over four kilometers with stunning stalactites and underground formations shaped over 175 million years. It also holds historical significance, with remains from Japan's Yayoi period discovered inside, showcasing its blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage. **Only the sight seeing course is available with this tour; the adventure course is not included.**