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Kochi

Kochi, Japan, a hidden gem with lush mountains, stunning coastline, and a vibrant cultural scene. Explore the historic Kochi Castle, feast on delicious local cuisine, and browse through traditional markets. Don't miss the Yosakoi Festival, a colorful celebration of dance and music. Kochi is a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers looking to experience the true essence of Japan.

Recommendations

Culture4.3/5

Kochi Castle

Step back in time at Kochi Castle, a symbol of feudal power in Japan. Nestled in Marunouchi, this historical fortress boasts stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city. Don't miss the samurai armor and weapons on display inside. It's a must-see for history buffs and castle enthusiasts alike!

Culture4.4/5

Chikurin Temple

Tucked away on Godaisan, Chikurinji Temple in Kochi boasts serene gardens and stunning views. Marvel at the 17th-century pagoda, explore the lush grounds, and don't forget to ring the temple bell for good luck. Bring your camera and get ready to capture some Insta-worthy shots at this hidden gem in Japan.

Landmark4.2/5

Katsurahama Beach

Grab your sunscreen and hit the sandy shores of Katsurahama Beach in Urado, Kochi! This stunning beach offers views of the Pacific Ocean and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Don't forget to check out the nearby Katsura Shrine and the iconic Ryugusai Lantern Festival held every August.

Landmark4.1/5

Hirome Market

Welcome to Hirome Market, a bustling food hub in Kochi, Japan. Sample local delicacies, like katsuo tataki and kochi ramen, while mingling with friendly locals. From fresh seafood to tasty snacks, this market has it all. Don't forget to try some sake at one of the lively bars inside. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

Eat$$$4.4/5

Issen Yoshoku

Tucked away in the charming streets of Gion, Issen Yoshoku is a must-visit spot in Kyoto. This cozy eatery serves up delicious and budget-friendly Japanese comfort food like okonomiyaki and yakisoba. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

Cafe4/5

Katsuo-bune

Looking for a cozy stay in Kochi, Japan? Look no further than Katsuo-bune! This charming guesthouse in Niida is the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. With traditional Japanese rooms, friendly staff, and easy access to local attractions, Katsuo-bune is a traveler's dream come true. Book your stay now!

Eat$$$4.5/5

ハースブレッド SAKAMOTO

ハースブレッド SAKAMOTO in Kochi is a cozy bakery where you can enjoy freshly baked goods like bread, pastries, and cakes. Located in the scenic Torigoe area, this spot is perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go. Don't miss out on trying their speciality buttery croissants!

Stays

Stay$$$$4.4/5

Hotel New Otani Osaka

Located right in front of Osaka Castle, Hotel New Otani offers spacious rooms and 12 dining options. The property is a 5-minute walk from shopping complex JO-TERRACE OSAKA. Free WiFi connection is available throughout the property. Rooms feature large windows with city or Osaka Castle views. They have an LCD TV and comfortable beds. With an additional charge, guests can relax in the hot tub, sauna and enjoy massage treatment. Several shops and a beauty salon are available as well. The hotel offers concierge services, where entrance tickets to Osaka Castle can be purchased. New Otani Osaka’s restaurants cater a variety of French, Japanese and International cuisine. Offering spectacular views of the city skyline and Osaka Castle, Keyaki restaurant serves grilled teppanyaki dishes, while Sky Lounge offers refreshing cocktails. A breakfast buffet featuring various cuisines are available at an extra charge. Osaka Station is a 10-minute train ride from Hotel New Otani, while Kyoto and Nara can also be reached within 1-hour by train. The hotel is about a 75-minute train ride from Kansai International Airport and a 1-hour train ride from Itami Airport.

Stay$$$$4.35/5

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka

Swissôtel Nankai Osaka offers luxurious 5-star accommodation right in the heart of Osaka's entertainment and shopping district. It boasts a refreshing indoor pool, a spa, free WiFi throughout the hotel and 6 dining options. The hotel is conveniently situated above Nankai Railway’s Namba Station, which offers direct access to Kansai International Airport in 35 minutes on the Limited Express Train. The air-conditioned rooms offer an LCD TV with satellite channels, a refrigerator and extra long beds. Some rooms have a Nespresso coffee machine. Some rooms are equipped with a complimentary handy Smartphone. Swissôtel Nankai Osaka is less than a 5-minute walk from Namba Parks Shopping Centre and Takashimaya Department Store. Dotonbori Shopping Street is a 10-minute walk, and Namba Station is a direct 20-minute subway ride from Shin-Osaka Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Station. Guests can enjoy a workout at the state-of-the-art fitness room, or relax in the sauna or hot tub. The Spa and Fitness facility offers massages and beauty treatments. Table36 has panoramic 36th-floor city views and serves a breakfast buffet, while the Empress Room pairs Chinese favourites and dim sum with shaoxing wines. The Swissôtel Nankai Osaka offers a variety of cuisines and atmospheres, ranging from sushi and tempura in an old-world Japanese ambiance to an elegant farm-to-table teppanyaki experience.

Stay$$$$4.65/5

Conrad Osaka

Boasting stunning views of Osaka city, 4 dining options and a heated indoor pool, Conrad Osaka offers luxurious rooms in modern decor. Higobashi Station is just a 5-minute walk and JR Osaka Station is a 7-minute train ride away. Spacious guest rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and minibar. An en suite bathrooms has a bath, bathrobes and free toiletries. There are coffee machine and electric kettle for guests’ comfort. Featuring various spa and wellness facilities on site, the hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and concierge service. Guests enjoy free access to a 24-hour fitness centre and indoor heated pool is available throughout the year. Atmos Dining serves a wide range of European and Asian fusion cuisine, while Japanese food can be enjoyed at KURA - Teppanyaki & Sushi. C:Grill provides freshly grilled seafood and guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails at the stylish 40 Sky Bar and Lounge. Billboard Live Osaka is a 10-minute walk from Conrad Osaka, while Osaka Castle is a 20-minute car ride away.

Stay$$$$4.4/5

The Westin Osaka

Featuring an acupuncture salon, 4 dining options and spacious rooms with city views, the Westin Osaka is just 5 minutes from Osaka Station on the free shuttle. Each softly lit, soundproofed room has a pleasant modern decor and features a satellite LCD TV and a minibar. Panoramic windows let in plenty of light and show off the skyline views of Osaka. The marble en suite bathroom has a separate bath and shower stall, and deluxe bath amenities. The Westin is right next to the Umeda Sky Building, with its Floating Garden Observatory. It is a 20-minute taxi ride to Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori shopping area. The on-site fitness centre can be accessed for a fee, and includes a sauna, hot tub, running track and fitness room in addition to the indoor pool. The concierge and 24-hour front desk stand ready to assist you. Decorated in Sukiya style, Japanese restaurant Hanano has individual corners for teppanyaki and tempura. Stunning Ming-style decor and authentic Cantonese specialties are on offer at Imperial Palace. Amadeus serves western cuisine. Blue Bar pours cool cocktails in the evenings.

Stay$$$$4.5/5

The St. Regis Osaka

Located in the heart of Osaka's Midosuji area, the 5-star St. Regis offers its signature butler service, a exquisite decor with touches of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Contemporary, comfortable rooms boast magnificent city views. It is located directly above Honmachi Subway Station's Exit 7. When not gazing at the gorgeous city views, guests can sprawl out on the 300-thread-count sheets. A minibar and a Nespresso coffee machine are provided. The large French marble bathroom includes a shower with 4 body jets, a soaking bathtub, a built-in LCD TV and a plush bathrobe. The lively Dotonbori area is a 15-minute walk from the The St. Regis Osaka. Kyocera Dome is a 20-minute subway ride away, while Osaka Castle is a 10-minute drive away. Universal Studios Japan is a 30-minute train ride from The St. Regis Osaka. Sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, event tickets and more can be secured by guest's private butler. An exercise room with free weights, stationary bikes and treadmills is on site, as is a business centre. Guests can stroll through the rooftop Japanese garden. La Veduta boasts richly warm decor with 12th-floor skyline views and hearty but sophisticated Italian cuisine. After dinner, guests can enjoy one of the special cocktails at The St. Regis Bar next door. RÉGINE offers French dishes, and light fare can be enjoyed at the St. Regis Terrace.

Stay$$$$4.2/5

Hilton Osaka

Located in the vibrant commercial and shopping district right around Umeda Station and Grand Front Osaka shopping mall, Hilton Osaka Hotel offers rooms with a satellite TV and chargeable Wi-Fi. The hotel features a swimming pool, a fitness centre and 5 dining options. Its multi-lingual staff offers quality services, while free WiFi is provided in the lobby. Offering great city views, the spacious rooms at the Osaka Hilton are well equipped with extra-long beds and a minibar. Windows have a traditional Fusuma panel and Japanese Yukata robes are provided for all guests. Room service is available 24 hours. Guests can stay in shape on the jogging track, and unwind in the hot tub or sauna. The Hilton Osaka offers a concierge and a beauty salon. Hilton Osaka Hotel is just a 2-minute walk away from Osaka Station. It is a 15-minute drive from Osaka Castle and a 20-minute drive from Universal Studios Japan(R). Namba and Shinsaibashi area are both within a 15-minute train ride away. To get to Kansai International Airport, guests can take the limousine bus from Herbis Plaza, which is a 5-minute walk away.

Stay$$$$4.3/5

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Opened in February 2014, this luxury 5-star hotel boasts high-standard services and guestrooms that are among the most spacious in Kyoto. Guests may enjoy complimentary use of the indoor swimming pool and the fitness centre during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is situated right along the Kamogawa River, offering iconic Kyoto views. Kyoto Shiyakushomae Subway Station is just a 3-minute walk away, while JR Kyoto Station can be reached within a 10-minute subway ride. Nijo-jo Castle, one of the World Heritage Sites, is a 3-minute subway ride from the hotel. Featuring traditional Kyoto aesthetics and sophisticated elegance, each room is fitted with a large flat-screen TV, a Blu-ray player and a Nespresso coffee maker. The en suite bathroom comes with a rain shower, a bath tub and a mini LED TV. While staying at the hotel, guests can feel rejuvenated with massage treatments at the spa or enjoy workouts at the 24-hour gym. A 24-hour front desk and concierge services are offered. The business centre is also available 24 hours. La Locanda restaurant serves colourful Italian dishes featuring select ingredients from all over the world. Delicately prepared Japanese kaiseki multi-course meals and sushi can be savoured at Mizuki restaurant. Pierre Hermé Paris offers delicious French sweets including macaroons.

Stay4.5/5

InterContinental Osaka by IHG

Osaka hotel with spacious suites, soaking tubs and a heated lap pool. Rooms offer a choice between a bathrobe and a yukata.

Stay4.4/5

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Nestled in the picturesque Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto offers luxury accommodations with traditional Japanese design and modern amenities. Indulge in delicious cuisine at the on-site restaurants, relax in the serene gardens, and explore nearby historic temples and shops. A perfect blend of comfort and culture awaits at this unforgettable destination.

Things To Do
Provided by

4.9/5

6 h 30 mins

1-Day Kochi Highlights Tour with local guide

Explore the heart of Kochi, a city where history, nature, and culture blend into a truly unique experience. Known as the hometown of samurai hero Sakamoto Ryoma, Kochi offers a journey full of charm, character, and discovery. From peaceful temples and lush botanical gardens to vibrant local markets and iconic castles, this tour gives you a taste of everything that makes Kochi unforgettable. ・Visit Tosa and Chikurinji Temples, nestled beside the stunning Makino Botanical Garden ・Experience the flavors of Kochi at Hirome Market, a lively hub of food, energy, and local life ・Discover the majestic Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles

$162.55

5/5

Explore Kochi: private tour by Car with licensed guide

Discover the best of Kochi in a compact, full-day tour that weaves together nature, history, and local charm. Start at Chikurinji Temple. Return to the city for lunch at Hirome Market, where the lively, communal atmosphere invites spontaneous encounters and a real taste of local life. Then explore Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles. Its preserved wooden interiors and hilltop views offer a rare, authentic glimpse into samurai-era Japan. Finish at Katsurahama, a beautiful beach known for its crashing waves and the iconic statue of Sakamoto Ryoma—a striking place where nature and history meet.

$765.30

4.9/5

6 h

Kochi Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide

This tour is designed for the travelers who visit Kochi by cruise ship. We will pick you up at Kochi Shin Port or hotels near the port. Kochi is a smart, compact city with a deserved reputation for enjoying a good time. The castle here is largely undamaged and remains a fine example of Japanese architecture. Excellent access to Muroto-Misaki, Ashizuri-misaki and the Iya Valley, and easy day trips to caves, beaches and mountains make Kōchi a perfect base for travels around the island. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

$396.62

4.9/5

5 h

Experience the energy of Kochi: Sunday Market Tour includes Kochi Castle

Get a true taste of Kochi on this 5-hour walking tour featuring the city’s famous Sunday Market and nearby highlights. Explore vibrant local stalls, sample regional specialties, and visit key cultural spots with a knowledgeable local guide. Perfect for those wanting to dive into Kochi’s lively market scene and rich heritage. ・Browse over 400 stands at Kochi’s historic Sunday Market offering fresh produce, local foods, and crafts ・Savor regional delicacies at Hirome Market and visit the iconic Kochi Castle for panoramic city views ・Stroll through Obiyamachi shopping street and discover the colorful Yosakoi Festival culture at the information center

$130.04

7 h

Explore the Shimanto River by Local Train, Bicycle and Rafting

This is a multi-activity tour that explores the Shimanto river valley. You will travel first by train, then by bike, and finally by raft, through the natural splendor of this untrammeled region of Kochi. Along the way you will meet an artisan iron-worker practicing his traditional craft. You will see the inner-workings of his workshop and hear how his trade has passed down through the generations. Later you will have lunch overlooking the valley, and finally you will board a raft for a thrilling ride on the river.

$266.58

5/5

2 h 30 mins

Pro Guided Small Group SUP Downriver Tour at Niyodo River

Experience Niyodo River in SUP. Join one of our guides on a trip down Japans finest water quality river, the Niyodo river, on a SUP tour. On the tour you will learn the techniques for River SUP which differs from ocean or lake techniques.If you look around you will see the magnificent mountains and scenery, and on a sunny day the famous Niyodo Blue can be witnessed! Beginner friendly with professional instruction. Beginners will be taught the foundation skills so you can enjoy your time on the river! Instruction will take place in gentle parts of the river where you can master the basic movements, even first timers can enjoy SUP! Enjoy the feel of the wind over your body and enjoy experiencing nature how you want! Located just 30 minutes from Kochi by car! “ENJOY NOW”

$84.53

5/5

7 h 30 mins

Explore the Shimanto River by Local Train and Bicycle

The 196 km Shimanto River is one of Japan's last remaining undammed rivers, famous for its clear water, unspoilt surroundings and distinctive chikabashi submersible bridges, built to withstand flooding. Enjoy the region’s incredible natural beauty as you journey from the headwaters of the mighty river all the way along the lowly flowing river to the Pacific Ocean. It is a wonderful way to glimpse the lives of people who have long lived in harmony with nature in an environment largely unchanged for centuries.

$208.06

5/5

3 h

Canyoning Tour in Niyodogawa’s Most Beautiful Gorge

People travel from everywhere in Japan and beyond to come experience our Canyoning tour. We pride ourselves in being the only company that operates in this gorge, where untouched natural beauty and crystal clear blue water are abundant. Our tours marry adventure, with abseils and cliffjumps, and stunning scenery which makes one feel in another world. Our guides are well trained and English speaking. Come experience Japan's natural wonders in a safe and fun environment.

$84.53

5/5

8 h

Make your own kitchen knife with a master blacksmith in Shimanto

In this activity you can experience traditional Japanese craft culture through "Kaji". In a contemporary society that emphasizes digital networks, old handicraft techniques have become far from everyday life. Imagine crafting your own knife or scissors from steel, using fire and ancient Japanese techniques. You can commemorate your wedding, or remember your trip, through engraving.

$429.13

4.8/5

2 h

Private Ninja Training in a Cave in Hidaka

Well known today as a ninja, Mohei was a real person who lived in the old village Kusaka-mura, which is the centre of the modern village of Hidaka-mura. According to the legend, he was a poor peasant who fell in love with the daughter of a rich landowner. The affair was doomed, and while he was walking about desperately looking for a place to die, Mohei came upon the cave called Sarudado, where a fantastic creature called a tengu was pursuing an ascetic lifestyle. Mohei became its disciple. So diligent was he that he learned everything his mentor taught and travelled to the town surrounding Kochi castle, where he did such things as giving rice to the poor. This activity is in the footsteps of the Ninja Mohei. You will wear a Ninja costume and try training in the cave! After the caving, you will relax with a coffee, local black tea and some sweets or fruits.

$78.02

7 h

Kochi Castle Makino Garden and Katsurahama Beach

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion from Kochi New Port blends samurai-era history, local food culture, and coastal scenery. Start at Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s best-preserved original castles. Enjoy lunch either at the lively Hirome Market or at a refined kappo restaurant, then visit the Makino Botanical Garden dedicated to famed botanist Tomitaro Makino. End at Katsurahama Beach, a dramatic bay known for its “moon-viewing” beauty, before returning to the port.

$581.21

7 h

Uncharted Kochi Countryside and Temples by eBike

You will meet your guide near the cruise port and take a brief shuttle to the Niyodo river mouth. While watching surfers where the river meets the sea, you will get an easy e-bike tutorial. Even for infrequent cyclists, the e-bike makes it easy to ride hilly terrain and experience Japan's landscape on this one-day trip. Time to ride! As we start, you can see Kochi’s scenery where mountains meet the sea. After a warm-up, we will arrive at Shoryu-ji Temple, tucked into the hillside of the Yokonami peninsula. Leaving the temple, we will ride through tranquil coastal villages with unique historic storehouses. Later, we will pass through an amazing bamboo forest before reaching the ferry. Onboard, you can observe the busy Kochi port and a vista of mountains surrounding this coastal city. Disembarking, we will climb to Chikurin-ji Temple. Known as one of the most beautiful temples in Kochi, its colorful exterior will captivate your senses and soothe your mind

$234.07

5 h

Kochi Ginger and Tosa Sake Pairing Experience

In Ino Town, the birthplace of Kochi ginger, you will visit Kariya Farm, a ginger farm dedicated to carefully cultivated produce. The farm’s representative will personally share the philosophy behind their cultivation, the passion that drives their work, and the challenges of growing exceptional ginger. You will also have the opportunity to see freshly harvested ginger, dug directly from the soil in the fields.

$253.58

4 h

Private Kochi Castle and Hirome Market Dash Tour from Kochi Port

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This fast-paced 4-hour private shore excursion covers Kochi’s essential city highlights. Explore Kochi Castle—one of Japan’s best-preserved original castles—then enjoy local specialties at the lively Hirome Market. Wrap up with quick photo stops at Harimaya Bridge and a stroll through Obiyamachi Arcade for shopping vibes before returning to Kochi New Port.

$332.12

4 h

Katsurahama and Ryoma History Private Tour from Kochi Port

This express 4-hour private shore excursion is ideal for first-time visitors to Kochi. Enjoy the dramatic Pacific views at Katsurahama Beach, take photos with the iconic Sakamoto Ryoma Statue, then dive deeper into Ryoma’s life at The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum. Finish with a relaxed break at Katsurahama Sea Terrace before returning to Kochi New Port.

$332.12

7 h

Niyodo Blue Private Tour from Kochi Port

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion starts and ends at Kochi New Port, taking you to the crystal-clear “Niyodo Blue” waters at Nakatsu Gorge, followed by a relaxing riverside lunch area near the Niyodo River. You will then visit Ino Paper Museum to learn about Japan’s traditional washi culture, and finish with a scenic stop at a local “chinka-bashi” (submersible bridge) before returning to the port.

$581.21

7 h

Shimanto River Private Tour in Kochi

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 7-hour private shore excursion from Kochi New Port takes you to the legendary Shimanto River, often called Japan’s “last clear stream.” Visit the iconic Sada Chinkabashi (submersible bridge) for river views and photos, enjoy lunch around Shimanto City, then relax on a traditional yakatabune riverboat cruise to experience the river’s calm scenery up close before returning to the port.

$612.84

4 h 30 mins

Harvest the Scent of Yuzu A Rural Experience in Umaji Village

Yuzu, known for its refreshing aroma and mellow acidity, is one of Japan’s most familiar citrus fruits. Kochi Prefecture accounts for approximately 50% of Japan’s domestic yuzu production, and Umaji Village is one of the region’s major yuzu-producing areas. With a population of around 800, this small village has no traffic lights or convenience stores, and time seems to pass at a wonderfully leisurely pace. Surrounded by abundant nature, approximately 96% of the village is covered by forest. From late October through November, during the harvest season, the refreshing aroma of yuzu fills the village and has become one of the defining scents of autumn in Umaji. Yuzu in Umaji is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. On this tour, you will visit a yuzu orchard in Umaji Village and experience harvesting yuzu and hand-squeezing the fresh fruit together with local farmers.

$197.66

6 h

Kochi 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide and Vehicle

Discover Kochi, the gateway to southern Shikoku, on this fully private 6-hour tour led by a friendly, government-licensed guide with a private vehicle and driver. Famed for its laid-back charm, Pacific coastline, and samurai history, Kochi rewards curious travelers. Climb the original wooden keep of Kochi Castle, one of only twelve to survive in Japan, and stand beneath the bronze statue of local hero Sakamoto Ryoma above Katsurahama Beach. Sample seared bonito and sake at lively Hirome Market, cross the storied red Harimaya Bridge, and visit the serene Chikurin-ji Temple with its sweeping Godaisan views. Because the tour is completely private, the itinerary is flexible and built around you: travel at your own pace, linger wherever you like, and ask your guide anything about local history, culture, and food. With comfortable door-to-door transport and a knowledgeable local by your side, you'll enjoy the very best of Kochi in one relaxed and memorable day.

$362.03

4 h

Kochi Private City Highlights Tour with Castle and Market

This is a fully customizable private tour, allowing the itinerary to be adapted to your interests and preferences. The itinerary is an example of how your 4-hour tour can be arranged. Whether you are particularly interested in history, local food, culture, nature, or specific places in Kochi, the route and stops can be adjusted accordingly. Explore Kochi's highlight destinations, such as Kochi Castle, Hirome Market, Harimaya Bridge, or the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden. Before or during the tour, you can discuss your interests with your guide and create a personalized route within the available 4 hours.