Kochi Highlights Shore Excursion: Castles, Temples, Cherry Blossoms, and Katsuo no Tataki
Spring is just beginning to arrive in Kochi, and there is no better time to explore this city from the cruise port. On this full-day private tour, our guests visited four of Kochi’s most beloved spots — Chikurin-ji Temple, Makino Botanical Garden, Kochi Castle, and Hirome Market — all wrapped in the soft pink of early cherry blossoms.
Chikurin-ji Temple: A Peaceful Start on Mt. Godaisan
Our tour began at Chikurin-ji, Temple No. 31 on the famous Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. Situated on top of Mt. Godaisan, this temple offers a calm and spiritual atmosphere. Guests explored the beautifully preserved grounds, passing under red lanterns, reading ancient sutras carved into wooden pillars, and taking in the iconic pagoda surrounded by old trees.
One of the memorable moments here is the temizuya — the stone water basin where visitors purify their hands before entering the temple. It is a simple ritual, but it helps you feel a genuine connection to Japanese Buddhist tradition.
The temple grounds are also home to a quiet moss-covered area with rows of small jizo statues, each dressed in colorful bibs. These stone figures, believed to protect children and travelers, make for one of the photographed and emotionally moving spots on the entire tour.
Makino Botanical Garden: Where Science Meets Nature
After the temple, we walked a short distance to Makino Botanical Garden, one of the finest botanical gardens in Japan. This stunning park was created in honor of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a self-taught botanist from Kochi who identified and named over 1,500 plant species during his lifetime. He is often called the “Father of Japanese Botany.”
In early spring, the garden is full of energy. Early-blooming cherry trees were already showing beautiful pink flowers, and the greenhouse was bursting with color — orchids of every variety lined the walls and hung from the ceiling, drawing guests to stop and take photo after photo.
Outside, the garden’s walking paths wind through hills of seasonal flowers and native plants. On this visit, a ryukyu-zakura cherry tree was in full bloom against a backdrop of the Kochi cityscape — a truly spectacular sight that none of us expected.
The garden also has paved, mostly flat paths, making it surprisingly accessible for visitors of all mobility levels. We were happy to see everyone, including guests using walking aids, enjoying the grounds comfortably at their own pace.
Kochi Castle: The Only Fully Preserved Original Castle in Japan
Then, we headed to Kochi Castle — one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan and the only one where both the castle tower and the honmaru goten (lord’s residence) have survived intact. Built in 1603 and later rebuilt after a fire in 1748, the castle stands proudly on a hill in the center of the city.
Climbing up through the stone-walled paths on a bright sunny day, guests were in great spirits. The views from the top floor of the main tower are some of the best in all of Kochi — on a clear day, you can see the mountains in every direction.
Inside the castle, the steep wooden staircases and original fixtures bring history to life. Unlike many reconstructed castles in Japan, everything you touch and walk on here is genuinely old — the wooden floors, the doors, the stone walls. It gives the whole experience a sense of authenticity that visitors always appreciate.
Hirome Market: Taste Kochi Like a Local
No Kochi tour is complete without a stop at Hirome Market. This covered indoor market near Kochi Castle is one of the most lively and social places in all of Shikoku. Dozens of food stalls line the narrow corridors, and long communal tables fill up quickly with locals and visitors sharing food, beer, and good conversation.
The star of the show is always katsuo no tataki — Kochi’s most famous dish. Fresh skipjack tuna is seared over blazing straw fire right in front of you, then sliced thick and served with grated ginger, garlic, and ponzu sauce. The straw smoke gives the fish a subtle, aromatic flavor that you simply cannot find anywhere else in Japan.
Our guests settled in at one of the communal tables, ordered beer alongside the tataki, and spent a relaxed hour soaking in the atmosphere.
Perfect for Cruise Ship Passengers
Arriving in Kochi by cruise ship? This tour is designed with cruise passengers in mind. We’ll pick you up directly from the Kochi cruise terminal and ensure you’re back to your ship with plenty of time to spare.
Flexible timing options:
- ⏰ 4-hour express tour (perfect for short port calls)
- ⏰ 6-hour highlights tour (our most popular option)
- ⏰ 8-hour comprehensive experience
All tours include comfortable private transportation and a guarantee to return you to the port on time.
Experience Kochi’s Best on Our Highlights Tour
This private shore excursion combines everything that makes Kochi special — ancient temples, world-class botanical science, original samurai history, and unforgettable local food. Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning to Japan, this tour offers a genuine, unhurried look at one of Shikoku’s most charming cities.
- Private transportation from Kochi cruise port
- Expert English-speaking licensed guide
- Small group experience — no big crowds, no rush
- Flexible itinerary to match your interests
- On-time return to ship guaranteed