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Kochi Local Experience Cruise Tour: Exploring “Niyodo Blue,” Washi Paper, and Sake Culture

#KochiJapan#CruiseShip#KochiCruise#ShoreExcursion#VisitKochi#TosaMahorobaTourism＃KochiJapanCruise＃KochiTour

⏰Duration | Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes
🏞️Content |Tosa Washi paper / Niyodo Blue / Riverside lunch / Submersible bridge / Sake culture
👤Group Size | 1–6 people (groups of 7 or more upon consultation)
　　Languages | Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc.

Ino Town Paper Museum, Niyodo Blue, Asao Submersible Bridge, Sake Brewery

This tour, designed for cruise ship passengers, takes you into the mountainous areas of Kochi to enjoy Tosa Washi paper, the natural beauty of the Niyodo River, local cuisine, and the region’s sake culture—all in a single day.

Centered around the Niyodo River—one of Kochi’s most pristine waterways—the tour offers an experience distinct from typical city sightseeing, allowing you to connect with local life and culture.

TOUR POINT

01｜TRADITION
Experience the history and traditional culture of Tosa Washi.

02｜NATURE
Enjoy the “Niyodo Blue” of the Niyodo River, a clear stream that is the pride of the world.

03｜LOCAL EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a meal by the river and experience the local atmosphere of Kochi.

04｜SCENERY
Fully enjoy scenery typical of the Niyodo River from the Asao Submersible Bridge.

05｜SAKE CULTURE
佐川町の酒蔵文化、または高知の日本酒文化に触れる

TOUR ROUTE

09:00　Depart Kochi New Port
09:30–10:30　Ino-cho Paper Museum
11:10–11:40　Viewing “Niyodo Blue”
12:00–12:40　Lunch along the Niyodo River
13:00–13:30　Asao Submersible Bridge
13:50–14:40　Sake Brewery Street (Sakawa Town) or Suigei Sake Brewery
15:40　Return to Kochi New Port

01｜TOSA PAPER MUSEUM

Discover the Japanese Tradition of Tosa Washi

Tosa Washi is one of Kochi Prefecture’s signature traditional industries.
At the Paper Museum, you can learn about the history and manufacturing process of Tosa Washi, as well as the techniques passed down by generations of artisans.
It is a place where you can experience a unique local tradition born from Kochi’s natural environment and the lives of its people.

Duration: Approx. 60 minutes

02｜NIYODO BLUE

The stunning hue of a pristine river—Kochi’s pride
Renowned for its exceptional clarity, the Niyodo River is celebrated for its beautiful blue color, known as “Niyodo Blue.”
Nestled amidst the mountains, you can enjoy the river’s scenery as it shifts its appearance with the changing seasons and light.
It is a chance to experience the rich nature of Kochi—a world away from the city.

Duration: Approx. 30 minutes

03｜RIVERSIDE LUNCH

A leisurely lunch while gazing at the Niyodo River

Enjoy lunch by the riverside while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Niyodo River.

This tour offers a unique experience: rather than rushing from one tourist spot to another, you can spend a relaxing time simply taking in the scenery.

*Please note that the meal content and location are subject to change based on conditions on the day.

Duration: Approx. 40 minutes

04｜ASAO CHINKABASHI

An iconic landscape shaped by the Niyodo River and local life
These “submersible bridges” (chinkabashi) are characterized by their simple, railing-free design.
The harmonious blend of the Niyodo River’s beautiful waters, the surrounding mountains, and the bridge itself creates a scene that epitomizes the mountainous regions of Kochi.
It is also a fantastic spot for photography.

Duration of visit: Approx. 30 minutes

05｜SAKE CULTURE

Tosa Sake: Born from Water, Rice, and Local Culture

To conclude your journey, immerse yourself in the sake culture that Kochi proudly boasts.
Stroll along the “Sake Brewery Street” in Sakawa Town to experience the historic townscape and the culture of sake brewing, or visit a brewery to get a firsthand taste of Kochi’s sake traditions.
Enjoy the world of “Tosa Sake,” a drink deeply intertwined with Kochi’s nature, cuisine, and the lives of its people.

Duration: Approx. 50 minutes

CRUISE FRIENDLY

This tour is designed for cruise ship passengers departing from and returning to Kochi New Port.

We adjust the schedule based on traffic and conditions on the day, while ensuring the tour fits within the ship’s departure time.

Enjoy a journey that allows you to experience the nature, traditions, and local lifestyle of the Niyodo River basin—experiences that go beyond what the city of Kochi alone has to offer.

A half-day tour exploring the nature, history, and food culture of Kochi (Plan 02)

#KochiJapan #CruiseShip #KochiCruise #ShoreExcursion #VisitKochi #TosaMahorobaTourism

⏰Duration | Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes
🏞️Content | Nature &Plants / Temples & Pilgrimage Culture / Bonito & Food Culture / Kochi Castle & History
👤Group Size | 1–6 people (groups of 7 or more upon consultation)
　　Languages | Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc.

Makino Botanical Garden, Chikurin-Temple, Bonito Culture Experience, Kochi Castle

This tour is designed for cruise ship passengers to enjoy the nature, history, and culinary culture of Kochi all in one trip.

Participants will experience Kochi’s rich natural beauty at the Makino Botanical Garden and visit Chikurin-ji Temple, a stop on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage. Afterward, they will experience Kochi’s signature bonito culture before finally visiting Kochi Castle.

TOUR POINT

01 | Enjoy Nature
Immerse yourself in the rich flora and nature unique to Kochi at the Makino Botanical Garden.

02 | Experience Shikoku Culture
Discover the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage and the associated ohenro culture at Chikurin-ji Temple.

03 | Savor Kochi’s Culinary Culture
Enjoy the local food scene through Kochi’s famous katsuo (skipjack tuna).

04 | Learn About Kochi’s History
Visit Kochi Castle to explore the history of Tosa and the culture of the castle town.

TOUR ROUTE

08:55 Meet and depart from Kochi Port
09:30–11:00 Makino Botanical Garden
11:10–11:40 Chikurin-ji Temple
12:10–13:30 Katsuo-sen (Bonito Boat)
14:00–15:00 Kochi Castle
15:30 Return to Kochi New Port

01｜MAKINO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Experience the nature of Kochi through its plants.

This is one of Kochi’s premier botanical gardens, established to commemorate the achievements of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a botanist and native of the prefecture.
As you stroll through the lush grounds and enjoy plants that change with the seasons, you can immerse yourself in the nature of Kochi and Japan’s botanical culture.

02｜CHIKURINJI TEMPLE

Experience the unique “pilgrimage culture” of Shikoku.

A historic temple known as the 31st stop on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage.

As you stroll through the temple grounds surrounded by greenery, you can immerse yourself in Japanese temple culture and the distinctive pilgrimage traditions of Shikoku.

Duration: Approx. 30 minutes

KOCHI BONITO EXPERIENCE

Experience the culinary culture of katsuo (skipjack tuna)—a signature of Kochi.

When you think of Kochi, you think of katsuo.

Immerse yourself in Kochi’s unique katsuo culture while savoring local flavors.

The highlight of this course is not just sightseeing, but getting to know Kochi through its food.

Duration: Approx. 80 minutes

KOCHI CASTLE

Kochi Castle

[Photo]

Visit the castle that symbolizes Kochi’s history.

Kochi Castle towers over the center of Kochi City.

Explore historic architecture dating back to the Edo period while immersing yourself in Kochi’s history and the culture of its castle town.

At the end of the tour, visit one of Kochi’s most iconic historical sites.

Duration: Approx. 60 minutes

A half-day tour exploring the nature, history, and food culture of Kochi (Plan 01).

#KochiJapan #CruiseShip #KochiCruise #ShoreExcursion #VisitKochi #TosaMahorobaTourism

⏰Duration | Approx. 5–6 hours
🏞️Content | Plants & Nature / History & Temples / Kochi Cuisine / Market Strolling
👤Group Size | 1–6 people (groups of 7 or more upon consultation)
　　Languages | Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc.

Makino Botanical Garden, Chikurin-ji Temple, Hirome Market, and Obiya-cho

This half-day tour for cruise ship passengers allows you to experience nature, history, and culinary culture—all within the limited time available during your port call in Kochi.

After visiting the Makino Botanical Garden (Kochi’s premier botanical garden) and Chikurin-ji Temple (part of the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage), you will have free time to explore the Hirome Market and Obiya-cho area in downtown Kochi.

It is a well-balanced itinerary that captures the true essence of Kochi, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors.

Three highlights of this tour

01 | Discovering Kochi’s Rich Nature

Experience the plants of the changing seasons and Kochi’s abundant natural environment at the Makino Botanical Garden.

02 | Experiencing Shikoku’s History and Culture

Visit Chikurin-ji Temple—one of the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage—to immerse yourself in Japanese temple culture and the history of the pilgrimage itself.

03 | Enjoying Kochi’s Daily Life and Food Culture

Stroll freely through Hirome Market and Obiyamachi, where both locals and tourists gather. Enjoy the unique local cuisine and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

TOUR ROUTE

・Meet at Kochi Port
・Makino Botanical Garden
・Chikurin-ji Temple
・Hirome Market / Obiyamachi
・Return to Kochi Port

01 MAKINO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Experience the nature of Kochi through its plants

This botanical garden was established to commemorate the achievements of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a botanist and native of Kochi Prefecture.

Across the spacious grounds, visitors can enjoy plants that change with the seasons while learning about Japanese botanical culture and the rich natural environment of Kochi.

With features such as a greenhouse and seasonal plant displays, it is one of Kochi’s premier tourist attractions—a place best enjoyed by taking a leisurely stroll.

Estimated time: Approx. 90 minutes

Chikurin-ji Temple

Experience the history of the Shikoku Pilgrimage and Japanese temple culture.

Chikurin-ji is a historic temple known as the 31st stop on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage.

As you stroll through the quiet, greenery-filled temple grounds, you can experience Japanese temple architecture, religious culture, and the unique “Ohenro” (pilgrimage) culture of Shikoku.

A key appeal of this course is the ability to enjoy both nature and history in one visit, thanks to the temple’s location right next to the Makino Botanical Garden.

Duration: Approx. 30 minutes

HIROME MARKET

A place to experience the food and people of Kochi

Hirome Market is one of Kochi’s premier culinary destinations.

The market brings together a wide variety of stalls offering everything from katsuo no tataki (seared bonito) to sushi, fresh seafood, and local specialties.

You can freely choose the dishes that appeal to you and enjoy lunch amidst the lively atmosphere that is quintessentially Kochi.

It is a place where you can do more than just eat; you can get a real feel for the daily lives of the locals and Kochi’s unique food culture.

*Please note that the cost of lunch and other food or drinks is not included in the tour price.

OBİYAMACHI

Stroll freely through the heart of Kochi

This shopping district in central Kochi City extends from Hirome Market.

Lined with shops selling local sweets and souvenirs, as well as various restaurants, it offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy shopping and a leisurely walk after your meal.

Walking through the actual streets of Kochi—beyond just visiting tourist attractions—is a key part of the experience this tour offers.

Embark on a half-day journey you can only experience in Kochi.

Discover the nature of Kochi through its flora,
Experience the culture of Shikoku through its temples,
And encounter Kochi’s cuisine and people through its markets and city strolls.

Precisely because your time in port is brief, we invite you to enjoy a journey that goes beyond mere sightseeing—one that allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the land of Kochi.