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

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⏰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.