A cruise tour to experience the nature, cuisine, and culture of Kochi. | Tour Blog

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⏰Duration | Approximately 6 hours
🏞️Content | Limestone Caves / Bonito & Kochi Cuisine / Shikoku Pilgrimage / Plants & Nature
👤Group Size | 1–6 people (groups of 7 or more upon consultation)
　　Languages | Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, etc.

Ryuga-do Cave, Bonito Culture, Chikurin-ji Temple, Makino Botanical Garden

This tour for cruise ship passengers offers a chance to enjoy the best of Kochi—including its nature, culinary culture, history, and flora—all in a single excursion.

The tour begins at Ryugado Cave, one of Japan’s premier limestone caves, followed by an experience centered on Kochi’s famous bonito culture. Afterward, participants visit Chikurin-ji Temple—part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage—and the Makino Botanical Garden.

It is an itinerary designed to provide a comprehensive experience of Kochi’s nature and culture within the limited time available during the port call.

TOUR POINT

01 | NATURE
Experience natural formations sculpted over eons at Ryuga-do Cave

02 | LOCAL FOOD
Savor Tosa’s unique culinary culture through Kochi’s famous bonito

03 | CULTURE
Discover the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage and its culture at Chikurin-ji Temple

04 | BOTANICAL EXPERIENCE
Enjoy Kochi’s rich flora and nature at the Makino Botanical Garden

TOUR ROUTE

09:00　Depart Kochi New Port
09:30–11:00　Ryuga-do Cave
11:30–12:30　Bonito-related cultural experience & lunch
13:00–13:30　Chikurin-ji Temple (Mt. Godai)
13:40–14:40　Makino Botanical Garden
15:00　Return to Kochi New Port

01｜RYUGADO CAVE

Step into a mystical underground world crafted by the Earth.

Ryuga-do Cave is one of Kochi’s most iconic limestone caves.

Here, you can experience a mystical space created by nature, marveling at stalactites formed over eons and the cave’s unique interior landscape.

It is a destination that offers a chance to appreciate the profound nature of Kochi—an experience distinct from typical sightseeing above ground.

Duration: Approx. 90 minutes

02｜KOCHI BONITO EXPERIENCE

When you think of Kochi, you think of bonito.

Bonito is a cornerstone of Kochi's culinary culture.

Experience the local culture through its cuisine by savoring authentic Kochi flavors, such as straw-seared bonito (*tataki*).

This is a chance to make the act of eating itself a highlight of your journey, rather than simply visiting sightseeing spots.

*Lunch and other food/drink costs are not included in the tour price.

Duration: Approx. 60 minutes

03｜CHIKURINJI TEMPLE

Experience the unique Shikoku pilgrimage culture

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

As you explore the main hall, the five-story pagoda, and the lush temple grounds, you can experience Japanese temple culture and the unique pilgrimage traditions of Shikoku.

Duration: Approx. 30 minutes

04｜MAKINO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Experience the nature of Kochi through its plants

This botanical garden commemorates the achievements of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, a botanist and native of Kochi Prefecture.

Visitors can experience Kochi’s rich natural environment and Japan’s botanical culture while enjoying seasonal plants and the greenhouse.

At the end of the tour, you will spend some relaxing time amidst the lush greenery of Mt. Godai.

Duration: Approx. 60 minutes

CRUISE FRIENDLY

Schedule tailored for cruise ship passengers

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

We adjust the schedule based on the ship’s departure time, traffic conditions, and the day’s operational status.

This course allows you to enjoy four distinct Kochi experiences—caves, local cuisine, temples, and botanical gardens—all in a single day.