September - October Shore Excursions in Japan Filling Fast!
FULL ITINERARY
Port Pickup & Private Transfer
Upon your cruise ship’s arrival at Kochi Port, your local guide will be waiting with a signboard for easy recognition. After a warm welcome, begin your Kochi shore excursions experience by private chartered car, designed to offer a comfortable pace, smooth transfers, and a relaxed sightseeing experience for cruise passengers. From the port, drive into the city and start your discovery of Kochi’s cultural landmarks, local flavors, and coastal scenery.
Harimaya-bashi Bridge
Your first stop is Harimaya-bashi Bridge, one of Kochi’s most recognizable landmarks and a place closely tied to the city’s most famous romantic legend. Though modest in size, the bridge holds a special place in local culture and offers an easy, pleasant introduction to Kochi’s history and character.
Kochi Castle
Continue to Kochi Castle, one of Japan’s most historically significant surviving castles. Its buildings have been designated as Important Cultural Properties, reflecting both their architectural value and historical importance. Unlike many castles built only for defense, Kochi Castle also served as a residence, giving visitors a deeper sense of samurai life and local governance in earlier centuries. From the upper floors, enjoy rewarding views over downtown Kochi and the surrounding city landscape.
Gotaisan Chikurin-ji Temple
Next, visit Gotaisan Chikurin-ji Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple set on the slopes of Mount Godai. Known for its elegant five-story pagoda, wooded surroundings, and calm spiritual atmosphere, the temple offers a quieter and more reflective side of Kochi. This stop is especially appealing for travelers who enjoy cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and gentle walks through tranquil temple grounds.
Hirome-Ichiba Open Market
After exploring Kochi’s historic side, continue to Hirome-Ichiba Open Market, a lively local gathering place known for fresh seafood, regional flavors, and casual dining. Here, guests can enjoy free time to browse food stalls, observe local life, and experience the warm, informal atmosphere that makes Kochi so distinctive. It is an excellent place to sample local specialties or simply enjoy the energy of the city at a relaxed pace.
Katsura Hama Beach
*This attraction will not be included in the tour for Diamond Princess guests on June 20.
The final stop is Katsura Hama, one of Kochi’s most scenic coastal landmarks. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful beach is admired for its sweeping sea views, fresh ocean breeze, and peaceful natural setting. While swimming is not recommended, the beach is ideal for a leisurely stroll, photography, and a quiet moment by the sea before returning to the port.
Return to Kochi Port
After a fulfilling day of history, culture, local flavors, and coastal scenery, your guide and driver will transfer you back to Kochi Port in good time for your ship’s departure. Thank you for choosing Shore Excursions Asia, and we look forward to welcoming you again on your next shore excursion.
Natalie –
The itinerary was well planned, covering all the key highlights from Kochi Castle to the market, with enough time to enjoy each stop. Worth every dollar!
Emily Thompson –
We had such a smooth and enjoyable day in Kochi thanks to the excellent coordination by Sammy. She was incredibly responsive from the moment we reached out and helped us choose the most suitable tour for our limited time in port. Everything ran right on schedule. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and we truly enjoyed every stop on the itinerary. Kochi Castle was beautiful, and the visit to the open market gave us a real taste of local life. This tour was one of the highlights of our cruise, and we’re so glad Sammy was there to assist.
Oliver Bennett –
One of the best Kochi shore excursions we’ve ever taken. The temple and Hirome Market were both highlights. Highly recommended!
Jack M. –
Loved exploring Kochi Castle and the lively local market. The pace of the tour was just right, with enough time to enjoy each spot without feeling rushed.
Big thanks to Sammy for making the booking process so easy and flexible. She answered all our questions quickly and made us feel confident before we even arrived. Would definitely book with her again.
Sarah McIntyre –
This tour was a perfect match for our Diamond Princess cruise. The small group made the experience feel personal, and our guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. We especially enjoyed Kochi Castle and the local market.
The shared tour price was very reasonable, much better than the cruise's own excursions. We left with beautiful memories and felt we got great value for the time and money. A wonderful day in Kochi.