Kochi, Japan, in 5 Days: How to Plan the Garden and Gorge Visits
Keep your hotel in Kochi, visit the garden and coast on separate days, and use a rental car for a day trip to Nikobuchi. For a bus trip to the gorge, spend two nights in Kochi followed by two in Ino, separating your train transfer from the gorge visit. If you also want to visit the paper museum on your transfer day, check its closure dates first.
Choose an itinerary for 5 days, 4 nights
A — Separate Days for Garden, Coast, Gorge, and Castle
Spend four nights in Kochi if you also want a day for the botanical garden. Visit Makino Botanical Garden on day two, the Ryoma museum and Katsurahama on day three, Nikobuchi by rental car on day four, and the castle on the final day.
A — Separate Days for Garden, Coast, Gorge, and Castle →5 days, 4 nightsB — Two Nights in Ino for a Gorge Bus Trip
Choose two nights in Kochi and two in Ino to separate the move day from the gorge day. Move to Ino on day three and optionally visit the paper museum; take the bus and walk to Nikobuchi on day four. Exclude the museum during its closure.
B — Two Nights in Ino for a Gorge Bus Trip →A — Separate Days for Garden, Coast, Gorge, and Castle
Spend four nights in Kochi if you also want a day for the botanical garden. Visit Makino Botanical Garden on day two, the Ryoma museum and Katsurahama on day three, Nikobuchi by rental car on day four, and the castle on the final day.
Day 1 · A Meal in the City
Stay four nights at the same Kochi hotel and visit the botanical garden, coast, and Nikobuchi on different days. The garden and coast require separate MY Yu tickets for their dates; use your booked vehicle for the gorge round trip.
- JR Kochi Station → Hirome Market entrance
The tourism association estimates about a 15-minute walk from JR Kochi Station to Hirome Market. If taking the tram, get off at Ohashidori and walk about 2–3 minutes to the market. Check the market’s official map for direct access from Obiyamachi or Ohashidori.
Official Market Access and Walk From the StopKochi Tourism Association: Station Walk, Shared Dining, and Closures
- Hirome Market entrance → Market shops and shared dining area
Check each shop’s menu and prices, order your food, and eat in the shared dining area. The market’s overall hours differ from individual shop hours. If you arrive late, check your chosen shop’s last-order time. When the market or shop is closed, choose another restaurant open in the city.
Official Market Shops and MenusKochi Tourism Association: Station Walk, Shared Dining, and ClosuresMarket Hours and Closures
- Hirome Market → Obiyamachi shopping arcade
If you want another walk after your meal, explore the Obiyamachi shopping arcade. Plan the route back to your hotel using the market’s official access map and your hotel address.
Day-one meals and transport between your hotel and the market are excluded from the subtotal. If the final day leaves no time for Kochi Castle, check whether you can move it to day one by comparing the attraction guide’s admission cutoff and closures with your actual arrival at the castle entrance. If it does not fit, skip the castle while keeping the coast and gorge visit days.
Day 2 · Makino Botanical Garden
Explore Makino Botanical Garden’s greenhouse and exhibits today. Since the coast visit is on a different day, buy a Godaisan one-day ticket for today.
- JR Kochi Station MY Yu boarding point → Makino Shokubutsuen Seimon-mae bus stop
From JR Kochi Station, take a MY Yu Bus that stops at the botanical garden’s main gate. Buy the adult ¥1,000 Godaisan one-day ticket before boarding and check the day’s boarding point and services in official guidance. Get off at the main-gate stop and walk into the garden. This ticket cannot be used for a Katsurahama visit on a different date.
Bus and Accessibility GuideBoarding-Point Changes by DateApril 2026–March 2027 Timetable, Page 2
- Makino Botanical Garden main gate → Garden greenhouse and exhibits
Enter through the main gate, explore the greenhouse and exhibits, and use visitor information to choose places to eat or rest inside the garden. Regular adult admission is ¥850, rising to ¥1,700 during the orchid exhibition on February 6–28, 2027. The garden closes December 27–January 1 and on separate maintenance days; change the date or skip the visit during closures.
- Bus stop at Makino Botanical Garden’s main gate → JR Kochi Station
After your visit and meal, return to the main-gate bus stop and take a Kochi Station-bound MY Yu Bus. Leave time to walk to the stop and choose a return service from the official timetable. Buy a separate Katsurahama one-day ticket for tomorrow’s coast trip.
Bus and Accessibility GuideApril 2026–March 2027 Timetable, Page 2Boarding-Point Changes by Date
Day 3 · Exhibits and Coast
Visit the Ryoma museum and Katsurahama today. You need a Katsurahama one-day ticket for today instead of yesterday’s Godaisan ticket.
- JR Kochi Station → MY Yu boarding point at Kochi Tabihiroba
Board the MY Yu Bus at Kochi Tabihiroba south of JR Kochi Station. Buy the adult ¥1,500 Katsurahama one-day ticket before boarding and check the day’s boarding point and services in official guidance. Regular seats cannot be reserved; if the bus is full, revise your next service, museum visit, and return times.
- Kochi Station MY Yu boarding point → Ryoma Kinenkan-mae bus stop
Take a Katsurahama-bound MY Yu Bus and get off at Ryoma Kinenkan-mae. Check the official timetable for a morning departure and the next bus so you can continue to the coast after your visit.
Bus and Accessibility GuideApril 2026–March 2027 Timetable, Page 2Boarding-Point Changes by Date
- Ryoma Kinenkan-mae bus stop → Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
Walk uphill from the stop to the museum and allow about 90 minutes for your visit. Adult admission is ¥500 or ¥900 depending on the exhibition date. Walking to the museum, visiting, and meals are separate from time aboard the bus.
- Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum and Ryoma Kinenkan-mae stop → Katsurahama Park
After your visit, return to Ryoma Kinenkan-mae and take a Katsurahama-bound MY Yu Bus. The museum and beach have different entrances, so allow separately for your visit and the walk to the stop. The coastal park is free, and swimming is prohibited.
- Katsurahama bus stop → JR Kochi Station
After exploring the coast, take a Kochi Station-bound MY Yu Bus from Katsurahama. Choose the return service from the correct official weekday or holiday timetable. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the final MY Yu return service arrives at the bus terminal north of the station; distinguish it from the south-side boarding point.
April 2026–March 2027 Timetable, Page 2Bus and Accessibility Guide
Day 4 · Nikobuchi by Vehicle
Make a vehicle round trip to Nikobuchi, then return to Kochi.
- Kochi City → Marked parking spaces at Nikobuchi
The tourism council estimates about 70 minutes by car from Kochi City to Nikobuchi. Allow separately for car pickup, parking, walking the path, and your visit. Set navigation for Green Park Hodono as directed in official guidance, then follow Nikobuchi’s on-site parking signs and use marked spaces. Check the day’s parking charges and availability on-site.
Nikobuchi Driving, Parking, Walking Path, and Sightseeing Taxi GuideCurrent Location, Crowding, and Transport Links
- Nikobuchi parking area → The gorge and the same parking space
From your parking space, follow the sloping path and stairs down to the gorge. Do not enter the water or eat or drink in the gorge. Return along the same route to your car and eat outside the gorge. Check access conditions for your travel date and consider that rain, light, and water volume can change the water’s color.
- Marked parking spaces at Nikobuchi → Kochi City
Eat outside the gorge, then drive back to Kochi City. Return the rental car according to your booked return location, deadline, and refueling conditions. Skip the gorge if travel-date access restrictions prevent a visit. Changing to a bus requires separate arrangements for departure from Ino Station and return connections.
Nikobuchi Driving, Parking, Walking Path, and Sightseeing Taxi GuideCurrent Location, Crowding, and Transport Links
Day 5 · Castle Visit Before Departure
This option visits the castle before departure. Skip it if you cannot leave enough time for the visit and onward travel.
- Kochi-Ekimae tram stop → Kochijo-mae stop and Kochi Castle park
Take a Harimayabashi-bound tram from Kochi-Ekimae, then transfer at Harimayabashi toward Ino. Get off at Kochijo-mae and walk to the castle park. For cash transfers, follow the first tram’s transfer-ticket conditions at the designated stop. If you are already around Obiyamachi or Ohashidori, compare walking directly to the castle park.
- Kochi Castle park → Castle keep and Kaitokukan
Climb the castle park’s stairs and buy a ticket at the keep and Kaitokukan entrance. The paid buildings open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. Admission is ¥500 for ages 18 and older. They close December 26–January 1. Leave time to walk from the tram stop to the entrance and climb the stairs.
Current Admission and ClosuresKochi Castle Uphill Paths, Stairs, and Slopes
- Kochi Castle → JR Kochi Station
After your visit, take a Harimayabashi-bound tram from Kochijo-mae. Transfer at Harimayabashi toward Kochi-Ekimae and return to JR Kochi Station. If you are staying in the city longer, you can also walk down toward Obiyamachi or Ohashidori.
Included Items: Castle ¥500 + Ryoma museum ¥500/¥900 + regular garden admission ¥850 + Godaisan ticket ¥1,000 + Katsurahama ticket ¥1,500
Extra Expenses: Flights, lodging, meals, airport or onward travel, travel between your hotel and boarding points, luggage storage, city trams outside the MY Yu ticket’s day of use, and optional paid attractions are extra. Rental cars, insurance, fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees are also extra. Nikobuchi’s ¥100 is a voluntary contribution request and is excluded from mandatory fees.
During the orchid exhibition on February 6–28, 2027, garden admission rises to ¥1,700. This changes the subtotal to ¥5,200 with the Ryoma museum’s regular exhibition or ¥5,600 with its special exhibition. Vehicle costs are extra.
Current Admission and ClosuresMuseum Admission and ExhibitionsBotanical Garden Visits and AccessBus and Accessibility Guide¥100 Contribution Guide
B — Two Nights in Ino for a Gorge Bus Trip
Choose two nights in Kochi and two in Ino to separate the move day from the gorge day. Move to Ino on day three and optionally visit the paper museum; take the bus and walk to Nikobuchi on day four. Exclude the museum during its closure.
Day 1 · Kochi City
Spend two nights in Kochi followed by two in Ino, separating the train move from the gorge visit. You can visit the paper museum on the move day, but exclude it during its extended closure.
- JR Kochi Station → Hirome Market entrance
The tourism association estimates about a 15-minute walk from JR Kochi Station to Hirome Market. If taking the tram, get off at Ohashidori and walk about 2–3 minutes to the market. Check the market’s official map for direct access from Obiyamachi or Ohashidori.
Official Market Access and Walk From the StopKochi Tourism Association: Station Walk, Shared Dining, and Closures
- Hirome Market entrance → Market shops and shared dining area
Check each shop’s menu and prices, order your food, and eat in the shared dining area. The market’s overall hours differ from individual shop hours. If you arrive late, check your chosen shop’s last-order time. When the market or shop is closed, choose another restaurant open in the city.
Official Market Shops and MenusKochi Tourism Association: Station Walk, Shared Dining, and ClosuresMarket Hours and Closures
- Hirome Market → Obiyamachi shopping arcade
If you want another walk after your meal, explore the Obiyamachi shopping arcade. Plan the route back to your hotel using the market’s official access map and your hotel address.
Day-one meals and transport between your hotel and the market are excluded from the subtotal. If the final day leaves no time for Kochi Castle, check whether you can move it to day one by comparing the attraction guide’s admission cutoff and closures with your actual arrival at the castle entrance. If it does not fit, skip the castle while keeping the coast and gorge visit days.
Day 2 · Ryoma Museum and Katsurahama
Visit the Ryoma museum and Katsurahama, then return to Kochi. You move to Ino tomorrow.
- JR Kochi Station → MY Yu boarding point at Kochi Tabihiroba
Board the MY Yu Bus at Kochi Tabihiroba south of JR Kochi Station. Buy the adult ¥1,500 Katsurahama one-day ticket before boarding and check the day’s boarding point and services in official guidance. Regular seats cannot be reserved; if the bus is full, revise your next service, museum visit, and return times.
- Kochi Station MY Yu boarding point → Ryoma Kinenkan-mae bus stop
Take a Katsurahama-bound MY Yu Bus and get off at Ryoma Kinenkan-mae. Check the official timetable for a morning departure and the next bus so you can continue to the coast after your visit.
Bus and Accessibility GuideApril 2026–March 2027 Timetable, Page 2Boarding-Point Changes by Date
- Ryoma Kinenkan-mae bus stop → Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
Walk uphill from the stop to the museum and allow about 90 minutes for your visit. Adult admission is ¥500 or ¥900 depending on the exhibition date. Walking to the museum, visiting, and meals are separate from time aboard the bus.
- Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum and Ryoma Kinenkan-mae stop → Katsurahama Park
After your visit, return to Ryoma Kinenkan-mae and take a Katsurahama-bound MY Yu Bus. The museum and beach have different entrances, so allow separately for your visit and the walk to the stop. The coastal park is free, and swimming is prohibited.
- Katsurahama bus stop → JR Kochi Station
After exploring the coast, take a Kochi Station-bound MY Yu Bus from Katsurahama. Choose the return service from the correct official weekday or holiday timetable. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the final MY Yu return service arrives at the bus terminal north of the station; distinguish it from the south-side boarding point.
April 2026–March 2027 Timetable, Page 2Bus and Accessibility Guide
Day 3 · Move to Ino, With an Optional Paper Museum Visit
Travel to Ino by JR today. If the opening date and travel time fit, choose the paper museum to see Tosa washi exhibits.
- JR Kochi Station → JR Ino Station
At JR Kochi Station, take a Dosan Line train that stops at Ino. Check JR information for your travel date’s train times and fares. Today is the move to Ino; use the Nikobuchi bus the next day.
- JR Ino Station → Ino Town Paper Museum
The official walk from JR Ino Station to Ino Town Paper Museum is about 10 minutes. Visit for Tosa washi exhibits. Admission alone costs ¥500 for adults. With papermaking, admission is ¥400 plus a ¥500 workshop fee, totaling ¥900. The museum closes Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and December 27–January 4. A temporary renovation closure is scheduled for November 16, 2026–March 31, 2027. During that closure, skip the museum and reconsider whether you need two nights in Ino.
Museum Admission, Hours, and Access From JR Ino StationExtended Temporary Closure Notice
- Ino Town Paper Museum → Toward JR Ino Station and your Ino hotel
After the museum, retrace your route toward Ino Station. You stay in Ino tonight and tomorrow. Travel to your booked hotel using its address, and check the route to the stop for the next day’s gorge bus. Hotel access costs are excluded from the subtotal.
Choose the paper museum only on an open date. It is scheduled to close for renovation November 16, 2026–March 31, 2027, so exclude the visit during that period.
Day 4 · Nikobuchi by Bus and on Foot
Visit Nikobuchi today. Take the bus from Ino Station to Hodono Iriguchi, walk to the gorge, and return along the same route.
- Ino Station bus stop → Hodono Iriguchi bus stop
From Ino Station, take a bus toward Hodono Iriguchi (程野入口) or Nagasawa (長沢) and get off at Hodono Iriguchi. The adult fare is ¥1,430 one way or ¥2,860 round trip. Plan time at the gorge by checking your travel date’s outbound and return services together.
October Revision: Weekday TimetableWeekend and Public-Holiday TimetableCurrent Connecting Fare Table
- Hodono Iriguchi bus stop → Nikobuchi path and gorge
Walk about 2 km from the stop, allowing about 30 minutes each way, then descend the sloping path and stairs to see the water. The round-trip walk alone is about 4 km. Do not eat or enter the water in the gorge. Work backward from your return bus time, allowing for walking and waiting, to decide when to leave the gorge. Check the path’s access conditions for your travel date too.
Ino Tourism Association Bus GuideCurrent Location, Crowding, and Transport Links
- Nikobuchi and Hodono Iriguchi bus stop → Ino Station bus stop
Retrace your route to Hodono Iriguchi and take an Ino-bound bus. Distinguish the operator’s weekday and Saturday/Sunday/public-holiday timetables to avoid selecting a weekday-only service for your weekend return.
October Revision: Weekday TimetableWeekend and Public-Holiday TimetableReturn Timetable at the Bus Stop
Include the gorge round-trip walk and bus wait in your day’s plan. Check the operator’s timetable so you do not choose a weekday-only service as your weekend last bus.
Day 5 · Return to Kochi and Depart
Return from Ino to Kochi and depart. Include the final castle visit only if you have enough time before onward departure.
- JR Ino Station → JR Kochi Station
Take a Kochi-bound train from JR Ino Station. Check your travel date’s timetable for arrival at Kochi Station and the time remaining before onward departure. If there is not enough time for the castle and city travel, skip the castle and head for your departure service.
- Kochi-Ekimae tram stop → Kochijo-mae stop and Kochi Castle park
Take a Harimayabashi-bound tram from Kochi-Ekimae, then transfer at Harimayabashi toward Ino. Get off at Kochijo-mae and walk to the castle park. For cash transfers, follow the first tram’s transfer-ticket conditions at the designated stop. If you are already around Obiyamachi or Ohashidori, compare walking directly to the castle park.
- Kochi Castle park → Castle keep and Kaitokukan
Climb the castle park’s stairs and buy a ticket at the keep and Kaitokukan entrance. The paid buildings open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. Admission is ¥500 for ages 18 and older. They close December 26–January 1. Leave time to walk from the tram stop to the entrance and climb the stairs.
Current Admission and ClosuresKochi Castle Uphill Paths, Stairs, and Slopes
- Kochi Castle → JR Kochi Station
After your visit, take a Harimayabashi-bound tram from Kochijo-mae. Transfer at Harimayabashi toward Kochi-Ekimae and return to JR Kochi Station. If you are staying in the city longer, you can also walk down toward Obiyamachi or Ohashidori.
Included Items: Castle ¥500 + Ryoma museum ¥500/¥900 + MY Yu Katsurahama ticket ¥1,500 + gorge bus round trip ¥2,860; optional paper museum costs extra
Extra Expenses: Flights, lodging, meals, airport or onward travel, travel between your hotel and boarding points, luggage storage, city trams outside the MY Yu ticket’s day of use, and optional paid attractions are extra. Round-trip JR Kochi–Ino fares are extra. Nikobuchi’s ¥100 is a voluntary contribution request and is excluded from mandatory fees. Optional paper museum admission and workshops are also extra.
If you choose museum admission at ¥500, the subtotal becomes ¥5,860/¥6,260. If you choose papermaking, add admission ¥400 + workshop ¥500 = ¥900 for subtotals of ¥6,260/¥6,660. Do not add museum costs on closure days. Round-trip JR Kochi–Ino fares are extra.
Current Admission and ClosuresMuseum Admission and ExhibitionsBus and Accessibility GuideCurrent Connecting Fare TableMuseum Admission, Hours, and Access From JR Ino Station¥100 Contribution GuideExtended Temporary Closure Notice
Before Departure, On the Day, and FAQ
Can I visit the Ino Paper Museum on the gorge bus day?
With two nights in Ino, choosing the museum for your transfer day and taking the gorge bus the next day makes it easier to separate the routes. The museum's official directions put it about a 10-minute walk from JR Ino Station. After your train arrives, check whether you have enough time to finish before the 5:00 PM closing time. A temporary renovation closure is scheduled for November 16, 2026–March 31, 2027; you cannot visit during that period.
Museum Admission, Hours, and Access From JR Ino StationExtended Temporary Closure Notice
Can I use the Godaisan ticket to reach Katsurahama the next day?
The Godaisan 1-day ticket costs ¥1,000 per adult and does not cover the Katsurahama section. When visiting the garden and coast on separate days, as in 4-night Plan A, budget a Godaisan ticket for the garden day and a ¥1,500 Katsurahama 1-day ticket for the coast day.
Bus and Accessibility GuideApril 2026–March 2027 Timetable, Page 2
Official Sources and Check Dates
- Boarding-Point Changes by Date ·
- Current Admission and Closures ·
- Tram Routes ·
- Market Hours and Closures ·
- Park Operations ·
- Museum Admission and Exhibitions ·
- Bus and Accessibility Guide ·
- Nikobuchi Driving, Parking, Walking Path, and Sightseeing Taxi Guide ·
- Ino Tourism Association Bus Guide ·
- Current Location, Crowding, and Transport Links ·
- ¥100 Contribution Guide ·
- October Revision: Weekday Timetable ·
- Weekend and Public-Holiday Timetable ·
- Return Timetable at the Bus Stop ·
- Current Connecting Fare Table ·
- Botanical Garden Visits and Access ·
- Museum Admission, Hours, and Access From JR Ino Station ·
- Extended Temporary Closure Notice ·
- April 2026–March 2027 Timetable, Page 2 ·
- Tram Transfers ·
- JR Service Information ·
- Official Market Access and Walk From the Stop ·
- Official Market Shops and Menus ·
- Kochi Tourism Association: Station Walk, Shared Dining, and Closures ·
- Kochi Castle Uphill Paths, Stairs, and Slopes ·
- ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass Terms (October 1, 2026) ·