Kochi Botanical & Monet Garden Tour Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Immerse yourself in a world of floral artistry and scientific wonder with the Kochi Botanical & Monet Garden tour. This 7.5-hour excursion is a dedicated journey for nature lovers, taking you from the vibrant palette of a French Impressionist’s dream to the sprawling research gardens of Japan’s most famous botanist. It is a day designed to engage the senses through the colors, scents, and serene landscapes of Shikoku Island.

The highlight of this journey is a visit to Monet’s Garden Marmottan, the only garden in the world outside of France authorized to bear the name of the great master, Claude Monet. Here, the artist’s iconic paintings come to life across three distinct garden spaces. Following this, you will explore the Makino Botanical Garden, a massive hilltop sanctuary dedicated to Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the “Father of Japanese Botany,” featuring thousands of rare and exotic plant species.

Traveling through the lush countryside of Kochi in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, you will experience the island’s natural beauty at a refined and peaceful pace. With a licensed English-speaking guide to navigate the floral trails and explain the botanical significance of the collections, this tour offers deep cultural and natural immersion. With our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee,” you can lose yourself in the water lilies and forest paths with total peace of mind.

Highlights

• Monet’s Garden Marmottan: Explore the stunning Flower, Water, and Light gardens—the only faithful recreation of Monet’s Giverny estate outside of France.
• Makino Botanical Garden: Discover over 3,000 species of plants across extensive hillside grounds, including many rare species first discovered by Dr. Tomitaro Makino.
• The Famous Water Lily Pond: See the iconic blue water lilies and the green Japanese bridge that inspired some of the world’s most celebrated Impressionist paintings.
• Scenic Countryside Drive: Enjoy a relaxing journey through the verdant landscape of Kochi Prefecture, passing through rural villages and coastal vistas.

Cruise Information

This 7.5-hour excursion is specifically timed for passengers docking at the Port of Kochi (Kochi Shinko). We synchronize our departure with your ship’s arrival to ensure you have maximum time in the gardens. Our team monitors the port’s docking schedule in real-time, and we guarantee a punctual return to the pier at least one hour before your ship’s scheduled departure.

Complete Details

Your day of natural discovery begins at Kochi Port, where your guide and driver will greet you for the drive to Kitagawa Village. Your first stop is Monet’s Garden Marmottan. In the Flower Garden, you will walk through a living canvas of seasonal blooms. The Water Garden features the legendary pond with its Japanese bridge and wisteria trellises, while the Light Garden offers an exotic Mediterranean atmosphere inspired by Monet’s travels.

After a relaxing lunch, the tour moves to the Makino Botanical Garden on Mount Godai. This world-class facility is more than just a garden; it is a research institution and a work of architectural art. You can walk through the sprawling greenhouse, explore the museum dedicated to Dr. Makino’s life, and wander the outdoor trails that offer spectacular views of the Kochi city skyline. The garden’s design allows for a peaceful, self-paced exploration of Japan’s native flora. Finally, your driver will escort you back to the port, arriving with plenty of time to board your ship.

Booking with Jasumo

To join one of our Upcoming Shared Tours for 2026 or to request a private vehicle for your family, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also operates as a Destination Management Company (DMC), providing end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers and travel agencies.

Complimentary 10GB eSIM with Every Jasumo Tour Booking

When you book your tour through Jasumo, we make your journey even smoother by giving you a free 10GB eSIM. Stay connected across Kochi from the moment you arrive—use maps to navigate the garden trails, message your group, and share your photos of the water lilies and exotic blooms instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

Faqs

How far is Monet’s Garden from the Kochi cruise port?

Monet’s Garden Marmottan is located in Kitagawa Village, approximately 90 minutes from the port. Our private vehicle ensures a comfortable and scenic drive, allowing you to relax and enjoy the landscape of the Tosa region along the way.

Are the blue water lilies always in bloom?

The famous blue water lilies at Monet’s Garden typically bloom from late June through October. However, the gardens are meticulously maintained to provide a vibrant “palette” of different seasonal flowers throughout the entire spring, summer, and autumn cruise seasons.

Is the Makino Botanical Garden accessible for people with mobility issues?

Yes, the Makino Botanical Garden is designed with accessibility in mind. Most of the main paths, the museum buildings, and the impressive conservatory greenhouse are wheelchair and stroller friendly, offering a comfortable experience for all guests.

What should I wear for a botanical garden tour?

As this tour involves walking through various outdoor garden trails, we highly recommend comfortable walking shoes. Depending on the season, a light jacket or an umbrella is also useful, as the gardens are beautiful even in a light, misty rain.

Does the “Back-to-Ship Guarantee” cover the long drive back from the garden?

Absolutely. We are local experts and have conducted this tour for many years. We always build in a generous time buffer for the return journey from Kitagawa to the port to ensure you are back at the pier at least one hour before departure.

Location