Katsurahama

Katsurahama is a beautiful crescent-shaped coast located on the Uroto Peninsula in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, and has long been beloved as a representative scenic spot of Kochi. The scenic inlet with its white sandy beach facing the Pacific Ocean, framed by the Ryutou Cape and Ryuou Cape with their lush green pines, is nationally known as a prime spot for moon viewing, even featured in the song "Yosakoi Bushi" which celebrates "Katsurahama as the place for viewing the moon." The Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly from Katsurahama invites contemplation beyond the horizon, allowing visitors to feel the grand aspirations that the patriots of the late Edo period held toward the world.

The symbol of Katsurahama is the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma standing on the elevated area of Ryutou Cape. This bronze statue, erected in 1928 through fundraising efforts by enthusiastic young people of Kochi, depicts Ryoma in traditional Japanese clothing with his hands tucked in his sleeves, gazing beyond the Pacific Ocean with a dignified expression. Standing with its base at approximately thirteen meters tall, it boasts an impressive presence. Perhaps Ryoma's gaze was directed toward the image of a new Japan that he sought to create. Every year on November 15th, Ryoma's birthday and date of death, a special observation platform is set up beside the statue, allowing visitors to view the Pacific Ocean from the same eye level as Ryoma.

From the tip of Ryutou Cape, a panorama unfolds featuring rugged rocky reefs, crashing white waves, and the boundless Pacific Ocean. On the opposite side, Ryuou Cape is home to the Kaizumi Shrine, with its vermillion-painted torii gate creating a beautiful photo spot against the blue of the sea. From the observation platform at Ryuou Cape, one can view the entirety of Katsurahama, and the scenery woven by the crescent-shaped white sands and pine forests represents the epitome of Japanese coastal beauty.

The Katsurahama Aquarium, a historic facility opened in 1931 adjacent to Katsurahama beach, is known for its intimate encounters with otters, sea lions, sea turtles, and more. It has gained attention on social media for its distinctive public relations activities, and is popular for its hands-on animal encounters and feeding experiences. While modest in size, it is praised for its friendly atmosphere and the heartfelt explanations from its caregivers, making it an enjoyable destination for families with children.

The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum is a modern architectural museum located on the elevated area of Ryutou Cape where visitors can learn in detail about Ryoma's life and the history of the late Edo period. It features letters in Ryoma's handwriting, replicas of his personal belongings, and video exhibits explaining the historical context of the late Edo period, offering an enriching experience for history enthusiasts. The view of the Pacific Ocean from the museum is also spectacular, allowing visitors to contemplate Ryoma's aspirations while viewing the same seascape he once gazed upon.

Though swimming is prohibited at Katsurahama, a leisurely walk along the water's edge listening to the sound of the waves offers a uniquely pleasant experience. Katsurahama is particularly mystical and beautiful during sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, and the sight of the morning sun glittering off the waves is a special reward available only to those who rise early. During the mid-autumn full moon season, the "Katsurahama Moon Viewing Festival" is held, a refined celebration where visitors enjoy moon viewing to the accompaniment of the sound of waves.

To savor Kochi cuisine, the "Hirome Market," about twenty minutes by car from Katsurahama, is recommended. This market brings together food stalls serving Tosa cuisine, including bonito sashimi, where you can dine heartily alongside local residents. Around Katsurahama, stalls selling ice creams, a local specialty with a sherbet-like texture, are a seasonal fixture, and their retro charm is popular with tourists.

Access: Approximately thirty minutes by bus from JR Kochi Station to the "Katsurahama" stop. By car, it is approximately thirty minutes from the Kochi Interchange. Parking is available for a fee (400 yen). Admission is free. Please spend a moment gazing upon the sea beloved by Ryoma, the hero of the late Edo period, and opening your heart to the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean.