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Beach · Kochi, Kochi
Katsurahama Beach
A sandy cove with pine trees south of Kochi, between two rocky capes, featuring the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma facing the Pacific, a shrine on a rock, and the Ryoma museum on the hill.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Katsurahama Beach in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Katsurahama Beach
Katsurahama is an arced beach about 12 km south of central Kochi, at the entrance to Urado Bay. The mixed-colored sand lies between two rocky capes, with pines on the slopes and the Pacific Ocean ahead. Since the Edo period it has been known as a place to view the full moon over the sea, a theme of Tosa folk songs.
On the eastern cape, on a high pedestal, stands a bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma with folded arms facing the ocean. The monument, dating from 1928, was funded by donations from young people of the province. On the other side of the beach, steps lead to the small Watatsumi Shrine set on a rock projecting into the sea, with views over the bay.
The waters at Katsurahama have strong currents and waves, and swimming is prohibited; the beach is for walking, viewing, and photography. Above the cove is the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, a modern building with letters, documents and the samurai’s story, and a glassed balcony over the Pacific.
Near the beach are souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and the small, old Katsurahama Aquarium. The coastal road eastward crosses the Urado Bridge with views of the bay. A seaside path links the statue to the shrine in a few minutes, passing rocks and the slope’s pines.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the beach and shrine; add 1 hour for the Ryoma museum.
Best time
At late afternoon, with low light over the sea, or on a full-moon night, as tradition prescribes. During a typhoon or rough sea the approach to the shrine rock may be closed. Check the museum hours.
How to get there
The My Yu tourist bus departs from Kochi Station and goes over Mount Godai to Katsurahama in about 1 hour; there are also Kochi Tosaden city buses. By car it’s about 12 km from the center.
Tip
Combine Katsurahama with Makino Botanical Garden and Chikurin-ji Temple on the same tourist-bus route. Do not enter the water, even on calm days.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Katsurahama Beach
Can you swim at Katsurahama?
No. Bathing is prohibited because of strong currents and waves. The beach is for walking and viewing the scenery.
Where is the statue of Sakamoto Ryōma?
On the eastern cape of Katsurahama Beach, on a high pedestal, facing the Pacific. The museum dedicated to him is on the nearby hill.
How to get to Katsurahama by bus?
By the My Yu tourist bus from Kōchi Station, or by city buses. The trip takes 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the line.
Why is Katsurahama associated with the moon?
Since the Edo period, the cove has been known as a place to watch the full moon rising over the sea, and it appears in Kōchi folk songs.
Beyond the guide
