20 Museums in Kōchi worth your time

A museum dedicated to Takashi Yanase, creator of Anpanman, showcasing his art and stories.

What it is

• A museum for manga artist and author Takashi Yanase.
• Opened in July 1996, funded by Yanase himself.
• Consists of the Anpanman Museum and Museum of Poetry and Fairy Tales.
• Official name is Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum.

What to see

• Anpanman tableau paintings and original picture book drawings.
• Poetry, manga, and illustrations by Takashi Yanase.
• Annex, storage facility, and Yanase Takashi Memorial Park.
• Selected as one of '88 Japanese Anime Sacred Places' in 2018.

When to go

• Reopens on March 29, 2025, with a reservation system.

Address

〒781-4212 高知県香美市香北町美良布1224番地2 Map

Official site

www.anpanman-museum.net

Read more about Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall

Explore Kōchi's literary heritage and a famous physicist's works, located within historic castle grounds.

What it is

• Opened in 1997, dedicated to Kōchi's literary figures.
• Introduces 40 literary figures and their works.
• Successor to the Prefectural Museum of Folk Culture.
• Located within Kōchi Castle grounds.

What to see

• Building with stone exterior walls, completed in 1969.
• Terada Torahiko Memorial Room.
• Exhibits about 2200 items from Terada Torahiko.

When to go

• Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
• Closed during year-end and New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Kōchi Station.

Address

高知市丸ノ内1-1-20 Map

Official site

www.kochi-bungaku.com

Read more about Kōchi Literary Museum

A unique museum showcasing Kaiyodo's miniature figures and history, housed in a charming old school.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Kaiyodo Co., Ltd.
• Founded by Kaiyodo's founder, Osamu Miyawaki.
• Exhibits models, figures, and company history.
• Located in a renovated elementary school building.

What to see

• Kaiyodo models, figures, and creations.
• Displays on Kaiyodo's production history.
• The renovated Utsuigawa Elementary School building.
• Part of the Kaiyodo Shimanto Museum Village complex.

Getting there

• Accessible from Utsuigawa Station on the Yodo Line.
• Community bus and shuttle service available.

Address

高知県高岡郡四万十町打井川1458−1 Map

Official site

ksmv.jp

Read more about Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto

Explore Makino Botanical Garden, a tribute to Tomitaro Makino, showcasing diverse plant species and his legacy.

What it is

• Opened in 1958, dedicated to botanist Tomitaro Makino.
• Houses 58,000 items of Makino's books and relics.
• Contains 300,000 plant specimens from Japan and abroad.

What to see

• Nearly 3,000 plant species cultivated across 17.8 hectares.
• Makino Tomitaro Memorial Hall, opened in 1999.
• 50th Anniversary Garden, created in 2008.
• New greenhouse, opened in 2010.

When to go

• Closed during year-end and New Year holidays.

Getting there

• 25-minute bus ride from Kochi Station.

Address

〒781-8125 高知県高知市五台山4200-6 Map

Official site

www.makino.or.jp

Read more about Makino Botanical Garden

Explore Yusuhara's history and folklore, including Sakamoto Ryoma's escape route.

What it is

• A museum displaying folk materials from Yusuhara Town.
• Opened in 1974, operated by the town's Board of Education.
• Dedicated to local history and folklore.

What to see

• About 10,000 folk materials are on display.
• Exhibits on Sakamoto Ryoma's escape route.
• Historical materials about Meiji Restoration patriots.
• Excavated pottery from the town.
• The main building, constructed in 1974.
• The annex, a former town hall from 1891.

When to go

• Open from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Official site

www.town.yusuhara.kochi.jp

Read more about Yusuhara Museum of History and Folklore

A historic private library and museum with unique collections, founded by a postmaster.

What it is

• A museum in Sakawa Town, Kochi Prefecture.
• Opened in 1910 as a private library.
• Founded by Toyotaro Kawada, Sakawa postmaster.
• Named after Mitsunori Tanaka's pseudonym, Seizan.

What to see

• Materials related to the Fukao family.
• Books and calligraphies from Mitsunori Tanaka.
• The Nishitani Bunko collection.
• A Smith & Wesson No. 2 Army revolver.
• A former railway passenger car as a reading room.

Getting there

• 6-minute walk from JR Dosan Line Sakawa Station.

Address

〒789-1201 　高知県高岡郡佐川町甲１４５３-１ Map

Official site

seizanbunko.com

Read more about Seizan Bunko

Learn about the history and craft of Japanese paper at this unique museum.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Japanese paper.
• Focuses on the history and uses of Tosa Washi.
• Founded to preserve and promote papermaking traditions.

What to see

• Three-story building with Tosa plaster and Mizukiri tiles.
• Exhibits on the history and role of Tosa Washi.
• Displays showing the papermaking process from raw materials.
• Raw materials like kozo and mitsumata are shown.

What to do

• Observe papermaking craftsmen at work.
• Experience making paper in Room 3.

Address

〒781-2103　高知県吾川郡いの町幸町110-1 Map

Official site

kamihaku.com

Read more about Ino-cho Paper Museum

This museum in Kochi City honors Takechi Zuizan, a historical figure, with free admission and English explanations.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to Takechi Zuizan's life and achievements.
• Constructed in 1965 by local Fuki district residents.
• Renovated in March 2011.

What to see

• Exhibits with panels explaining Zuizan's life.
• A painting by Zuizan called "Dojoyugizu."
• Part of the first bronze statue of Takechi Zuizan.
• A short sword and a portrait of Zuizan.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 17:00 from March to September.
• Open 9:00 to 16:00 from October to February.

Read more about Zuizan Memorial Museum

Explore Sakamoto Ryoma's life through wax figures and historical items at this free museum.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to the life of Sakamoto Ryoma.
• Opened on November 23, 1988.
• Renovated and reopened on May 15, 2015.
• Admission is free.

What to see

• Over 120 wax figures depict Ryoma's 33-year life.
• Exhibits materials related to Sakamoto Ryoma.
• Rare scroll, Hokushin Ittoryu Naginata Heihomokuroku, on display.

When to go

• Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Noichi Station.

Address

高知県香南市野市町大谷928番地1 Map

Official site

www.actland.jp

Read more about Ryoma History Museum

This museum honors manga artist Ryuichi Yokoyama, offering unique exhibits and a manga library.

What it is

• A museum in Kochi City, opened in 2002.
• Honors manga artist Ryuichi Yokoyama.
• Main exhibition venue for 'Manga Koshien' tournament.

What to see

• Exhibits related to the manga 'Fuku-chan'.
• A 9-meter-tall fish object called 'Fish Tower'.
• Museum shop and a manga library.
• Manga library includes works by Kochi Prefecture artists.

When to go

• Open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
• Closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays.

Address

〒781-9529　高知県高知市九反田2-1 Map

Official site

www.kfca.jp

Read more about Yokoyama Memorial Manga Museum

Explore Kochi's history and culture at this museum, built on a samurai castle site.

What it is

• Kochi Prefecture's first history-focused museum, opened in 1991.
• Researches and exhibits Kochi's history, archaeology, and folklore.
• Established on the site of Okō Castle, a Chōsokabe clan stronghold.

What to see

• Portrait of Chōsokabe Motochika, an Important Cultural Property.
• Copper sword, an Important Cultural Property.
• Statue of Chōsokabe Motochika, erected in 2015.
• Surrounding area is a prefectural historical park.

Address

高知県南国市岡豊町八幡1099-1 Map

Official site

www.kochi-bunkazaidan.or.jp

Read more about Kōchi Prefectural Museum of History

A museum dedicated to Shintaro Nakaoka, offering insights into his life and historical context.

What it is

• A public facility operated by Kitagawa Village.
• Opened in 1993.
• Dedicated to Shintaro Nakaoka.
• Also displays materials related to Kansuke Okada.

What to see

• Materials related to Shintaro Nakaoka.
• Materials related to Kansuke Okada.
• Original commentaries are for sale.
• Shintaro Nakaoka's birthplace is nearby.

When to go

• Open 9:00 to 16:30.
• Closed on Tuesdays.
• Closed December 28 to January 2.

Address

高知県安芸郡北川村柏木140 Map

Official site

www.nakaokashintarokan.jp

Read more about Shintarō Nakaoka Museum

Modern museum showcasing Kochi's history, offering castle views and valuable family treasures.

What it is

• Opened March 4, 2017.
• Researches and exhibits Kochi Prefecture's history.
• Focuses on early modern and modern history.
• Predecessor was Tosa Yamauchi Family Treasure Museum.

What to see

• About 67,000 items from the Yamauchi family.
• Observation lobby with views of Kochi Castle.

When to go

• Closed December 27 to January 1.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Kochijomae Station.

Address

高知県高知市追手筋２丁目5-7 Map

Official site

www.kochi-johaku.jp

Read more about Kōchi Castle Museum of History

This art museum houses a large collection of photographs and works by Chagall and German Expressionists.

What it is

• Opened on November 3, 1993.
• A three-story building with one basement floor.
• Houses a collection of photographs and art.

What to see

• Collection of 42,286 works as of April 2024.
• Works by Marc Chagall and German Expressionists.
• 5 oil paintings and 1202 prints by Marc Chagall.
• About 35,000 photo prints by Yasuhiro Ishimoto.
• Anselm Kiefer's "Athanor" is in the collection.
• Attached hall with a movable Noh stage.

Address

〒781-8123 高知県高知市高須353番地2 Map

Official site

moak.jp

Read more about The Museum of Art, Kōchi

Learn about John Mung, a Japanese pioneer who studied in America, through exhibits and a statue.

What it is

• A museum dedicated to the 71-year life of John Mung.
• John Mung's real name was Manjiro Nakahama.
• He was born in Nakahama, Tosashimizu City.
• Moved to the Ashizuri roadside station in 2006.

What to see

• Exhibits with models and panels.
• A statue of young Manjiro near the entrance.
• Free tourist information corner.
• Restaurant called Umikaze Shokudo.

When to go

• Open from 8:30 to 17:00.

Address

高知県土佐清水市養老303 Map

Official site

www.johnmung.info

Read more about John Mung Museum

Learn about Sakamoto Ryōma's life and see his artifacts, with ocean views.

What it is

• A museum in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Sakamoto Ryōma.
• Opened in November 1991.
• Renovated and reopened on April 21, 2018.

What to see

• Letters written by Ryōma.
• The Kaientai Quyaku.
• A pistol similar to Ryōma's.
• Views of the Pacific Ocean.

When to go

• Open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Getting there

• 1-minute walk from Ryoma Kinenkan-mae bus stop.

Address

高知県高知市浦戸城山830 Map

Official site

www.ryoma-kinenkan.jp

Read more about Sakamoto Ryōma Memorial Museum

Learn about Japan's Freedom and People's Rights Movement at this museum.

What it is

• A museum and resource center in Kochi City.
• Opened April 1, 1990.
• Commemorates Kochi City's 100th municipal anniversary.
• Dedicated to the Freedom and People's Rights Movement.

What to see

• Permanent exhibition on the Freedom and People's Rights Movement.
• 32,191 collected materials and 953 historical documents.
• Relocated study of Ueki Emori's former residence.
• Building designed by Nikken Sekkei.

Address

〒781-8010　高知県高知市桟橋通4-14-3 Map

Official site

www.i-minken.jp

Read more about Kōchi Liberty and People's Rights Museum

See rare racing and rally cars, including a Toyota 2000GT, at this unique automobile museum.

What it is

• A museum of automobiles and motorcycles.
• Opened in 1990, reopened in 2001.
• Managed by Nets Toyota Nangoku Co., Ltd.

What to see

• Mainly racing and rally cars.
• Epoch-making vehicles like the Toyota 2000GT.
• Vehicles produced in Kochi Prefecture.
• Miniature cars and car-related goods in the lobby.

When to go

• Open 10:00 to 16:00.
• Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Official site

lovemota.vistanet.co.jp

Read more about Shikoku Automobile Museum

Learn about Sakamoto Ryoma and local history at this award-winning museum.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to Sakamoto Ryoma's life.
• Opened March 21, 2004.
• Exhibits history of Kochi City Kamimachi.

What to see

• Two-story wooden structure.
• Two buildings, one for community exchange.
• Award-winning architecture.

When to go

• Open daily from 8:00 to 19:00.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Kamimachi-itchome Station.

Address

高知市上町二丁目6番33号 Map

Official site

ryoma-hometown.com

Read more about Ryōma's Birthplace Memorial Museum

Explore a samurai residence, a National Important Cultural Property, and glimpse feudal-era life.

What it is

• A nagaya built in 1866 for foot soldiers.
• Known as Sandatei, part of the Yamauchi family's lower residence.
• Open to the public as an exhibition hall.
• Designated a National Important Cultural Property.

What to see

• A two-story wooden building.
• The original gate and observation pavilion.
• Observation pavilion where Yodo and Saigo Takamori met.

Read more about Former Yamauchi Residence