Katsurahama

What it is

• A scenic beach in Kochi City facing the Pacific Ocean.
• One of the Top 100 Beaches in Japan and part of the 88 Views of Shikoku.
• The former site of Urado Castle which stood on the mountain behind the beach.
• A coastal park home to an aquarium and a memorial museum dedicated to Sakamoto Ryoma.

What to see

• A large bronze statue of the samurai Sakamoto Ryoma overlooking the water.
• The Ryuo-gu shrine located on the rocky Ryuo Cape.
• The Kochi Lighthouse which was moved to its current position in 1971.
• The Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum opened in 1991.
• The Katsurahama Aquarium which has operated at this location since 1984.

When to go

• Visit during the autumn to experience a famous spot for viewing the moon.
• Swimming is prohibited at all times due to dangerous waves and strong currents.

Getting there

• Buses run directly from Kochi Station to the Katsurahama bus stop.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.