Katsurahama

Katsurahama Beach, located in Urado, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, is one of the prefecture’s most celebrated scenic destinations. Stretching in a graceful arc between Ryuzumisaki and Ryuomisaki at the tip of the Urado Peninsula, this beautiful coastline is known for its striking combination of the deep blue Pacific Ocean, multicolored pebbles, and pine forests spreading across the hills behind it. The scenery is widely cherished as an iconic symbol of Kochi.

Katsurahama has long been known as a famous place to admire the moon. It is featured in the Kochi folk song “Yosakoi Bushi,” which includes the line, “Katsurahama is the famous place for viewing the moon.” As a celebrated scenic spot, it attracts many visitors throughout the year.

Facing the magnificent Pacific Ocean, Katsurahama offers exceptional beauty, especially at sunrise, sunset, and under the moonlight. The seemingly endless horizon viewed from the beach creates a profound sense of openness, allowing visitors to appreciate the powerful seascape shaped by the Kuroshio Current. However, swimming is prohibited because the waves can change rapidly and the seabed becomes deep suddenly near the shore. Visitors are urged not to approach the water’s edge.

The most famous symbol of Katsurahama is the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma. Standing on a hilltop at Ryuzumisaki, this bronze statue was erected in 1928 through donations collected by young volunteers from Kochi Prefecture. The statue itself is approximately 5.3 meters tall and measures about 13.5 meters including its pedestal. Depicting Ryoma in traditional Japanese clothing and boots as he gazes toward the Pacific horizon, it is widely recognized as one of Kochi’s signature sights. In spring and autumn, the “Get Up Close to Ryoma” event is held, allowing visitors to climb a special observation platform to eye level with the statue and enjoy a close-up view of Ryoma’s usually unseen expression, as well as the panoramic Pacific Ocean beyond.

Near the statue is the Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, where visitors can learn about Sakamoto Ryoma’s life and the history of the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate through an extensive collection of historical materials and video exhibits. The museum houses and displays one of the largest collections in Japan of letters handwritten by Sakamoto Ryoma and is regarded as one of Kochi’s leading museums, earning it the nickname “Ryoma’s Hall of Fame.” Its rooftop observation area also offers spectacular panoramic views of Katsurahama and the Pacific Ocean.

The entire coastal area has been developed as Katsurahama Park, which features well-maintained walking paths, observation areas, and rest facilities. In 2022, “Umi no Terrace,” a complex of restaurants and souvenir shops, opened, followed by the grand opening of Katsurahama Park in March 2023. Visitors can enjoy Kochi-style local cuisine, sweets, and souvenirs, while the park’s tourist information center serves as a convenient base for exploring Katsurahama.

Katsurahama Aquarium is also located within the park. Opened in 1931, this historic aquarium keeps approximately 220 species and 4,000 individual animals, primarily fish found in Tosa Bay, as well as sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, Steller sea lions, and other marine life. Its intimate encounters with the keepers, hands-on feeding experiences, and uniquely presented exhibits make it a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.

Ryuomisaki at the southern end of Katsurahama is one of the park’s finest scenic viewpoints. After crossing Ryugu Bridge and proceeding toward the cape, visitors will find Watatsumi Shrine and Hayataka Shrine. Watatsumi Shrine enshrines Owatatsumi-no-Kami, the guardian deity of the sea, and is also known as a spiritual power spot believed to bring blessings for maritime safety, plentiful catches, business prosperity, and success in finding a good match. From the Ryuomisaki Observation Deck farther ahead, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Katsurahama’s curved coastline and the majestic Pacific Ocean. The scenery is particularly magical at dusk and on nights when the moon is full.

Katsurahama offers different charms in every season. In spring, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks in the mild weather. Summer brings a beautiful contrast between the blue sea and sky, while autumn offers clear air and distant views stretching far into the horizon. In winter, the sunrise over the Pacific and the glow of the moon are especially beautiful, attracting many photography enthusiasts.

Katsurahama is easily accessible, taking approximately 30 to 40 minutes by local bus from Kochi Station and about 30 minutes by car from Kochi Ryoma Airport. With ample parking available, it is also a convenient destination for visitors traveling by rental car.

Katsurahama is one of Kochi Prefecture’s premier tourist destinations, bringing together beautiful natural scenery, historic sites associated with Sakamoto Ryoma, museums and other cultural facilities, an aquarium, and restaurants and shopping venues. Its sweeping crescent-shaped coastline and spectacular views of the Pacific, its atmosphere as a famous moon-viewing spot celebrated in “Yosakoi Bushi,” and the majestic landscape watched over by the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma all embody the unique appeal of Kochi. It is a highly worthwhile destination where visitors can experience history, nature, and culture all in one place.