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Katsurahama Beach

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Katsurahama Beach

A scenic spot in Kochi Prefecture known for its statue of Sakamoto Ryoma.

3.35 6

Last update :
Supervised by :  Katsurahama Park Management Office

Located at the tip of the Urado Peninsula in Kochi City, this scenic, crescent-shaped beach stretches between Cape Ryuzu and Cape Ryuo and is known for its pine grove, sandy shore, and ocean views. One of Kochi Prefecture's most famous tourist attractions, it is also popular for its large bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, who played an active role in the closing years of the Edo period.

Dressed in traditional Japanese clothing and boots, the bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma gazes far out across the Pacific Ocean. The statue stands 5.3 m tall and reaches a total height of 13.5 m, including its pedestal.
Every year from April to May, and for two months around November 15—both Ryoma's birthday and the anniversary of his death—a 13-meter observation platform is installed beside the statue. Visitors can view the Pacific Ocean from the same eye level as Ryoma.

The beach has been known as a famous moon-viewing spot since ancient times and is celebrated in Yosakoi-bushi, a traditional Kochi folk song, with the words, "For moon viewing, Katsurahama is the place."

The entire beachfront has been developed as Katsurahama Park, which is also home to Katsurahama Aquarium and the Kochi Prefecture Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum.

Highlights

  • This was a particularly beloved place of Kochi-born Sakamoto Ryoma and is home to a bronze statue of him.
  • Katsurahama Park includes the Sakamoto Ryoma Statue, Katsurahama Aquarium, and the Kochi Prefecture Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum.
  • Watatsumi Shrine on Cape Ryuo offers a panoramic view of Katsurahama Beach.
  • Swimming is prohibited at Katsurahama Beach, even in summer, due to the rough waves.

Photos

  • One of Kochi Prefecture's best-known tourist attractions, with a pine grove, sandy beach, and ocean views

    One of Kochi Prefecture's best-known tourist attractions, with a pine grove, sandy beach, and ocean views

  • The statue of Sakamoto Ryoma gazing out over the Pacific OceanImage: PIXTA

    The statue of Sakamoto Ryoma gazing out over the Pacific OceanImage: PIXTA

  • The observation deck at the Kochi Prefecture Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum offers views of the Pacific Ocean from the same eye level as the Ryoma statue

    The observation deck at the Kochi Prefecture Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum offers views of the Pacific Ocean from the same eye level as the Ryoma statue

  • The path connecting Watatsumi Shrine and Hayataka Shrine offers a panoramic view of Katsurahama Beach

    The path connecting Watatsumi Shrine and Hayataka Shrine offers a panoramic view of Katsurahama Beach

  • Don't miss the view from Cape Ryuo

    Don't miss the view from Cape Ryuo

  • Katsurahama Aquarium is also located within Katsurahama Park

    Katsurahama Aquarium is also located within Katsurahama Park

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Free Wi-Fi is available around the Katsurahama Umi-no Terrace commercial complex and the Honhama Rest Area.
Kochi-City Free Wi-Fi is available in Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.

Q

Are coin-operated lockers available?
A

Yes.

Q

Are restrooms available?
A

There are three in the commercial complex area and three in the Honhama area.

Q

Are there designated smoking areas?
A

There are two in the commercial complex area and one in the Honhama area.

Reviews

6

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 黃國棟
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    On this trip to Kochi, I made a point of adding Katsurahama to my itinerary. Before I even reached the beach, I was already excited to see this famous stretch of the Pacific coast with my own eyes.

    Katsurahama is best known for its bronze statue of Ryoma Sakamoto, so of course I had to take a photo! Standing beside the statue, you can feel his commanding presence as he faces the Pacific Ocean and gazes into the distance.

    Walking slowly along the coast, I saw the endless blue ocean before me, with waves rolling onto the shore and the sea breeze blowing in my face. Listening to the sound of the waves made me feel much more relaxed.

    The ocean view here is truly expansive, without much of the noise and bustle of the city. Just standing by the sea, enjoying the scenery and taking photos, made the trip out here feel well worth it.

  • 河豚愛旅行
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    A must-visit for fans of Ryoma Sakamoto. Katsurahama Park has a statue of Ryoma overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You can walk to Cape Ryuo for views of the Pacific, visit Watatsumi Shrine and Hayataka Shrine, or sit at the Motohama Rest Area, gaze at the sea, and clear your mind. On your way back, stop by Katsurahama Umi no Terrace to buy souvenirs from around Kochi or dine at one of the nearby restaurants.

  • wendy
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    When visiting Kochi, Katsurahama is definitely not to be missed!
    The deep blue sea meets the beautiful curved coastline, and at first sight, you can't help but exclaim, "It's so beautiful!" Walking along the beach, feeling the pleasant sea breeze and listening to the waves instantly puts you in relaxation mode. This is also an iconic spot associated with Ryoma Sakamoto, and you can see a towering statue of him by the sea. It's so impressive! When visiting Shikoku, don't just rush from one attraction to another. Set aside some time to gaze at the sea and unwind at Katsurahama. It's truly so soothing〜

  • 王小鈞
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    Katsurahama Park is located south of Kochi City and is a fantastic spot for enjoying beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Strolling along the shore while listening to the waves crash against the rocks is incredibly relaxing, with the wide-open ocean stretching out before you.

    Not only is the scenery beautiful, but you can also feel Kochi’s unique natural charm. It’s one of the must-visit spots when traveling to Kochi. Watching the sunset by the sea is especially unforgettable.

  • 周黛西
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    Kochi in winter is beautiful. I visited Katsurahama on a warm day, and unlike the blue-green, calm vibe of the Seto Inland Sea, this place is all about the deep, rich blue and the powerful, sweeping Pacific Ocean.

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Basic Information

Name in Japanese
桂浜
Postal Code
781-0262
Address
6 Urado, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
Phone
088-841-4140 (Katsurahama Park Management Office)
Closed on
Open year-round
Hours
Open 24 hours
Admission
Free
Access
About 40 minutes by bus from Kochi Station on the JR Dosan Line
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa