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*All images are for illustrative purposes only.

Katsurahama - Famous for its moonlight

Gaze upon the Pacific alongside Sakamoto Ryoma and walk the iconic crescent-shaped beach, one of Japan's Top 100 Shorelines.

Located at the tip of the Urado Peninsula in Kochi City, Katsurahama Beach stretches in a beautiful crescent between Cape Ryuzu and Cape Ryuō. This iconic scenic spot is celebrated for its harmonious blend of white sands, lush pine groves, and the deep blue Pacific. Recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Shorelines, it has been cherished since ancient times and is immortalized in the folk song "Yosakoi-bushi" for its stunning moonlight.
The park's most iconic landmark is the bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, a hero of the late Edo period who stands gallantly facing the Pacific Ocean. Towering at 13.5 meters including its base, this majestic figure serves as a symbol of Kochi tourism and continues to captivate visitors. Erected in 1928 by local supporters who admired his legacy, the statue features a special observation deck every spring and autumn. This "Face-to-Face with Ryoma" experience allows visitors to see the Pacific from the same breathtaking perspective as the hero himself.

At the southern tip of the beach lies Cape Ryuo, home to the Watatsumi Shrine (Ryuo-gu) which protects the safety of the sea. The nearby ruins of Urado Castle serve as a historic stage where the warlord Chosokabe Motochika once based his quest to unify Shikoku during the Sengoku period. In March 2023, the "Katsurahama Umi no Terrace" commercial facility was renovated with new observation decks, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of Kochi delicacies all in one place, including Katsuo (bonito) Ramen and Hachikin Jidori Chicken Burgers.
With over 70 years of history, the Katsurahama Aquarium offers unique experiences such as seeing schools of rare Japanese Lates (Akame) and feeding sea turtles. Please note that swimming is strictly prohibited due to dangerously rough waves, so we invite you to enjoy the beach for its scenic walks and breathtaking views.

Urado, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture (Katsurahama Park)

Cape Muroto

A UNESCO Global Geopark — The front line of the Pacific where Kūkai once trained, showcasing the pulse of the Earth through unique rock formations and subtropical flora.

Located in Muroto City in eastern Kochi Prefecture, Cape Muroto is a majestic headland jutting into the Pacific Ocean at the southeastern tip of Shikoku. Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark in September 2011, it is a place where you can truly feel the movement of the Earth. As part of the Muroto-Anan Kaigan Quasi-National Park since 1964, the coastline features a unique landscape unlike any other, with rugged rock formations carved by sea erosion and lush subtropical forests and coastal flora.
Known since ancient times as a treacherous stretch of sea, this cape is famous as the place where Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) spent his youth in ascetic training and attained enlightenment. The "Mikurodo Cave," where he resided, still remains at the tip of the headland. A 2-km "Ransho (Wild Reef) Promenade" winds through the area, offering visitors a chance to experience the dynamic coastal beauty created by crashing waves and jagged rocks up close.

The statue of Nakaoka Shintaro, standing majestically facing the Pacific, is another iconic landmark of Cape Muroto. The presence of this revolutionary samurai, who played a key role in the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, offers visitors a profound sense of Japan's rich history.
The Muroto Lighthouse, a stunning white-chalk structure, is designated as a "Lover's Sanctuary" and offers a rare vantage point where you can witness both sunrise and sunset on clear days. At the Muroto Global Geopark Center, the "Geo Theater" with its massive screen brings the region's geological significance to life, deepening your travel experience.
Family-friendly attractions are also plentiful, including the Muroto Dolphin Center, where you can interact directly with dolphins, and the Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium, a unique facility creatively renovated from a closed elementary school.

Kujirahama, Murotomisaki-cho, Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture (Cape Muroto)

Hirome Market

"Kochi's Kitchen" near Kochi Castle — A lively food hall filled with Seared Bonito and the energetic spirit of Tosa.

Just a 2-3 minute walk from Kochi Castle at the western end of the Obiyamachi Arcade, Hirome Market is a premier indoor food market in Kochi City. Opened in 1998, its name originates from "Hirome-yashiki," the former residence of Fukao Hirome, a prominent chief elder who served four generations of Tosa feudal lords during the late Edo period. The market consists of seven distinct blocks, such as "Oshiroshita Square" and "Ryoma Street," housing about 60 to 65 diverse shops including restaurants, fresh fish stalls, boutiques, and souvenir stores.

The defining feature of Hirome Market is its communal dining style where you can purchase dishes from various stalls and enjoy them at any of the 400 to 430 shared seats. From the famous straw-seared bonito to exotic moray eel, fresh Shimizu mackerel, local vegetables, gyoza, and Tosa sake, the market is often called "all of Kochi in one place" for its incredible variety. You will often see locals and tourists drinking side-by-side even during the day, reflecting the deep-rooted "Okyaku" banquet culture of Kochi. Additionally, the "Hirome Bar" area offers international flavors like Italian and Spanish, and visiting the adjacent Sunday Market (held every Sunday) provides an even deeper immersion into Tosa’s rich food culture.

2-3-1 Obiyamachi, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture