Katsurahama Beach
Katsurahama (桂浜) is a scenic beach that swimming is prohibited in ( Because of strong currents) but, this beach has various tourist attractions besides swimming.
History Location
Kochi prefecture is the place that Sakamoto Ryōma was born.
The Legend - Sakamoto Ryoma
So who was Sakamoto Ryoma?
→ The Samurai who dreamed of a Modern Japan.
Ryoma was born in the castle town of Kochi in 1835, and he was one of the most popular historical figures of the Edo era. He was a visionary leader who was well ahead of his time.
While many of his contemporaries believed in the violent overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate, he believed in peaceful restoration of power to the Emperor.
He used his diplomatic skills to bring peace between Satsuma and Choshu clans. He envisioned a modern and unified Japan which would be able to compete with the Western world in the field of technology, industry, and military.
In order for Japan to modernize, he believed that the power had to be first restored to the Emperor.
He died at young age of 31, but Ryoma was able to set the stage for the Meiji Restoration. That is why he is often cited as the father of modern Japan today.
Ryoma worked not for personal gain, but for the good of Japan.
The connection of Sakamoto Ryoma to Katsurahama Beach
It is said that Katsurahama beach used to be the place he loved the most in his hometown of Tosa.
And he usually came to Katsurahama beach for thinking about the future of Japan, while watching the sea.
Sakamoto Ryoma Spots
So around Katsurahama beach there a few spots about Sakamoto Ryoma;
• Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum (which we didn`t visit)
• A huge Sakamoto Ryoma statue
• There even a festival – Ryoma festival – on Sunday around his birthday (Nov. 15) every year.
Design snacks of Ryoma that can be seen in the local shops near the beach
Ryugu Shrine
Ryugu shrine is located on a hill, on the outskirts of the beach, this shinto shrine is dedicated to the sea dragon, the spirit of the sea.
You can climb up the steps of a stone staircase and enjoy the spectacular views of the surroundings from this peculiar observation deck.
Another attraction - Aquarium
Around the beach there also small Aquarium, which is also popular among the visitors. We didn`t visited there.
Can you see the rainbow?🌈
Access
You can arrive easily the beach from north exit of JR Kochi Station by Kochiken Kotsu bus which takes about 35-40 minutes and costs ￥700
Information
Hours:
Katsurahama Beach & Ryugu Shrine:
24 hours open
The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum:
9:00 – 17:00 (Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing)
Fee:
Katsurahama Beach & Ryugu Shrine:
Free
The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum:
￥700
Access:
Bus from North exit of Kochi Station. Takes about 35-40 minutes and cost about ￥700
Address:
Katsurahama, Urado, Kochi-shi, Kochi Prefecture 781-0262
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