Katsurahama Beach Starts A Nice Coastal Getaway In Kochi, Japan

Katsurahama Beach Starts A Nice Coastal Getaway In Kochi, Japan
Kevin
Kevin 
Published
| 2 min read

Kochi, a medium-size city on the south coast of Japan’s Shikoku island, is blessed with the limitless expanse of the Pacific Ocean on its doorstep. Capes, coves, bays, beaches, and just plain beauty await the avid traveler at every turn.

Start your exploration at Kochi’s most famous beach, Katsurahama, but don’t stop there. A short drive down the coast reveals startlingly beautiful sights that are sure to stir your senses.

Katsurahama has rough seas and an illustrious history

katsurahama

With a history dating back to the 16th century, and strong tie-ins to Kochi’s famous First Son, Ryoma Sakamoto, this beach is on the must-see list for most visitors to Kochi. Sakamoto played a prominent role in the violent goings on that ended the Edo Era (the twilight of the samurai) and led to what is known as the Meiji Restoration, which brought the emperor back into power, opened Japan up to foreign cultures, and led to a modern Japanese government.

All history aside, when the weather is nice, you could certainly loaf about and get some rays on this beach, but it really is more about looking than lounging. The waves and current bedevil any aquatic activities you might have in mind, but it is nice to walk across the sand. There is an aquarium too, but it is of debatable entertainment value. Walk to the far end and then up some stairs to an altar and well-perched vantage point.

Surf’s up!

surfing

Though the surf may not be amazing, it is surf, and there are going to be a lot less people around here than there were at Katsurahama. To get here, and anywhere else beyond this, you’re going to want to have a car, but rest assured that it will be worth it. These surfers are enjoying themselves at the Tosa city’s beach, which can be reached by simply driving along the coast to the west from Katsurahama.

Into the hills!

coast view

After about half an hour of driving along the flat coast, you’ll come to a bridge that connects you to a nearby peninsula which juts out from the west. It is from here that you will soon start ascending up a hillside, traveling along a deliciously curvy road. Even on a weekend, you will find very few souls taking this path, which makes it all the easier to just pull to the side of the road wherever you might wish, hop out, and snap a picture like the one above.

A beach of your very own?

beach

Areas like this just beg for exploration, and it won’t take much looking around before you start setting your sights on isolated spots of beauty such as the beach above.

Actually getting down to these places from the road above may take some skillful driving or a walk through the woods, so for those looking to keep things simple, a slow drive along the road above may be the most expedient choice. But don’t be too shy! This stretch of road, known as the “kuroshio line”, is ripe for an off-the-beaten-path excursion or two!

Once you’ve traveled the length of the peninsula, you will find yourself in Yusaki city. It is a sleepy place, but keep your eyes peeled for the seafood purveyors! From Yusaki, it is a quick ride on the highway (toll charge of about 900 JPY, or 8 USD) back to Kochi city.

An undulating stretch of coastal beauty

From historical beach, to surfing spot, to soaring coastal landscape and isolated coastal enclaves, this little jaunt is sure to be a memorable one. Allow at least a few hours, and do be sure to breathe it all in. It’s not often that most people in Japan find themselves in places as quiet and beautiful as this.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Kevin is a passionate writer and the visionary behind Pinpoint Traveler, a travel planning venture. Although born in the United States, he decided to live abroad. Having resided in Japan for nearly...Read more

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