Birthplace of Iwasaki Yataro | Review by 黃國棟

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Birthplace of Iwasaki Yataro

The Mitsubishi group was started here.

7 Nov 2026 See More

When I came here, the first thing that caught my eye was this traditional Japanese house with a thatched roof. The building was larger than I had imagined, and the courtyard retained its rustic charm, making me want to stay a little longer.

This is the birthplace of Iwasaki Yataro, the founder of the Mitsubishi Group. It’s quite interesting to think that someone who influenced the development of Japan’s modern economy began his life in a traditional house like this!

Besides the house where he was born, there is also a storehouse nearby, as well as a striking bronze statue in the parking lot. Walking through the courtyard, it felt quiet and relaxed rather than bustling like a tourist attraction, so I could take my time appreciating the architecture and surroundings.

It isn’t too far from the city or the national highway, but transportation is really not very convenient, so driving is the better option. There were no other visitors at all when I arrived that day. The whole place was extremely peaceful, and it almost felt like I had it all to myself.

Although it isn’t a large, bustling tourist attraction, it offers the pleasure of exploring history. Visiting these unassuming places with important stories during a trip is rewarding in its own way!

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

Katsurahama

Welcome to the sprawling coast of Kochi City’s Urado Penninsula between Cape Ryuzu and Cape Ryuo, lush with a beautiful pine forest, sandy beach and sea. This spot in Kochi Prefecture is especially popular for its bronze statue of Ryoma Sakamoto, a prominent historical figure during the end of Japan’s Edo period.
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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.
Godaisan (Godaisan Park)

A relaxing green space for locals on Mount Godaisan in southeastern Kochi City. Known as a famous azalea spot, the park is beautifully colored by its delicate blooms. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year, including cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and camellias. It is also one of the city’s best-known viewpoints, offering a sweeping panorama of downtown Kochi and the waters of Urado Bay below.
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On this trip to Kochi, I made a point of visiting Godaisan Park. I drove all the way up the mountain without expecting too much, but once I arrived, I felt it was well worth a visit!

The park is shaded by lush trees, and the grounds are beautifully maintained, making it very pleasant to walk around. What I liked most was that there weren’t many visitors. Without the noise of a busy tourist attraction, it felt more relaxed and peaceful.

From the viewpoint, I could see all of downtown Kochi, Urado Bay, and the mountain ranges in the distance. The view was really great! The blue sky combined with the mountain and ocean scenery made me want to stay a little longer, and I took quite a few photos.
Nora Dokei Clock

This clock tower was made in the mid-Meiji era, a time when clocks were not yet commonplace, by Genma Hatakenaka. He was a landowner who mastered the art of clock assembly, building it by hand from gears and weights. The clock was nationally registered as a tangible cultural property in 1996.
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This time I visited Aki City in Kochi Prefecture, originally to explore the Doi Kachu Traditional Buildings Preservation District. While walking around, I unexpectedly came across this distinctive Nora Dokei Clock.

At first glance, I thought this clock tower was really unique! The traditional Japanese building with the tall clock, surrounded by lush green countryside, creates a nostalgic rural Japanese atmosphere.

I couldn't help but stop to admire it and took a few photos while the weather was clear. There weren't many tourists or bustling shops here. Instead, it felt leisurely and peaceful, letting me slowly enjoy the scenery in front of me.

This clock was reportedly handmade during the Meiji era by a local landowner. He made everything himself, from the gears inside to the weights, without using ready-made parts. After all these years, it still retains its original appearance, which is truly impressive!

It has now been designated as a national cultural property of Japan. However, since it is on private property, it isn't open to the public. You can only admire it from outside and can't go in for a tour.

Although it was just a small spot I happened to come across during my trip and I didn't stay long, I actually really enjoyed this kind of unexpected discovery. There were no crowds and no pressure to rush through an itinerary—just a chance to quietly admire this old clock filled with history.