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    When visiting Kochi, of course you have to learn about Kochi's most iconic historical figure—Sakamoto Ryoma! The museum is located on a hill near Katsurahama Park, and I heard this area is also the site of the former Urado Castle. The location alone is full of history.

    Inside, you can see many valuable historical materials, documents, and exhibits introducing Sakamoto Ryoma's life and the important things he accomplished during the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate. I originally thought a history museum might be a little dull, but it was actually quite interesting! The different exhibits let you gradually learn about Sakamoto Ryoma and also gave me a better understanding of that period in Japanese history.

    I actually didn't know much about Sakamoto Ryoma before coming here, but after visiting, I could better appreciate how important he is to the people of Kochi. If you're planning an independent trip to Kochi, this place is well worth stopping by. I recommend visiting Katsurahama Park, Katsurahama Aquarium, and The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum on the same day. The attractions aren't far apart, so it's a convenient itinerary that lets you experience Kochi's history, ocean views, and relaxed atmosphere all at once.

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

  • Kachu Furusato-kan

    A dining spot inside “Kachu Furusato-kan” in eastern Kochi Prefecture. Loved as a place where local residents and tourists can connect. It has also ranked highly in popular restaurant rankings in Kochi Prefecture, giving it strong local recognition.

    • Kochi
    • Japanese Cuisine
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    During this trip to Kochi, when I went to see the Nora Clock, I specifically asked a local Japanese person if there were any nearby restaurants they would recommend. To my surprise, they recommended Kachu Furusato-kan.

    Since it was recommended by a local, of course I had to try it! This restaurant is known for using local Kochi ingredients, especially dishes made with dried sardines. I ordered their signature freshly fried dried sardine rice bowl. When it arrived, the rice was covered with lots of tiny dried fish and topped with grated daikon and shiso leaves. It looked simple and refreshing.

    This was my first time trying this combination. The dried fish had a natural savory flavor, and together with the grated daikon and shiso leaves, it tasted light and wasn't greasy. It was even more delicious than I expected!

    The set also came with side dishes, pickles, tea, and soup. Everything went together very well, and the meal was quite satisfying. I had originally only planned to visit the Nora Clock, but thanks to an enthusiastic recommendation from a local, I unexpectedly got to enjoy such good local food.

  • OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts

    OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts is a new kind of “city-center” hotel located in the heart of Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture. It is conveniently located Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station. A streetcar stop is also Approx. a 4-minute walk from the hotel, making it easy to get around.

    • Kochi
    • Hotels
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    A unique hotel where you can enjoy a Yosakoi Festival stage performance 365 days a year! On this trip to Kochi, I specifically arranged to stay at OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts, and after checking in, I really felt that I had made the right choice!

    As soon as I walked into the hotel, I noticed a light, pleasant fragrance. The entire space felt very relaxing and made me want to fully enjoy my stay here.

    What impressed me most was the hotel staff. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming, always smiling and making me feel at ease without any sense of distance.

    The hotel also has a very refined design, and the guest rooms are stylish and elegant. You can enjoy views of downtown Kochi from the room, and the view is quite nice. Looking out at the city during the day is another small pleasure while traveling.

    Another thing that makes this place special is that you can experience a stage performance of Kochi's traditional Yosakoi Festival 365 days a year. Even if you aren't visiting during the festival, you still have a chance to experience Kochi's lively and energetic festival culture. It's truly unique! The hotel is about a 20-minute walk from Kochi Station, and it's also fairly convenient for getting to downtown and nearby attractions.

    Overall, from the fragrance when I first walked in and the friendly service to the comfortable accommodations, every detail made the stay even better. It's really nice to find a hotel where you can feel comfortable and happy while traveling! I really enjoyed my stay in Kochi this time.

  • Library Above the Clouds (Yusuhara Town Library)

    Yusuhara Town is located on the border between Kochi and Ehime prefectures. Opened in 2018 as part of the town’s commitment to coexist harmoniously with nature, the Library Above the Clouds was designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on projects like the New National Stadium in Tokyo. Both the exterior and interior feature extensive use of wood sourced from Yusuhara and Kochi Prefecture.

    • Kochi
    • Museums
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    This was truly one of the places that left the deepest impression on me during my trip to Shikoku! I had originally planned to just stop by and look around, but the moment I walked into the library, I was captivated by the sight before me.

    Looking up, the entire ceiling is covered with interlocking wooden beams and columns, layered and arranged like a forest of wood. It was truly spectacular! I couldn't stop looking up to admire it, and it looked beautiful no matter how I photographed it.

    The entire library was built using a large amount of local wood from Yusuhara, and you can feel the warmth of natural wood everywhere, from the ceiling to the floor. With natural light streaming into the building, there even seemed to be a faint scent of wood in the air. The whole space can be summed up in one word—comfortable!

    The interior design is also very distinctive. The bookshelves, wooden steps, and reading areas are cleverly integrated into the architecture. It doesn't feel as standardized as a typical library, but instead has a more relaxed and leisurely atmosphere.

    I especially liked the high-ceilinged wooden space. Standing inside, I naturally slowed down, looked around, took photos, and enjoyed this rare sense of tranquility. Even without finding a book and sitting down to read, it was worth visiting just to admire the architecture!

    This distinctive library was designed by internationally renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who used local wood and the interplay of light and shadow to create a uniquely beautiful space. I never expected to find such a beautiful library hidden in this quiet town in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku!

    It's truly worth making a special trip here. It's not only a place that book lovers will enjoy—even someone like me, who enjoys architecture and photography, felt the trip was well worth it.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa