Katsurahama is a scenic beach 30 minutes south of central Kochi by bus. Because of strong currents, swimming is prohibited at Katsurahama. In place of swimming, visitors see the many other attractions located around the area.
A famous statue of Kochi's favorite son, Sakamoto Ryoma stands near the beach. Sakamoto was one of the architects of modern Japan. He was instrumental in negotiating an alliance between the Choshu and Satsuma clans that helped to bring an end to Japan's feudal age in 1868. The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum stands on the hill above the beach.
Statue of Sakamoto Ryoma
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Tosa Dog Fighting
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Katsurahama is also known for the Tosa Dog Fighting Center, the only of its kind in Japan. Standing next to the bus terminal, the center contains a fighting ring and a museum about the local Tosa dogs, which perform in the fighting. Fights take place on scheduled match days and may also be held if a large enough crowd gathers.
Other minor sites of interest are a small aquarium at the beach and a small shrine on the point of Katsurahama, which is connected to the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum on the hill above by pleasant walking paths. Kochi's specialty dish, katsuo no tataki, is served at the local restaurants.
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