The statue was funded by donations from young people throughout Japan and was completed in 1928.
Sakamoto Ryoma was a pivotal figure in the Meiji Restoration, known for negotiating the secret alliance between the Satsuma and Choshu domains.
The statue is officially listed as the Sakamoto Ryoma Bronze Statue at Katsurahama.
A temporary wooden observation deck is erected in front of the statue for a few weeks each year, typically in April and June, allowing visitors to see the statue at eye level.
The statue is located near the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, which houses historical artifacts related to his life.
The Sakamoto Ryoma Statue is a 13.5-meter tall bronze monument situated on the Katsurahama coastline in Kōchi, Japan. Erected in 1928, it depicts the 19th-century samurai and political activist Sakamoto Ryoma looking out toward the Pacific Ocean. The statue commemorates Ryoma's role in brokering the Satcho Alliance, which contributed to the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It is constructed from bronze and stands atop a pedestal on the beach headland. The site serves as the primary landmark within the Katsurahama Park area. Visitors can observe the statue from ground level or access a temporary observation deck constructed annually during the spring and autumn to view the figure at eye level.
From the base of the pedestal looking up, or from the temporary observation deck when available.
Visit the temporary observation deck if your trip coincides with its annual installation dates.
Pair your visit with a walk along the crescent-shaped Katsurahama Beach located directly below the statue.
Be aware that the statue is located on a hill, requiring a short walk up a paved slope from the parking and shopping area.
Do not attempt to swim at Katsurahama Beach, as strong currents and undertows make it dangerous.
The temporary observation deck is generally set up for a limited period during spring and early summer; the statue itself is accessible year-round.
