The most famous stretch of coastline near Kōchi, Katsurahama is a rocky peninsula about 13km south of the city centre. A crescent of dark sand is backed by pine trees, with a large bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryōma gazing out to sea from a promontory above. The beach itself is not for swimming — the Pacific currents are fierce and there are prominent warning signs — but the coastal scenery is dramatic and the views along the headland are good.
The Sakamoto Ryōma Memorial Museum (Sakamoto Ryōma Kinenkan) sits on the hill above the beach and is well worth visiting. Ryōma, born in Tosa in 1836, was one of the key figures in the events that ended the shogunate and opened Japan to the outside world. The museum tells his story vividly and gives a good sense of why he remains so important to people here. Entry is ¥700.
Down on the waterfront, the Tosa Tosaken Centre stages exhibitions on the Tosa fighting dog, a breed specific to the region. The Kōchi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden is nearby, set on the slopes of Godaisan.
Bus from Kōchi Station: around 30 minutes. Alternatively, catch the My Yu Bus (sightseeing bus) from the station.