Highlights of the Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
The Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum is a museum introducing the life of Sakamoto Ryoma and the history of the end of the shogunate.
The main and new buildings overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Image: 京浜にけ / Wikimedia Commons (Copyrighted free use, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The museum stands on elevated ground near Katsurahama, and the main building’s structure, which seems to reach out toward the sea, is also striking. It opened in 1991, and in 2018 it underwent the opening of a new building and renovation of the existing one, creating a setting where visitors can enjoy both the displays and the views.
Ryoma’s Letters and Figures of the Late Shogunate
The letters Ryoma sent to his family and companions reveal not only his political ideas, but also his candid way of expressing himself and his consideration for those close to him. Through displays featuring reproductions and commentary, visitors can discover his personality and trace the events of the shogunate's final years that led to the Satsuma–Choshu Alliance and the restoration of political authority to the emperor.
John Manjiro and His Perspective on the World Beyond Japan
Image: Motokoka / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, resized, and sharpened)The museum also has exhibits about Tosa-born John Manjiro. The photograph shows a model of the John Howland, the American whaling ship that rescued Manjiro after he was cast adrift. The exhibits trace how, at a time when knowledge of foreign countries was limited in Japan, Manjiro gained experience in navigation, surveying, and English and later became involved in Japan's opening to the world.
Katsurahama
At the foot of the hill where the museum stands, Katsurahama stretches out, and a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma gazes over the Pacific Ocean. The museum, which traces the path toward the end of the shogunate through materials about Ryoma, and Katsurahama, which conveys Ryoma’s presence amid Tosa’s representative coastal scenery, are places with deep geographical and historical connections.
For information about Katsurahama’s highlights and how to get there, see the article about Katsurahama.
Basic information about the Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
The information below was checked against official sources on September 24, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- You can check information about opening hours, exhibitions, and display materials.
高知県立坂本龍馬記念館｜高知県立坂本龍馬記念館ryoma-kinenkan.jp
- 📍 Address
- 830 Urado-Shiroyama, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture
- 🕒 Opening hours
- 9:00〜17:00. Last admission is at 16:30.
- 🚫 Closing days
- As a rule, it is open year-round. ⚠️ Check the official website for temporary closures and exhibition changes.
- 💶 Admission
-
- During special exhibitions adults 900 yen
- Outside the special-exhibition period adults 500 yen
- High school students and younger free
- ⏱️ Suggested time
- According to the official information, allow about 90 minutes. ⚠️ The time varies depending on the special exhibition’s content and how carefully you read the letters.
Getting to the Kochi Prefectural Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
Bus
From the JR Kochi Station area, take a bus toward Katsurahama and get off at “Ryoma Memorial Museum-mae.” It is about 2 minutes on foot from there. Check the transport operator’s latest information on operating days and timetables before traveling.
By car
From central Kochi, head toward Katsurahama. The museum has a parking lot for visitors, but the area around Katsurahama can be crowded on weekends and during the peak travel season.
The related guide “【高知】観光スポット・グルメ・交通・モデルコースを解説” is currently available only in Japanese.
