If you are a fan of Sakamoto Ryoma, The Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum is a place you cannot miss!
The museum exhibits fascinating personal items and authentic letters written by Ryoma himself, offering a deep insight into his life and legacy. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Kochi!
Ryoma SAKAMOTO was a samurai from KOCHI Prefecture who was active in the 19th century.
Although born into a low-ranking samurai family, he possessed great insight.
He criticized the outdated TOKUGAWA family's feudalism, insisted a bloodless revolution, internationalization, and to develop the nation.
For this stance, he was assassinated by TOKUGAWA supporters in 1867, at the young age of 31.
This museum displays his writings, letters, and personal belongings.
It also explains his relationships with the mentors and friends who influenced his life.
The room where he was assassinated has been reconstructed to its original size.
Visitors can view the Pacific Ocean from the rooftop.
The museum is located a bit far, about a 30 minute bus ride, from the kochi station. The bus arrives only one time every hour, so you'll have to check the bus schedule beforehand.
The museum itself was spectacular. Even if I went as someone with 0 knowledge about Sakamoto Ryoma, I was able to understand what he did and how that was incredible.
I would say the exhibition is entertaining yet understandable. I certainly understood that Ryoma san was important in the contribution of returning the political powers back to the Japanese Tennou and was an important guide to Japan modern political structures.
The staff were also nice. I asked for a exchange in money for the upcoming bus ride as I ran out of 1000yen bills. They were so kind and gentle and we're willing to provide the service. It was overall a relaxing experience.
The observation site at the top of the museum allowed us to see the Pacific Ocean and saw some whirls that we weren't able to see in Takamatsu. Spectacular view.
Even though I am not fluent in Japanese, they have enough English sprinkled into the museum for English speakers to enjoy the museum and get the most important information. Not worth it to come on its own, but if you have the My-Yu pass, definitely come by! The roof has one of the best views in the area too
Very little effort to create any English signboards or any info whatsoever. There is an English audio guide available at approximately double the admissions fee. I'd recommend the other Ryoma Museum within town as they do a much more sincere job at educating everyone about Ryoma.
