Katsurahama, Historic beach in Urado, Japan
Katsurahama is a beach in Urado, Japan, that curves in an arc between two headlands and is backed by pine forest. Dark ocean meets coarse sand, and rocks mark each end.
Warlord Chosokabe Motochika built a castle behind the shore in 1591, showing his control of the region. When the Yamauchi clan moved to Kochi in 1603, the structure was left empty and gradually fell into ruin.
The name combines the old pronunciation Katsurano with hama, meaning shore, and pine trees have lined the waterfront for centuries. Visitors traditionally place pebbles on small shrines that stand along the path to the cape.
Strong waves and currents make swimming dangerous here, so entering the water is not allowed anywhere. The best time to visit is at low tide, when rocks show more clearly and the sand becomes firmer underfoot.
During autumn full moons, locals gather for the Omachi Keigetsu ceremony, reading poetry and sharing sake. The tradition remembers the poet who often praised the moon over this shore.
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