Step into a retro Taiga drama scene & transform into the dashing "Sakamoto Ryoma" for free in Kochi, Japan

▲ It takes about an hour to fly from Haneda Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Japan

Japan has always been one of the top travel destinations for Taiwanese visitors. After exploring bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, fly to Kochi Prefecture on the southern side of Shikoku to set foot on this fertile land surrounded by green mountains and nourished by crystal-clear waters.“Treasure Trove of Ingredients”The region’s natural landscape, nestled between mountains and the sea, boasts an abundance of mountain and seafood delicacies, earning it the reputation among Japanese as a

▲ The Plaza near the airport offers visitors a wealth of sightseeing information.

Sakamoto Ryoma, the great figure in Japan’s Taiga drama “Ryoma-den,” was born in Tosa Domain—now known as Kochi Prefecture. Aside from the dashing portrayal by lead actor Masaharu Fukuyama, Ryoma is a legendary figure who heralded Japan’s modern development and serves as a proud spiritual icon for the people of Kochi. Inside the Plaza near JR Kochi Station lies the Ryoma-den Bakumatsu Shishi Shachu, where the original sets from the drama filming have been preserved intact. Visitors can even dress up for free in period costumes and transform into the cool Ryoma, immersing themselves in the Bakumatsu era.

▲ The Ryoma-den Bakumatsu Shishi Shachu transported the TV drama sets from Tokyo.

▲ Visitors can dress up for free in the cool “Ryoma” costume.

▲ Experience the atmosphere of the Bakumatsu era firsthand.

In addition to free costume photos, visitors can also enjoy local specialty desserts in the classic-period sets—like baked crème brûlée made with Kochi’s famed Shouya citrus. A locally abundant fruit, Shouya has a slightly tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the pudding. Pair it with a cup of authentic Shimanto River tea for an afternoon tea combo priced at just 500 yen.

▲ Kochi’s abundant fruits, such as Tosa Shouya and yuzu, are local delicacies, and the afternoon tea menu changes with the seasons.

To promote local tourism and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Taisei Hōkan (Restoration of Imperial Rule), the Kochi Plaza weekend performances of the “Tosa Hospitality Kaientai” musical show feature professional stage actors portraying historical figures like Sakamoto Ryoma, Yoshimura Torataro, and Nakae Shintaro, bringing history vividly to life for audiences. Also, when it comes to dance performances, the annual summer “Yosakoi Festival” is not to be missed—it attracts large crowds of visitors every August, letting you feel the warm enthusiasm of the people of Kochi in the sweltering heat.

▲ The “Tosa Hospitality Kaientai” musical performances run until March 2018.

▲ Japan’s Yosakoi Festival originated in Kochi Prefecture—a traditional event featuring dancing accompanied by the sound of naruko clappers.

Plaza
Address: 2-10-17 Kitahonmachi, Kochi City, Kochi
Business hours: 8:30–18:00 (last entry at 17:30)