Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Coastal Heritage
Kiramesse Muroto is a vibrant roadside station nestled along the sun-drenched coast of Kochi Prefecture, where the Pacific Ocean meets rugged cliffs and fertile farmland. Perched at the edge of the famed Muroto Cape, this dynamic hub offers travelers a rich tapestry of local culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. From the moment you arrive, panoramic views of the sea unfold across sweeping terraces, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.
At Kiramesse Muroto, visitors experience the essence of regional life through its farm-to-table market, where fresh local produce—such as early-harvest tea, watermelons, loquats, and ponkans—are sold alongside premium Tosa-bencharcoal and seasonal vegetables. The standout attraction is the Whale Museum, a digital-rich exhibit tracing the deep historical bond between Muroto and whales, complemented by nearby whale-watching excursions. With dining options ranging from seafood specialties to regional comfort food, outdoor picnic areas, and scenic overlooks, this roadside station is more than a stop—it’s a destination.
Why Visit
Kiramesse Muroto stands as the only roadside station in Japan where you can experience the full story of whaling culture through its immersive Whale Museum, featuring digital exhibits that bring to life the history of Muroto’s famed whaling heritage. Here, visitors can savor the region’s signature dish—whale tail steak—only served at the on-site restaurant, a culinary rarity found nowhere else. The station also offers rare views of the "dolphin sunset," a natural optical phenomenon visible only from November to February, where the setting sun appears distorted into a droll, rounded shape along the rugged Pacific coast.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor coastal flavors at Kiramesse Muroto, where fresh local seafood and traditional dishes celebrate the bounty of the sea and mountains.
Restaurant Shiyu
レストラン食遊
Specialty
Traditional whale cuisine and local Muroto dishes
A restaurant specializing in whale cuisine and regional specialties from Muroto, offering a unique dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and traditional preparation methods. The atmosphere is welcoming and modern, with a renovated layout featuring various seating options including counter seats, family-style tatami rooms, and individual tables.
Cafe Shiyu
喫茶・軽食
Specialty
Light snacks and beverages
A casual café offering light meals and drinks, perfect for a quick break or relaxation. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, ideal for travelers and locals alike.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique regional treasures and seasonal produce at Kiramesse Muroto’s vibrant roadside station markets.
Farmers Market Rakichi
農産物直売所楽市
A farmers market selling fresh local produce, including early-season tea, watermelons, loquats, ponkans, and fresh vegetables directly from local farmers.
Products
Must-Try Item
Early-season tea
Local Products Store
物産店
A specialty store offering exclusive local goods and souvenirs unique to Muroto.
Products
Must-Try Item
Exclusive local merchandise
Whale Museum
鯨資料館
A digital interactive museum showcasing the history of whaling in Muroto and its cultural significance.
Products
Must-Try Item
Whaling history exhibits
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like Muroto’s early-harvest tea, citrus fruits, and authentic Tosa binchotan charcoal.
Early-season Tea
早生の茶
Freshly harvested early-season tea from Muroto, known for its delicate flavor and high quality.
Watermelon
スイカ
Sweet and juicy watermelons grown in the coastal climate of Muroto, known for their freshness and flavor.
Loquat
ビワ
Fresh loquats harvested from local orchards in Muroto, prized for their sweet and tangy taste.
Ponkan
ポンカン
A sweet citrus fruit unique to the region, known for its easy-to-peel skin and refreshing taste.
Tosa Chōkōtan
土佐備長炭
High-quality charcoal from Tosa, traditionally used for grilling and cooking, known for its long burn time and clean heat.
Whale-themed Souvenir
鯨の郷グッズ
Exclusive merchandise featuring whale-themed designs, perfect as a memento of the Whale Museum visit.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking, restrooms, universal access, and relaxing spaces for every traveler.
Parking Lot
Standard cars: 48 spots; Large vehicles: 6 spots; Disabled parking: 5 spots (available 24 hours)
Toilet
Men's toilets: 7 units; Women's toilets: 5 units; Accessible toilets: 1 unit
Information Corner
Provides information about the roadside station and surrounding attractions.
Park
A recreational area for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
Hot Spring
A hot spring facility available for visitors to enjoy.
Shower
Public shower facilities available for visitors.
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging equipment available at the roadside station.
Nursing Room
A dedicated room for breastfeeding and changing infants.
Baby Changing Station
A changing table for infants located in the restroom area.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access available for visitors.
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences, seasonal events, and nature-based adventures at Kiramesse Muroto.
Whale Watching
ホエールウォッチング
Observe various whales, including large sperm whales and small minke whales, in their natural habitat along the coast of Muroto Cape.
Duration
120 min
Best viewed on clear days with calm seas.
Dolphin Sunset Viewing
だるま夕日
Witness the rare optical phenomenon known as 'Dalmatian Sunset,' where the sun appears distorted into a dalmatian-like shape due to temperature differences between sea and air, visible from November to February.
Duration
60 min
Best observed on clear, calm evenings with low wind.
Whale Museum Experience
鯨館
Explore the history of whales and whaling in Muroto through interactive digital exhibits and immersive displays.
Duration
60 min
Muroto Geopark Center Visit
室戸世界ジオパークセンター
Discover the geological wonders of Muroto through guided field experiences and educational exhibits that highlight the relationship between people and the natural landscape.
Duration
90 min
Former School Aquarium Tour
むろと廃校水族館
Visit a former elementary school transformed into an aquarium, featuring sea turtles and local fish in outdoor pools and indoor tanks.
Duration
60 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around sunset for the famous daruma sunset, and check seasonal schedules for limited-time offerings.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM to secure the freshest produce at the direct sales market "Rakushi" before the morning rush, especially for early-season fruits like early tea, figs, and pomelos that sell out quickly.
- Hidden Gems: At the "Rakushi" direct sales market, look for the limited-edition soil-grown sweet potatoes and local honey from the Muroto region—these are only available during the harvest season and are not sold elsewhere.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "Rakushi" market between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to catch the daily fresh fish display from local fishermen, which includes seasonal catches like mackerel and sea bream that are only available for a few hours each day.
- Unique Experience: To see the rare "dolphin sunset" phenomenon, arrive at the roadside station’s southern overlook between 4:30 PM and 5:15 PM from November to February, when atmospheric refraction creates the distinctive hourglass-shaped sunset visible only in this coastal area.
- Foodie Tip: Order the limited-time "Whale Tail and Tempura Shrimp Set" at the restaurant "Shuuyo" during the November 1–3 holiday period, as this special menu is only available for three days and sells out fast.
- Avoid Disappointment: Skip the gelato stand at the "Rakushi" market on Thursdays, as it is closed due to staffing shortages—instead, purchase gelato at the adjacent restaurant or the main shop counter.
- Best Photo Spot: For the best panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding cliffs, walk the short trail from the roadside station’s parking area to the southern viewpoint, which offers a clear vantage point for capturing the dramatic coastal scenery and is especially striking during sunset hours.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Fresh bamboo shoots and early tea harvests peak in spring, with the roadside station’s market offering these seasonal specialties.
Summer (June–August): Whale-watching season runs from June to August, when humpback and other whales are frequently spotted offshore.
Autumn (September–November): The 30th anniversary celebration in October features special events and limited-edition menus, including the popular whale tail dish.
Winter (December–February): The best time to see daruma sunsets is from November to February, especially at the roadside station’s viewing spot.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station offers stroller-friendly paths, baby changing stations, a nursing room, and a dedicated playground. Family-friendly dining and educational exhibits enhance the experience, though no specific children's activities are listed.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining options including a restaurant serving local whale cuisine and a fresh produce market. Offers regional specialties like early tea, melons, and local vegetables, with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Car Camping Review
Provides restrooms, parking, and a designated campsite with shower facilities. While suitable for overnight stays, no explicit overnight parking policy is stated, and noise from nearby attractions may affect comfort.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic ocean views with a scenic overlook and access to the famous Darmaruri sunset. The coastal landscape, seasonal flowers, and proximity to natural landmarks enhance its visual appeal.