Harimaya Bridge

Harimaya Bridge is a girder bridge in Kochi City, about 20 meters long. At the karakuri clock near the bridge, characters including Harimaya Bridge and Ryoma appear along with the melody of “Yosakoi-bushi.” It is often labeled one of Japan’s “three most disappointing tourist spots,” alongside Sapporo Clock Tower and Dutch Slope (Oranda-zaka). Because it appears in songs like “Yosakoi-bushi,” “Nangoku Tosa o Ato ni Shite,” and in films, visitors may arrive with high expectations. Today the area is Harimaya Bridge Park, with an artificial river channel. Since it’s in the city center, many people simply see it while driving by; for those who specifically came to sightsee, it may feel small—but as with any love story, the “stage of romance” doesn’t have to be extravagant. Still, it’s a great photo spot. Next to the bridge is a monument by Kochi-born manga artist Ryuichi Yokoyama depicting the couple associated with the legend. Access is about a 10-minute walk from Kochi Station.