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Daruma Sunsets: A Lucky Occurrence in Kochi Prefecture
Kochi Prefecture
Have you ever heard of a ‘Daruma Sunset’? A daruma is a traditional (often red) Japanese talisman doll of fortune and luck usually depicted as a seated priest. They call them ‘Daruma Sunsets’ because the point where the water meets the setting sun melts together to produce a silhouette that looks like these dolls. They are mainly visible from the middle of November until the latter half of February. The appearance of these sunsets, however, is dependent on multiple factors. At each location, various factors such as time, temperature, and visibility affect the likelihood of one appearing. It is truly a feat of luck to be able to experience one of these sunsets.
Along Kochi Prefecture’s 700km long coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, there are many places to see this natural wonder and the chance of seeing one is high. There is even an opportunity to see not only a ‘Daruma Sunset’ but also a ‘Daruma Sunrise’ at one of these locations. You might be able to witness a magical sightseeing scene, the daruma sunrise, through the torii gate at the entrance of the Kure Hachimangu Shrine in Nakatosa Town. Even if you don’t, grabbing a delicious breakfast of freshly caught fish served over a bowl of rice at nearby Kure Taishomachi Ichiba Market makes a good start of a day.
How to get there
From Haneda Airport, it is about a 1 hour and 30 minute flight to Kochi Ryoma Airport, then about 30 minutes by bus to Kochi Station. Take an express train to Tosa-Kure Station (about 1 hour), and from there, it is about a 5 minute-walk.
6372 Kure, Nakatosa-cho, Takaoka-gun, Kochi-ken
