4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Aki City – A Place Where Simple Yet Majestic Nature and History Remain

Aki City, located in eastern Kōchi Prefecture, is known for its calm countryside charm and rich history. Popular attractions include the Aki Station Jibasan Market, where visitors can buy local specialties, and the birthplace of Iwasaki Yatarō, the founder of the Mitsubishi conglomerate. Other notable sites include the Nora Clock, Aki City’s symbolic landmark that tells the time even from afar, and Oyama Cape, a scenic spot with breathtaking coastal views. Here are four sightseeing destinations in Aki City that are definitely worth visiting.

1. Take a Relaxing Break During Your Journey at “Aki Station Jibasan Market”

At the Aki Station Jibasan Market, located in Yanomaru, Aki City, visitors can purchase a variety of local specialties, mainly fresh vegetables and seafood caught in the area. The market also offers freshly baked bread and other local products. One highlight is the chirimen-jako (dried baby sardines), which can even be shipped outside the prefecture—perfect for enjoying the local taste back home.
If you visit around lunchtime, you can buy daily lunch boxes featuring local ingredients, such as mackerel sushi (saba-zushi), and enjoy a picnic-style meal. The market also offers a wide selection of local sake, perfect for those who love Japanese rice wine.
When you’re touring around Aki City and need a short rest, stop by the Aki Station Jibasan Market for a taste of the town’s warmth and hospitality.

2. The Home of Mitsubishi Founder Yatarō Iwasaki – “Iwasaki Yatarō Birthplace”

Yatarō Iwasaki was the founder of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, remembered as a powerful businessman who built deep connections with politicians and achieved immense success. His birthplace still stands in Aki City today.
Located about 3 km from the city center, the Iwasaki Yatarō Birthplace is a charming single-story thatched-roof house that exudes the atmosphere of a bygone era. On the front eaves, you can see Mitsubishi’s iconic three-diamond crest engraved on the roof tiles—a subtle but dignified touch.
In the garden, there remains a stone depiction of the Japanese archipelago, said to have been made by Yatarō himself using stepping stones. A bronze statue of Iwasaki Yatarō stands in front of the house, its proud and commanding presence serving as a reminder of Aki’s most famous native son.

3. A Glimpse of Old Rural Life in the Countryside – “Nora Clock”

The Nora Clock (Nora-dokei) is one of Aki City’s most recognizable landmarks. It was built during the Meiji era by Genma Hatanaka, a well-known local landowner, at a time when most households did not own clocks.
To learn how clocks worked, Hatanaka repeatedly disassembled and repaired his own wall clock until he gained enough knowledge to build a large outdoor clock from scratch. Because local farmers could tell the time from the fields even while working far away, the clock came to be called the “Nora Clock,” meaning “field clock.”
Standing tall amid the rice paddies, the clock remains a symbol of rural ingenuity and continues to attract visitors with its nostalgic charm and harmony with the surrounding landscape.

4. Aki City’s Pride: A Stunning Scenic Spot – “Oyama Cape”

Oyama Cape, located along the Tosa coastline, is one of Aki City’s most scenic spots, especially famous for its beautiful sunsets. The sight of the “Daruma Sunset,” where the setting sun appears to rest atop the ocean’s horizon, is said to grant wishes to those who see it.
Oyama Cape is also known as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary.” A monument engraved with the words “Oyama Misaki” (Oyama Cape) stands at the site, adding to its romantic atmosphere. The stunning contrast between the sea and sky seen from the cape makes it a favorite spot for tourists. Don’t forget to take a memorable photo with the magnificent coastal view as your backdrop.

◎ Summary

Aki City is a place where unspoiled nature and history coexist harmoniously. Conveniently located between Kōchi City and Muroto City, it’s the perfect stop for travelers exploring both. Driving along National Route 55, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Kōchi’s beautiful coastline.
Before leaving, make sure to buy some local souvenirs—a wonderful way to bring a piece of Aki’s charm back home.