[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Introducing the tourist spots of "Shimanto City" all at once! 14 deep tourist spots!

• Table of Contents
• 1. “Sinkabashi” with a panoramic view of the Shimanto River
• 2. “Yakatabune” where you can enjoy nature with all five senses
• 3. "Canoe touring" to fully enjoy the Shimanto River
• 4. ``Dosaki Observation Deck'' where you will be impressed by the magnificent scenery connecting the Shimanto River and the Pacific Ocean
• 5. “Shimanto River Gakuyukan”, which conveys the nature of the Shimanto River
• 6. “Shimanto City Local Museum Shirotto” where you can learn about the history of Shimanto City
• 7. “Annami Waterwheel Village” with its idyllic rural scenery
• 8. Ichijo Shrine, the cornerstone of Tosa Little Kyoto
• 9. Kozanji Temple/Citizen's Forest, founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai
• 10. “Iwami-dera” where you can take a mini tour of 88 temples
• 11. Kochi Prefecture's oldest shrine "Fuwa Hachimangu"
• 12. “Jabou Shrine”, a power spot known only to those in the know
• 13. If you want to enjoy a starry sky in the "starry city", go to "Shimanto Observatory"
• 14. If you are looking for local souvenirs, "Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa"
• Access to Shimanto City
• Let's ride YODO LINE BROTHERS!
• Those who want to know more about Shimanto City!

The last clear stream "Shimanto River"

The Shimanto River is the longest river in western Japan, with a total length of 196 km, originating from the Fuyu River in Kochi Prefecture. It has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 famous waters and Japan's top 100 unexplored regions, and is also known as Japan's last clear stream .

The Shimanto River has a large meandering pattern, so it is characterized by its slow flow. You can enjoy the sky and scenery reflected on the water surface as if it were a mirror.

The best season is generally said to be from spring to summer, but the Shimanto River basin is surrounded by nature, and you can enjoy the scenery in all four seasons, such as the changing leaves in autumn and the snowy winter scenery.
Also, in winter, the number of plankton decreases, so the water is clearer than in summer, allowing you to see to the bottom.

From late May to early June, you can see fireflies along the Shimanto River.
The sight of fireflies flying around the majestic Shimanto River under a starry sky is very magical, and there are few examples of this scale anywhere in the country.

14 recommended sightseeing spots in Shimanto City!

1. “Sinkabashi” with a panoramic view of the Shimanto River

A bridge without a handrail that is designed with the assumption that it will sink into the river when the water rises is called a sinking bridge. "It's called.

There are 48 submersible bridges spanning the Shimanto River, and among them, the Sada Submersible Bridge , which is the most downstream of the Shimanto River, is the longest submersible bridge with a total length of 291.61 meters and is crowded with many tourists. .

Submerged bridges were built through the ingenuity of our predecessors, who lived in harmony with nature rather than trying to control its forces. It is a scenery that symbolizes Shimanto City, and also reminds us of the original scenery of good old Japan.

2. “Yakatabune” where you can enjoy nature with all five senses

At Shimanto River Yakatabune , you can enjoy a tasteful houseboat cruise.
As you cruise along the calm Shimanto River, you can enjoy the sounds of the river, the sound of birds, and the scent of greenery, making for a relaxing time. The course that passes under the submerged bridge is one of the best parts of riding a houseboat.

The `` houseboat '' has a roof, so you can use it safely even on rainy days . Enjoy your special lunch while enjoying the slowly moving scenery and make memories of your special trip.

At `` Funemo Roman Matsuhiroya ,'' you can enjoy boat rides . The sailing boat moves quietly as it is pushed by the wind, making you feel closer to the nature of Shimanto.

The Shimanto City Tourism Association sells great value pleasure boat tickets that can be purchased at 10% off the list price.

3. "Canoe touring" to fully enjoy the Shimanto River

You can also enjoy canoe touring on the Shimanto River.

You can experience the rich nature of the majestic Shimanto River with your whole body while enjoying the sense of freedom. When you lie down in a canoe, you can experience an extraordinary sensation of becoming one with the water surface.
The river's gentle flow makes it easy for even beginners to enjoy canoeing.

At `` Shimanto Canoe and Camping Village Kawarakko ,'' you can enjoy sup-touring as well as convenient camping sites equipped with power outlets and sinks, making it a popular camping spot .

4. ``Dosaki Observation Deck'' where you will be impressed by the magnificent scenery connecting the Shimanto River and the Pacific Ocean

If you want to enjoy the magnificent view of the intersection of the Shimanto River and the Pacific Ocean, head to Michizaki Observatory .
You can see the final destination of the Shimanto River, the longest river in western Japan with a total length of 196 km. It is a scenic spot located in the southwest large-scale park that is known only to those in the know.

When you climb the 7m columnar observation deck, you can see the horizon of the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy the spectacular view where the sea and river meet while being surrounded by the scent of nature.

Near Michizaki Observation Deck, in Shimoda Park, there is an object called `` Utsurou '' by artist Katsuyuki Shinohara (commonly known as Kuma-san). The iron tower points to the North Star, and the seven stained glass windows represent the Big Dipper.

5. “Shimanto River Gakuyukan”, which conveys the nature of the Shimanto River

" Dragonfly Nature Park " is the world's first dragonfly conservation area and is home to 81 species of dragonflies, the most in Japan .

There is a promenade in the park surrounded by green trees and seasonal flowers, and you can see about 60 types of dragonflies throughout the year.

At the Dragonfly Nature Park, you can get a feel for nature by interacting with living things outdoors, and at the Gakuyukan you can see specimens of insects from all over the world, including dragonflies from the Shimanto River.

Fish that live around the world, including the Shimanto River, are also on display, and the experience of feeding one of the world's largest freshwater fish, the pirarucu, is quite impressive.

6. “Shimanto City Local Museum Shirotto” where you can learn about the history of Shimanto City

Shirotto is a castle-shaped museum located on the ruins of Nakamura Castle , which was the residence of Kazutoyo Yamauchi 's younger brother, Yasutoyo.

The museum introduces the lifestyle, history, and culture that have been intertwined with the Shimanto River and its tributaries as a ``town that lives with the river.''
Also on display are valuable materials related to the Tosa Ichijo family, the Nakamura Yamanouchi family, Shinkichi Higuchi , a patriot at the end of the Edo period, and Shusui Kotoku, a socialist from Nakamura who was representative of the Meiji era.

The top floor is an observation deck where you can see the Shimanto River, Higashiyama, and the city.

In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom at Tamematsu Park , which is located next to the local museum, and many people visit to see the cherry blossoms every year.

7. “Annami Waterwheel Village” with its idyllic rural scenery

The `` Annami water wheel '' was built to irrigate the four villages of Akita, Annami, Saoka, and Kotsuga by constructing a well (160 m long and 11 m wide) for water diversion purposes in Asao, a tributary of the Shimanto River. It is what was given.

Previously, many waterwheels were installed in this idyllic rural landscape to pump water to Kattan Cotton and paddy fields.
Unfortunately, there are currently only a few waterwheels that pump water into the rice fields, and the waterwheels that were installed for tourism purposes are managed by local people.

In addition, a park has been developed near the waterwheel, and the hydrangeas planted along the waterway add color to the landscape.

8. Ichijo Shrine, the cornerstone of Tosa Little Kyoto

Ichijo Shrine was built in 1862 on the site of the Ichijo family's mausoleum on the summit of Mt. Komori, part of the Nakamura Gosho ruins, by volunteers to remember the virtues of the Tosa Ichijo clan.

The Tosa Ichijo clan began with former Kanpaku Norifusa Ichijo, who retired to avoid the Onin War, and the four generations since then have devoted their efforts to the development of Nakamura's culture and economy. Ichijo Shrine enshrines the spirits of Tosa Ichijo, including Norifusa Ichijo's father, Mr. Kaneyoshi.

In the precincts, there are historic sites related to the Ichijo clan, such as the ruins of the imperial palace, the cosmetic well , and the unblooming wisteria .

The Ichijo Grand Festival , affectionately known as "Ichijoko-san" by local residents, is held every year on November 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, and is a three-day festival that includes a procession of lanterns lit by sacred fire from Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto. Various events are being held.

If you're lucky, you'll be greeted by Miko-chan, the second-generation signboard cat.

9. Kozanji Temple/Citizen's Forest, founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai

`` Kozan-dera '' is also called Kozan-dera and is said to have been founded by `` Kobo Daishi Kukai .''

The principal image, the eleven-faced Kannon, is said to have been created by Kukai , and it is said that it was once a large temple with seven temples.
The current hall was rebuilt in the 1950s after the temple was abandoned in 1871. The wooden statue ``Nanbutsu Shonin Seated Statue'' is a portrait sculpture of Nanbutsu (Betto of Kongofukuji Temple), a monk who lived at Kozanji Temple in his later years. It was created in the Kamakura period and is designated as a cultural property by the prefecture , and is currently kept at the Shimanto City Museum.

It is known as a perfect spot for hiking and forest bathing, and is also a popular bird-watching spot where many migratory birds gather.

It is also famous as a place to see wisteria, the city flower of Shimanto City, and you can see about 20 of the 32 types of wisteria that bloom around the world.

10. “Iwami-dera” where you can take a mini tour of 88 temples

Iwamidera Mountain , located in a corner of Higashiyama, Shimanto City, has a hiking course with 88 miniature Shikoku stone Buddha statues.

There are 88 miniature shrines enshrined along the hiking course (approximately 4 km), and white tags indicating the temple name and principal image are placed next to the stone Buddha statues.

It is the 39th temple of the 88 pilgrimages in Shikoku, and is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai in 804 AD. It is said that during the Ichijo era, he did not want pilgrims to enter the temple, so he gave up the temple and moved it to Terayama Enkoji Temple in Hirata Village. During the Ichijo clan era, Iwami-ji Temple was a guardian temple that resembled Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei in Kyoto.

11. Kochi Prefecture's oldest shrine "Fuwa Hachimangu"

Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine is said to have been built by Norifusa Ichijo, the founder of the Tosa Ichijo clan, about 550 years ago, at the request of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto, as the general guardian of Hata.

The shrine is said to be the guardian deity of the Ichijo family, and is highly revered by the Ichijo clan as well as the Chosokabe clan, the Nakamura Yamanouchi clan, and the successive lords of the castle.
In addition, the main shrine is the oldest shrine in Kochi Prefecture, and has been designated as a national important cultural property as an important building from the late Muromachi period. The main shrine is built in Sangensha style construction and the beautiful slope of the shingled roof is eye-catching.

The Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival , held every September, is an autumn festival famous for the wedding ceremony of the gods .
It is said that this festival was started to correct barbarism such as "Yomekatsugi" and is a rare festival nationwide.

There are many highlights such as the mikoshi ceremony, votive sumo wrestling, Hata Kagura, ageuma and bushame.

12. “Jabou Shrine”, a power spot known only to those in the know

Jaou Shrine is a rare shrine where you will be greeted by a guardian snake , which is not just a guardian dog .

Coiled snakes are lined up on both sides of the approach to the stairs.

" White Snake " is enshrined at Hebiou Shrine. Its benefits are said to have a strong power, such as ``luck with money, good luck with health, and success in exams'', and it has attracted many believers.

The Snake King statue, ``Snake King Hall,'' is located in a place that appears to be floating in the air. Surrounded by mountains all around, you can feel the mysterious power of the snake king statue.

A short detour “Naga Coast”

" Nagakaigan " is located near Jao Shrine and is a hidden gem that only locals know about.

The waves are calm and the white sandy beach is small and spacious.

13. If you want to enjoy a starry sky in the "starry city", go to "Shimanto Observatory"

The Nishitosa district of Shimanto City, a starry sky spot recognized by the former Environment Agency, has been certified as a ` `Starry Sky City .''

Shimanto Astronomical Observatory has the best environment for astronomical observation as there are few street lights around, and you can observe the starry sky shining all over the sky with your naked eyes .

A full-scale astronomical telescope is also installed in the observation dome, allowing you to observe planets, nebulae, star clusters, etc. that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Enjoy a luxurious journey through the starry sky while listening to commentary from a star expert, the Star Admiring Attendant .

14. If you are looking for local souvenirs, "Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa"

`` Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa '' has a wide variety of local ingredients and original products, as well as many souvenirs that can only be obtained here.

A light truck is installed in the store, and products are displayed on top of the light truck. It has a homely atmosphere with a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and locally handcrafted items.

Tenants include the `` Ayu Market ,'' which sells demonstrations of salt-grilled wild sweetfish, `` Straw Bale SANKANYA ,'' which sells handmade cakes, and `` Nishitosa Shokudo ,'' which uses Nishitosa ingredients, so you can satisfy both your heart and your stomach. Why not take a trip to meet the famous stationmaster Hayashi?

Access to Shimanto City

Kochi Station → Kubokawa Station → Nakamura Station (Can be used without connecting)

Matsuyama Station → Uwajima Station → Ekawasaki Station - Nakamura Station (Ekawasaki Station - Nakamura Station is a bus section. By using the river bus, you can go from Ekawasaki Station to Nakamura Station while sightseeing along the Shimanto River and arrive at Shimanto City.)

river bus
Shimanto River tour bus that connects trains and buses!
You can smoothly transfer to the train for your next destination while sightseeing, such as the gentle meandering scenery of the last clear stream of Shimanto, a stroll along the submerged bridge, and a sightseeing boat on the Shimanto River.

River bus service schedule
Daily service Spring vacation (3/16-3/31), Golden Week (4/22-5/7), Summer vacation (7/15-8/31)
Operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Suspended from March to November. December to February.

Akame issue
For just 500 yen, you can ride the tour bus as many times as you want for one day, visiting spots in Shimanto City!

Akame service schedule
Spring vacation (Saturdays and Sundays in March), Golden Week (4/22-5/7), Summer vacation (7/15-8/31), Winter vacation (12/23-1/8)

For 3 days → 3000 yen, 5 days → 3500 yen, in addition to local lines, you can ride the river bus Yashima and Ashizuri as much as you like! ! !

Also available at Shimanto City Tourism Association✨

Let's ride YODO LINE BROTHERS!

The Yodo Line is a local line that connects Kitauwajima and Iwai Station.

From the train window, you can see scenic views of the Shimanto River on both sides. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to ride the entire line, so you can enjoy the scenery at your leisure.
You can also go to Matsuyama and Kochi on the Yodo Line.

railway hobby train

The world's slowest Shinkansen! The maximum speed is 85km/h!
The `` Tetsudo Hobby Train '' is a train that operates on the Yodo Line with a high-impact design inspired by the first-generation Shinkansen 0 series.
In addition to faithfully reproducing the dumpling nose, there is also a seat that was actually used on the 0 series Shinkansen. There are many railroad models on display inside the train, which you can enjoy both inside and outside.

You can ride it between Ekawasaki and Uwajima.

Kappa Uyoyo issue

As the name suggests, the `` Kappa Uyoyo '' has kappas dancing inside and outside.
The exterior is designed with kappas enjoying the clear river, and the interior is also designed with many kappas.

The interior of the train is filled with raincoats, from the seat design to the curtain design to the raincoat showcase. It might be fun to count how many there are.
Kappas are displayed throughout the train, allowing you to fully enjoy the world of kappas.

You can ride between Kubokawa and Ekawasaki.

Those who want to know more about Shimanto City!

The Shimanto City Tourism Association also rents bicycles!
Also, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about sightseeing in Shimanto City or if you would like to receive a pamphlet.

Article created by Shimanto City Tourism Association