[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] How to get to Shimanto City! Go see the last clear stream in Japan, the Shimanto River!

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We will introduce how to access Shimanto City, located in the western part of Kochi Prefecture.

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The Hata region of Kochi Prefecture is located at the southwestern tip of Shikoku, and is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, facing Tosa Bay to the east and Bungo Channel to the west. It is made up of three cities, two towns, and one village: Hara Village. It is a natural powerhouse rich in blessings, including the nationally famous Shimanto River and Cape Ashizuri, the blessings of the Kuroshio Current that flows along the coast, and the blessings of mountains that boast the largest area of forests in the country.

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] How to get to Shimanto City! Go see the last clear stream in Japan, the Shimanto River!

We will introduce how to access Shimanto City, located in the western part of Kochi Prefecture.

Take a leisurely train ride or a leisurely car ride along mountain roads, and eventually the magnificent panorama of the Pacific Ocean will jump into your eyes. It is one of the typical views that welcomes guests who visit western Kochi Prefecture. Whether you come by plane, train, or car, it is a long journey to see the Shimanto River. But when you see the majestic, clear waters of the Shimanto River at the end of that long journey, you will surely be moved. Go and meet your dream. Why not take your time and enjoy the long travel time? Come and see the last clear water of Japan, the Shimanto River. We look forward to seeing you.

Table of Contents
1. Coming by private car (rental car)
2. Coming by plane
3. Coming by ferry
4. Coming by train or bus
5. Go around Shimanto City
6. Bicycle rental
7. Inquiries regarding access methods

1. Coming by private car (rental car)

A From Kochi City (travel time: about 1 hour 55 minutes)
Kochi IC ➡ (Kochi Expressway) ➡ Shimantocho Chuo IC Exit ➡ Shimantocho Chuo IC Entrance ➡ Kennokawa IC Exit ➡ (National Route 56) ➡ Shimanto City

B From Matsuyama City (travel time: about 2 hours 50 minutes)
Matsuyama IC ➡ (Matsuyama Expressway) ➡ Mima IC Exit ➡ (National Route 441) ➡ Shimanto City

C From Takamatsu City (travel time: about 3 hours)
Takamatsu Nishi IC ➡ (Takamatsu Expressway - Kochi Expressway) ➡ Kochi IC ➡ (Kochi Expressway) ➡ Shimantocho Chuo IC Exit ➡ Shimantocho Chuo IC Entrance ➡ Kennokawa IC Exit ➡ (National Route 56) ➡ Shimanto City

D From Tokushima City (travel time: about 4 hours)
Tokushima IC ➡ (Tokushima Expressway - Kochi Expressway) ➡ Kochi IC ➡ (Kochi Expressway) ➡ Shimantocho Chuo IC Exit ➡ Shimantocho Chuo IC Entrance ➡ Kennokawa IC Exit ➡ (National Route 56) ➡ Shimanto City

E From Okayama City (travel time: about 4 hours)
Kojima IC ➡ (Setouchi Chuo Expressway - Takamatsu Expressway - Kochi Expressway) ➡ Kochi IC ➡ (Kochi Expressway) ➡ Shimantocho Chuo IC Exit ➡ Shimantocho Chuo IC Entrance ➡ Kennokawa IC Exit ➡ (National Route 56) ➡ Shimanto City

2. Coming by plane

①By Plane From Tokyo ➡ Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes From Nagoya ➡ Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes From Osaka ➡ Approx. 50 minutes From Fukuoka ➡ Approx. 55 minutes

➡After arriving at Kochi Ryoma Airport➡Go to ② or ③
②Rent a car ➡Go to 1
③Train/bus ➡ 4

3. Coming by ferry

1. Ferry
Usuki Port ➡ (Uwajima Ferry/Kyushi Orange Ferry: approx. 2 hours 25 minutes) ➡ Yawatahama Port Beppu Port ➡ (Uwajima Transport Ferry: approx. 2 hours 50 minutes) ➡ Yawatahama Port Saganoseki Port ➡ (National Route Kyushi Ferry: approx. 1 hour 10 minutes) ➡ Misaki Port Wakayama Port ➡ (Nankai Ferry: approx. 2 hours 10 minutes) ➡ Tokushima Port

After arrival ➡ Go to ② or ③

②Rent a car ➡Go to 1

③Train/bus ➡ 4

4. Coming by train or bus

①Railway
Okayama Station ➡ (Limited Express Nanpu: approx. 4 hours) ➡ Kubokawa Station ➡ (Kuroshio Railway: approx. 33 minutes) ➡ Nakamura Station

② Bus (night bus)
Depart Kyoto (21:00 departure) → via Osaka → Nakamura Station (7:05 arrival)

5. Go around Shimanto City

We recommend the following transportation methods within Shimanto City: ① rental car, ② bus, ③ taxi. We will introduce each method of transportation together with its features.
We also have a wide selection of rental bicycles, so we recommend taking your time to explore the Shimanto River by bicycle.

①Rent a car
Shimanto City, dotted with tourist sites such as the Submerged Bridge and Dragonfly Park, is a great place to travel freely by car. However, the roads along the Shimanto River are narrow in many places, so you should drive with care.

②Tourist bus
Shimanto City operates a tourist bus to travel around the tourist spots efficiently. By using the "BUSPASS", an unlimited ride ticket for foreign visitors, you can travel around the city at a discount. *Please check the contact information below for the operating days and details.
A. Sightseeing bus "Shimanto River Bus"
A sightseeing bus that connects Nakamura Station (Nakamura area) and Ekawasaki Station (Nishi Tosa area). It stops at submerged bridges and roadside stations, allowing you to fully enjoy the Shimanto River. [Fee] 1,000 to 1,600 yen (half price for children)
[Operating days] Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, and spring vacation from April to November
B. Tourist bus "Akame circular tour bus"
This is a sightseeing bus that circulates around the Nakamura area. You can get on and off as many times as you like for just 500 yen. You can also board from major accommodations. You can visit tourist spots such as Tombo Park, Sada Submerged Bridge, and the Local Museum. [Fee] 500 yen (half price for children) [Operating days] Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April to November, Golden Week, summer vacation, and spring vacation period

③Taxi
We also operate hospitality taxis, which are convenient for sightseeing.

6. Bicycle rental

If you ride your bike slowly along the river, you might come across fishermen fishing for sweetfish or shrimp traps submerged in the river. You can also see the unique land use of the river basin. Why not take a leisurely bike ride to discover the hidden pleasures of the Shimanto River?

7. Inquiries regarding access methods

[Contact information] Shimanto City Tourism Association 0880-35-4171
[HP] Shimanto City Tourism Association special page https://www.shimanto-kankou.com/

Written by

Hata Region Tourism Bureau

Kochi

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