[ Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture ] Tour the Ashizuri Peninsula in Tosashimizu City by rental bicycle

Introduction

Tosashimizu City is blessed with a rich natural environment, including the Ashizuri Peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, Tatsukushi with its Mars-like landscape of strangely shaped rocks, the historic fishing towns of Matsuo and Kubotsu, John Manjiro's hometown of Nakahama, and Oki Tosashimizu City with its beautiful sandy beaches.

On the other hand, it can be difficult to visit various spots without your own car or a rental car, but if you are confident in your stamina, we recommend using a road bike or electric assist bicycle to visit hidden spots.

Here we will introduce various spots that you can tour by bicycle.

• Table of Contents
• The classic tourist route: Cape Ashizuri Misaki
• View of Shimizu Port and the Tosashimizu townscape from the former ferry dock site
• "The famous water of Shimizu " that is said to be the origin of the name of Tosashimizu City
• John Manjiro's hometown "Nakanohama"
• Hidden scenic spot "Ohama Tunnel"
• Usubaezaki Lighthouse stands in a fantastic location
• The spectacular scenic spots of "Usubae" and "Ryugu Shrine"
• Usubae Sakura Park: where you can see a variety of cherry blossoms in spring
• The Tojindaba Megaliths: A power spot where you can feel the power of the ancient times
• "U-no misaki" is a hidden scenic spot known only to those in the know.
• "Matsuo" - Historic Ishigaki and stairs
• Ooto Dragonfly Park: See plants and insects that have taken root in the biotope
• Manjiro Footbath: A relaxing, free-to-enter spot with a scenic view
• Temple No. 38 Kongofukuji, an ancient temple with a Nankoku atmosphere
• Cape Ashizuri Misaki, the southernmost point of the Shikoku mainland
• The unique appearance of Kamado Shrine
• East side of Ashizuri Peninsula
• About bicycle rental

The classic tourist route: Cape Ashizuri Misaki

Cape Ashizuri Misaki is the most famous tourist spot in Tosashimizu City .
Located at the tip of a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, the Ashizuri Peninsula has a circumference of approximately 25km.

Here, we will introduce spots going west from the starting point, Koseibashi Bridge.

View of Shimizu Port and the Tosashimizu townscape from the former ferry dock site

Approximately 1.4km from Koseibashi Bridge

The remains of the ferry dock that once stood between this town and Ebisumachi on the opposite bank remain.
This is a spot where you can see the mouth of Shimizu Bay and the Tosashimizu City, depending on the time of day.
You can see fishing boats returning to Shimizu Fishing Port and boats heading out to fish.

"The famous water of Shimizu " that is said to be the origin of the name of Tosashimizu City

Approximately 1.8km from Koseibashi Bridge

It has long been counted among the three famous springs of Tosa, and is said to be the origin of the name "Shimizu."
It's in an inconspicuous spot along the national highway, so it's a spot that's hard to notice from a car.
Additionally, the area across the road from the famous Shimizu Shimizu is a spot to view the Daruma sunset from mid-November to late January.

Source: Tatsukushi Visitor Center Uminowa

John Manjiro's hometown "Nakanohama"

About 4km from Koseibashi

Nakahama is the hometown of John Manjiro, also known as Nakahama Manjiro, who is known as one of the great men of the late Edo period.
This old fishing town is dotted with spots such as John Manjiro's birthplace (reconstructed), temporary grave, and monuments, as well as a barn where Souda-bushi sushi is stored, a rare sight these days, and the aroma of Souda-bushi fills the air.

Hidden scenic spot "Ohama Tunnel"

Approximately 4.6km from Koseibashi

This is the first of two tunnels on the way from Tosashimizu city to Cape Ashizuri Misaki.
The tunnel is built in a way that it slopes down towards the sea, so if you go through it on a clear day, you can see a unique view that looks as if the exit of the tunnel is connected to the sea surface.

Usubaezaki Lighthouse stands in a fantastic location

Approximately 7.2km from Koseibashi

Although it is not well known, I personally think it has the best location among the lighthouses in Tosashimizu City.
The road leading to the lighthouse is narrow and dangerous in places, so we recommend parking your bike at the entrance and going on foot.
It takes about 5 minutes on foot from the entrance.

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The spectacular scenic spots of "Usubae" and "Ryugu Shrine"

Approximately 7.3km from Koseibashi

Tosashimizu City is rich in nature, and Usubae is known for its impressive, rugged rock faces.
In the midst of this rugged and majestic scenery, there is a small shrine called Ryugu Shrine, consisting of only a vermilion torii gate and a small shrine.

The promenade leading to Ryugu Shrine is made up of stairs and can only be accessed by foot, but once you overcome the rugged route you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view.

It takes about 10 to 15 minutes from the trailhead.

Usubae Sakura Park: where you can see a variety of cherry blossoms in spring

Approximately 7.8km from Koseibashi

It's a bit of a detour, but you can see some pretty spectacular views in spring.
Furthermore, it is a hidden gem of a spot in Tosashimizu City with rather poor transportation access, and you can spend some relaxing time in the spacious park with a view of the ocean.

The Tojindaba Megaliths: A power spot where you can feel the power of the ancient times

About 10km from Koseibashi

If you continue along the narrower, winding road from Usubae Sakura Park, which we introduced earlier, you will arrive at an open area called Toujindaba.
There are several ranches and public toilets here, and passing through them you will come to the Tojindaba Megaliths.

This is an archaeological site where various items such as tableware and arrowheads have been excavated as the remains of Jomon period dwellings. If you climb up to Senjojiki near the summit, you can see the ocean beyond the megaliths and vast parkland.

Be careful, you have to go through a very narrow road to access it.

"U-no misaki" is a hidden scenic spot known only to those in the know.

Approximately 7.2 km from Kosei Bridge (via Matsuo Tunnel)

This is an observation deck located in an area close to Usubae.

Compared to Usube, which has a parking lot and toilets, this spot is not very conspicuous, with only a sign at the entrance. However, it stands on top of a rugged rock cliff typical of the southwest side of the Ashizuri Peninsula, and from the slightly retro observation deck you can get a panoramic view of the majestic Pacific Ocean.

It is less well known than Cape Ashizuri Misaki and Usube, and fewer people stop by, so it is a quiet spot where you can spend a relaxing time with only the sound of the waves echoing.

"Matsuo" - Historic Ishigaki and stairs

Approximately 7.2 km from Kosei Bridge (via Matsuo Tunnel)

Matsuo village, which has long prospered through fishing, developed on a small piece of land above Matsuo fishing port, a natural harbor, and is a town with many Ishigaki and narrow staircases built to make the most of the land.

In Matsuo village, there are many things to see, such as the "Large Ako Taiki at Matsuo Tenmangu Shrine," the "Stone-Hugging Ako Tree," the "Yoshifuku Family Residence," and the "Ebido (Blue Cave)."
There are various spots such as Myojin Shrine and Onnashiro Shrine, and the townscape is also quaint, making it a great spot for a stroll around town.

Ooto Dragonfly Park: See plants and insects that have taken root in the biotope

Approximately 8.8km from Koseibashi

This is a quiet park located next to the prefectural road leading to Ashizuri.
Although it is small in scale, you can see seasonal plants and insects that have taken root in the biotope.

There are also rest benches and vending machines, making it a great spot to take a break while looking out at the sea.

Manjiro Footbath: A relaxing, free-to-enter spot with a scenic view

Approximately 11km from Koseibashi

This facility allows you to relax in a foot bath while taking in the view of Hakusan Cave, one of Japan's largest granite sea caves, and the majestic Pacific Ocean.

They are available free of charge (towels are available for purchase if not available)

Manjiro Footbath

〒787-0315 482-1 Cape Ashizuri, Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture

The hot water of Ashizuri Onsen is said to have healed the tiredness of Kobo Daishi. From the large glass-enclosed windows, you can see the sky and ocean as far as the eye can see, and the Hakusan Cave towering below. Cape Ashizuri and Kongofuku-ji Temple are also nearby, so why not take a relaxing footbath to soothe away the fatigue of your trip? Towels are also sold (100 yen), so you can enjoy it empty-handed.

Temple No. 38 Kongofukuji, an ancient temple with a Nankoku atmosphere

Approximately 11.5km from Koseibashi

It is the 38th temple of the 88 sacred places of Shikoku.
Located on Cape Ashizuri Misaki, this historic temple stands amidst spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and is a place of worship associated with Kobo Daishi.

Kongofukuji Temple

214-1 Cape Ashizuri, Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture 〒787-0315

The 38th temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (Shikoku Pilgrimage Tour of 88 Sacred Sites). Kongofuku-ji Temple, located on Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost tip of Shikoku, is located at the longest distance between temples. In the 13th year of Konin (822), by the imperial request of Emperor Saga, Kobo Daishi created the three-faced, thousand-armed Kannon as the principal object of worship in the 14th year of Konin (823). In the precincts, there are many cultural properties such as Tahoto, Jusanseki Pagoda, and Gyakushu no Pagoda.

Cape Ashizuri Misaki, the southernmost point of the Shikoku mainland

This cape is the southernmost Misaki of the Shikoku mainland and is a scenic spot offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.
At the tip of the Misaki stands the Ashizuri Lighthouse, and the surrounding cliffs and beautiful coastline are distinctive features.
This is a spot where you can feel the grandeur of nature, with the horizon stretching from one end of the field to the other, such as from Cape Ashizuri Misaki Observatory or Tengu's Nose.

Cape Ashizuri

1349 Cape Ashizuri, Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture 787-0315

Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost tip of Shikoku You can enjoy the observatory, promenade, rare plants, topography, etc. while walking. From the observatory, you can see a 270° panorama of the Pacific Ocean and powerful waves. On the promenade, you can enjoy the tunnels of trees, rock walls, and spectacular views while visiting the Seven Wonders of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), a monk who had a great influence on Japanese Buddhism. The symbolic lighthouse has been watching over the safety of ships for over 100 years. The bronze statue standing at the entrance is of John Manjiro, a great man of Tosa, and is said to face America, which is closely related to him. Sunrise in the early morning Pacific Ocean shining in the daytime Sunset in the evening Starry sky at night If you have come all the way to Kochi, it is also recommended to walk through the southernmost point.

The unique appearance of Kamado Shrine

Approximately 14.2km from Koseibashi

This is a small shrine located along the prefectural road about 3km from Cape Ashizuri Misaki.

You might not notice it if you're just driving along, but the plants around the shrine and the huge rocks on top of the shrine create quite an atmosphere.
This is one of my favorite shrines in Tosashimizu City.

It's located along a prefectural road, so I think the convenience of being able to drop in quickly is also an appealing point.

East side of Ashizuri Peninsula

Compared to the west side, there are hardly any tourist attractions, but there is a wide variety of routes, from forest roads to village lanes and coastal roads, so I think it's a very pleasant course to cycle on.

It is also a good idea to start cycling in the Higashi direction, then take your time returning from Cape Ashizuri Misaki, visiting all the spots that interest you.

About bicycle rental

Mori Bicycle Shop (Road bike types only)

2-1 Tosashimizu City
Business hours: 8:30-18:30
Closed: Sunday
0880-82-0068

Electrically assisted bicycle rental information