Shimanto City

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Expanding along the downstream areas of the "Shimanto River," praised as Japan's last pristine stream, "Shimanto City" is a central tourist city in western Kochi Prefecture where an overwhelming healing of great nature and deep historical romance merge comfortably. The Shimanto River flowing leisurely through the city features numerous traditional "Chinka-bashi" (sinking bridges) built without railings, creating an original landscape of Japan that thoroughly captivates travelers worldwide in harmony with surrounding lush green mountains. Historically established as the "Little Kyoto of Tosa" by high-class court nobles who fled Kyoto during the Onin War, a refined cultural air drifts through its streetscapes. Serving as a treasure trove of gastronomy featuring fresh sweetfish, river shrimp, and premium Tosa wagyu beef, it is a city where you can enjoy canoeing or cycling while fully filling yourself with luxurious island times.

Shimanto City
Favorite
幡多広域「四万十市」編｜高知県幡多エリア観光✕SDGs「TAKE ACTION」～持続可能な未来を作る私たちの行動～

幡多広域「四万十市」編｜高知県幡多エリア観光✕SDGs「TAKE ACTION」～持続可能な未来を作る私たちの行動～

Hata Regional Tourism Association

Shimanto City

Address
8-3 Ekimae-cho, Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
Website
https://www.shimanto-kankou.com/
Operator
Shimanto City Tourism Association

Shimanto City Spots List

スポット一覧
  • Iwama Ohashi Bridge
  • Imanari Bridge
  • Kuroson River
  • Shimanto River Station Canoe Hall
Iwama Ohashi Bridge
Kochi

Iwama Ohashi Bridge

Spanning the idyllic mountain valley of Nishitosa, Shimanto City, "Iwama Ohashi Bridge" (commonly famous as Iwama Chinka-bashi) is a travel-romance rich hidden spectacular scenic sinking bridge celebrated globally as one of the most beautiful landscapes along the Shimanto River, frequently featured in television commercials and posters. Constructed without railings (handrails) designed to sink into the river during floods uniquely along the Shimanto River, this wooden-and-concrete bridge perfectly integrates with surrounding lush green beautiful mountains, presenting the very original scenery of Japan. Meticulous photo opportunities such as the surrounding mountains beautifully mirroring over the river surface like a looking-glass or canoes...

  • Kochi
  • Sightseeing
  • Spring
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  • Autumn
  • Winter
Imanari Bridge
Kochi

Imanari Bridge

Spanning the absolute downstream area of the Shimanto River, "Imanari Bridge" (commonly famous as Sada Chinka-bashi) boasts a total length of 291.6 meters, standing as the "longest and most grand scale" sinking bridge among all those across the Shimanto River, symbolizing Kochi sightseeing with immense popularity. Extending low and long along the wide, grand flow of the Shimanto River without any railings, its bridge silhouette is full of pure impact; walking or cycling across provides a top-tier feeling of openness as if flying straight atop the water surface. Canoeing, SUP, and traditional yakatabune houseboat operations are highly active around the...

  • Kochi
  • Sightseeing
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Kuroson River
Kochi

Kuroson River

Boasting outstanding transparency among numerous tributaries of the Shimanto River and selected among the "Top 100 Pristine Waters of the Heisei Era," the "Kuroson River" is a hidden ultimate retreat clear stream spot where untouched, primitive beautiful great nature remains perfectly. The crystal clear water shimmering in a magnificent "Kuroson Blue" where even patterns of stones at the river bottom can be clearly seen deeply purifies your mind and body the moment you step inside. The surrounding area is covered by one of Japan's largest vast primeval beech forests, turning into brilliant red and yellow during the autumn foliage season...

  • Kochi
  • Nature
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
Shimanto River Station Canoe Hall
Kochi

Shimanto River Station Canoe Hall

The "Shimanto River Station Canoe Hall," located in Nishitoshi, Shimanto City, is the ultimate activity base where outdoor lovers worldwide gather to fully experience the great nature of the Shimanto River—termed Japan's last pristine stream—with their whole body. Under the guidance of friendly instructors, everyone from beginners to full-scale paddlers can safely enjoy canoe, kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) experiences here. Gliding quietly atop the endless transparent pure waters while passing straight underneath the "沈下橋" (Chinka-bashi) terraced bridges—the symbol of the Shimanto River—is pure exhilaration. Listening to the beautiful murmuring of water alongside surrounding lush green mountains, it is a...

  • Kochi
  • Sightseeing
  • Activities
  • Nature
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter
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