Takase River flows from Omachi into Azumino It then meets two rivers and becomes the Saikawa Upstream lie MtShirouma and the ridgeline of the Northern Alps Sunlight pours down as if spring has arrived

[Kochi Prefecture Shimanto City] Flowers That Color the Shimanto River Basin 1. Climate of Shimanto City Shimanto City enjoys abundant forests, the clear Shimanto River, and the pacific ocean to its southeast, offering a rich natural environment. From 1991 through 2020, the average temperature was 16.5°C and the average annual precipitation was 2,877.9 mm, giving the area a warm, Pacific-type climate. 2. Flowers Nurtured by the Mild Climate [Spring] 〇 Around late February, when the spring sun begins to warm the days, the Iruta Yanagi Grove in the Shimanto River lower basin turns a tender yellow-green as new buds swell, and some 10 million rapeseed flowers bloom across the willow groves like a yellow carpet. This is an iconic scene that announces spring in the Shimanto River watershed. 〇 By late March, the cherry trees at the hilltop viewing spot Tamesho Park come into full bloom. Lanterns are lit during the cherry blossom season, letting visitors enjoy the night blossoms as well. The Shimanto City Local Museum sits nearby, so while learning about local history you can also take in the views from its observation floor. (Shimanto City Local Museum opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Wednesdays) At Shimanto River Sakura Zutsumi Park, neatly planted cherry trees and well-kept lawns invite visitors to sit and enjoy hanami while admiring the spring-bright Shimanto River. In the Shimanto River lower basin, plowing of rice fields begins around this time and the frogs start to call. 〇 When the cherry blossoms fall and the trees turn to leaf, look toward Kōzan-ji Temple to see the city flower, wisteria, paint the slopes purple. Kōzan-ji is also popular for hiking and birdwatching, and a park with play equipment makes it a favorite spot for families on holidays. 〇 In breezy May, roses and lilies cultivated by local residents brighten the pastoral inland landscapes in the Nishitosa area. Omiya Rose Garden welcomes visitors with about 500 rose bushes, while Nishitosa Yabukachi greets them with roughly 12,000 lilies. 〇 At this time of year, Shimanto Dragonfly Park shows dragonflies dancing above waters edged with water lilies and irises. Established in 1985 as the world’s first dragonfly reserve, the park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly. The Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio, attached to the park, exhibits insect specimens from around the world including dragonflies, alongside fish that inhabit the Shimanto River. (Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio opening hours/9:00–17:00, closed/Mondays) [Early summer] 〇 Under rainy, cloudy skies in June, Yasunami Waterwheel Village delights visitors with the rhythmic clack of turning waterwheels while hydrangeas along the waterways blaze with color. Sheltered pavilions near the channels make it pleasant to sit and watch the hydrangeas and the rural scenery. In the inland parts of Shimanto City, summer heat can be intense; when northwesterly winds blow, the foehn effect can raise temperatures and sea breezes from the pacific ocean have difficulty reaching inland, causing high heat. On August 12, 2013, Egawazaki recorded Japan’s highest temperature that year at 41.0°C. [Autumn] 〇 In late September, when the sky seems a little higher, the Iruta Yanagi Grove is enlivened by clusters of red spider lilies (manjushage) that dye the area bright red, and autumn insects begin to call from the grasses. Around this time the severe summer heat gradually eases. 〇 In early November, when autumn deepens, beautiful fall colors appear along the ravines of the Kurozon River, a tributary of the Shimanto River. [Winter] Although Shimanto City benefits from a mild climate, snow does fall some winters in the mountain valleys and on plains opening toward the Bungo Channel, and mornings and evenings often dip below freezing. Daytime, however, tends to be mild with many pleasant, sunny winter days. 3. Events to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring The Iruta Yanagi Grove, introduced above, hosts the Nanohana Festival. At the Nanohana Festival, the rapeseed flower groves spread like a yellow carpet and a variety of events are planned, including sales of local specialty products and wind band performances by junior and senior high school students. Please come and enjoy Shimanto River sightseeing when the rapeseed flowers are in bloom.

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Must-try local ingredients in Shimanto City! [Part 2] Shimanto City offers so many recommended ingredients that it’s impossible to pick just one. Everything harvested from its rich natural environment is exquisite. You can enjoy the blessings of the Shimanto River, the bounty of the sea, and the fruits of the mountains and countryside—discovering Shimanto’s food culture and local cuisine. 〇 Shimanto’s seafood: Nakamura’s traditional flavor, Nakamura-style salt-seared bonito Bonito tataki is famous across Japan. While salt tataki often means simply sprinkling salt, Nakamura-style salt tataki from the Nakamura region of Shimanto City uses a salt sauce brightened with the juice of vinegar citrus to season the fish. Each restaurant has its own seasoning, creating a traditional flavor you can only taste here. Not only bonito but also fresh fish such as suma (suma-gatsuo) and hagatsuo are used depending on the catch. From March to May you can enjoy the light, refreshing first bonito and migrating bonito, while from September to November the fatty returning bonito and descending bonito are at their best. Salt-seared tataki made from seasonal fish is also available at other times of year. ・Seasonal sashimi Located at the heart of western Kochi Prefecture with abundant fishing grounds, Shimanto City offers fresh fish such as isegi, gure, and kourou at local shops, and bonito is served not only as tataki but also as sashimi. The thick, satisfying cuts of sashimi are a local specialty. 〇 A fish you can’t eat unless you visit Shimanto?! “Biri” bonito Bonito caught in the evening and served to customers about three hours after landing—before rigor mortis sets in—is called biri. It features a strikingly soft yet springy, chewy texture. This extreme freshness creates an addictive bonito that pairs perfectly with sake. (The Hata region dialect word “biri” means “the freshest of the fresh.”) 〇 Shimanto’s beef is delicious too! The legendary female-only “Shimanto Beef” Shimanto Beef is a rare product made exclusively from female kuroge wagyu (black-haired Japanese cattle), with only about 100 heads shipped each year. Its hallmark is sweet, light fat with a low melting point, characteristic of female cattle. Raised with great care at company-run farms, these cattle drink pure mountain water that feeds into the Shimanto River and are fed a special homemade feed blend, hay, and local rice straw. Raised stress-free in quiet mountain valleys with little traffic or people, Shimanto cattle develop intensely sweet, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The quality of the fat produces the sweet flavor and the melting texture in the mouth. The result is an exceptional taste—superb in umami, sweetness, and aroma.

[Kochi Prefecture Shimanto City] Must-try ingredients in Shimanto City! [Part 1] Shimanto City offers so many recommended ingredients that it’s impossible to pick just one. Everything harvested from its rich nature is delicious. You can enjoy the river’s bounty, the sea’s offerings, and the mountains’ and countryside’s produce—experiencing Shimanto’s food culture and local cuisine. ○ River bounty from the Shimanto River: “Wild Eel” ・How to tell wild eel apart One way to distinguish wild eel from farmed eel is by the color of the belly. Wild eels spend long lives living on riverbeds and in holes in natural environments. When they feed or escape predators, they often rub their bellies against the river bottom, which can make the belly appear yellow. Because they get plenty of exercise, wild eels are muscular and have a firm texture with a clean, light fat and a concentrated eel flavor. Their girth is often larger than that of farmed eel. ・Delicious ways to enjoy wild eel Thick wild eel grilled over charcoal develops a fragrant, crisp skin and a springy, meaty texture. Popular preparations include kabayaki with sauce and shiroyaki seasoned simply with salt. The liver is used in clear soups, and the bones can be deep-fried. ・Eel fishing Shimanto River’s wild eel are caught by traditional methods such as ishiguro fishing and korobashi fishing, making them a valued local brand ingredient. Wild eel have become scarce in recent years, making them precious. The wild eel season runs from April to September. ・Glass-eel fishing Glass eels, the juvenile eels caught near the Shimanto River, are used for aquaculture. Nighttime glass-eel fishing in winter, lit by attracting lights, creates a magical scene. ○ Farmed eel with a near-wild taste ・How to tell farmed eel apart Farmed eel grow in environments without predators and eat steadily, so their bellies are white and their flesh is tender. They rarely move vigorously or rub against the riverbed, so they grow cleanly. With less exercise than wild eel, farmed eel often carry richer fat. ・Farming Eel farmed in Shimanto approaches the qualities of wild eel, offering resilient skin and firm, meaty thick flesh with a satisfying chew. The fat provides a light, savory richness. ○ A gift from the Shimanto River: “Wild Sweetfish (Ayu)” ・Two names for ayu Ayu often die after about one year and are called “year fish.” Because they feed mainly on riverbed algae, they have a pleasant aroma and are also known as “fragrant fish.” The taste of ayu varies with the river they grow up in. Wild ayu raised in clear rivers and fed high-quality algae are said to have a scent reminiscent of watermelon or cucumber; the wild ayu of the Shimanto River have a rich river fragrance worthy of the name “fragrant fish.” ・Wild ayu Because they scrape algae off stones with their teeth, ayu have developed front teeth and a pointed mouth. They take on a yellowish hue, a moist texture, and a firm belly. ・Delicious ways to enjoy ayu Salt-grilled ayu, which highlights the ingredient, is a classic preparation. Removing the tail, holding the head, and pulling out the bones makes it easy to eat neatly. The post-spawning “ochi-ayu” in December–January, when fat has dropped, is locally enjoyed as a light salt simmer. Other preparations include kanroni (sweet-simmered whole fish) that soften head and bones, and uruka, a salted-fermented ayu innards condiment—among many local ways to eat ayu. ・Ayu fishing Shimanto River still preserves traditional fishing methods such as tomogake (friend-hook) fishing, net fishing, and hiburi (torch) fishing. The wild ayu seasons are June to October 15 and December to January. ○ Springy texture: Shimanto River shrimp Three species of river shrimp inhabit the Shimanto River: tenaga shrimp, hirate (Yamato) tenaga shrimp, and southern tenaga shrimp. Males are notable for claws that can exceed their body length. ・Delicious ways to enjoy river shrimp River shrimp around 3–10 cm long are delicious deep-fried or salt-grilled and eaten whole with the shell for a toasty flavor. Locally, shrimp dashi is used to cook with cucumber or added to somen noodles. ・River shrimp fishing Shimanto River shrimp are caught using traditional methods like korobashi fishing and shibazuke fishing. With prior reservation, visitors can try easy shrimp-fishing experiences. The natural river shrimp season is May to August. ○ Shimanto River crab: Tsugani (Mokuzugani) Tsugani (also called mokuzugani) move downstream in late summer to early autumn to spawn. Although their edible meat is limited, their rich miso (crab paste) is exquisite. ・Delicious ways to enjoy tsugani Tsugani are enjoyed in dishes like tsugani soup, salted boiling, tsugani rice, and local specialties such as gane miso, celebrated as an autumn delicacy. ・Tsugani fishing Fishing methods include crab-basket fishing, where baited baskets are submerged and lifted the next morning, and flow-trap fishing that sets baskets along tsugani migration routes. The natural tsugani season runs from August to October. ○ Local snack: Shimanto gori Gori is a general name for freshwater gobies; in Shimanto City it mainly refers to juvenile gobies such as numachichibu. ・Delicious ways to enjoy gori Gori are deep-fried, simmered in sweet soy-based tsukudani, or locally cooked with finely chopped dried daikon wrapped in egg and served over rice as gori don. ・Gori fishing Fishing begins in March as the river warms and spring approaches. The main method uses the gobies’ habit of moving along the riverbed—nobori-otoshi ue fishing. Another local technique, gara-hiki fishing, has pairs pull a rope with shells attached from upstream to downstream; the clattering shells scare the gobies into traps. The natural gori season is March to May. ○ Fragrant green seaweed: aonori (sujiaonori) ・Delicious ways to enjoy aonori Aonori is dried into powder for use in many dishes and is also used in confections to take advantage of its aroma. ・Harvesting aonori The Shimanto River is one of the country’s leading producers of natural sujiaonori. In winter, you can see people scrape the seaweed that grows on estuarine stones with comb-like tools and sun-dry it. Aonori’s prime season is December to May. ・Delicious ways to enjoy aosa nori Aosa nori grown in the Shimanto River is highly fragrant and very tender. It serves as a base for nori tsukudani, is used for tempura, and is added to soups. ・Harvesting aosa nori From winter through spring, aosa nori cultivated on hibinetsu nets in the estuarine area near the Shimanto River mouth is harvested. The prime season for aosa nori is February to May.

Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture — Seven must-visit attractions when you come to Shimanto City Here are facilities where you can enjoy activities and experience the history and culture of Shimanto City. 1 Nakamura area Facing the Pacific at the mouth of the Shimanto River, Nakamura area in Shimanto City was developed about 550 years ago by the Ichijo family, court nobles from Kyoto, who modeled the townscape on Kyoto. Many place names mirror those in Kyoto, and historical sites from that era still remain. Shimanto River Pleasure Boat Enjoy the scenery of the Shimanto River and a moment of timeless charm. Regularly scheduled boats, private charters, and reservation-only dining yakatabune (pleasure boats with meals) are available. From late May to early June, firefly boat tours run so you can watch fireflies dancing above the Shimanto River. Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawarakko Situated on the banks of the Shimanto River, this experience facility sits amid abundant nature. Alongside river activities such as canoeing and SUP, it offers auto camp sites. A range of equipment rentals makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the Shimanto River up close. Tombow Natural Park Shimanto River Museum The world’s first dragonfly sanctuary. The park has recorded 81 species of dragonfly and features seasonal flowers. At the adjacent Shimanto River Museum, permanent exhibits include about 3,000 dragonfly specimens representing 1,000 species from around the world, and roughly 130 species of fish from the Shimanto River and other rivers, teaching visitors about the current state of the Shimanto River. Shimanto Iyashi no Sato A hot spring facility on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River estuary. The facility houses Shimanto Iyashi no Sato, which offers hot spring water drawn within Shimanto City, and Restaurant Yamakawumi, serving dishes that make the most of the river’s generous bounty. Shimanto City Folk Museum This castle-shaped museum stands on the site of Nakamura Castle, once the stronghold of Yasutoyo Yamanouchi, the younger brother of Kazutoyo Yamauchi. Inside, it presents life, history, and culture woven with the Shimanto River under the theme “a town living with the river.” It also displays valuable materials related to the Tosa-Ichijo clan, the Nakamura Yamauchi family, late-Edo period loyalist Makiyoshi Higuchi, and Meiji-era socialist Kotoku Shusui, a notable figure born in Nakamura. The top floor serves as an observation deck with panoramic views of the Shimanto River, Higashiyama, and the city. 2 Nishitosa area Upstream in Shimanto City, the Nishitosa area features scattered riverside settlements and peaceful scenery. At night, with few surrounding lights, the stars shine without being obscured by artificial illumination, offering pristine stargazing. Shimanto River Station Canoe Offering beginner-friendly canoe tours, this facility provides half-day and full-day basic courses under instructor guidance. The building also exhibits canoes from around the world. As a river station, it operates the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle as well. Shimanto Gakusha A former local school renovated into a lodging experience facility. Classrooms and the nurse’s room remain as overnight rooms, and desks and other furnishings from the school days are preserved. You can enjoy Shimanto River–specific experiences such as canoeing, stream trekking (shower climbing), and raft play. Hotel Seira Shimanto Perched on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River, this hotel offers an outstanding, nature-surrounded location. Signature dishes feature the river’s bounty, including ayu (sweetfish), river shrimp, and Shimanto beef. An adjacent 4-meter observation dome and staff-led stargazing introduce guests to the wonders of the night sky. Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa Located where Japan National Route 441 and Japan National Route 381 meet in the midstream area of the Shimanto River, this station is a gateway to Shimanto River sightseeing. A signature small truck displayed in the center of the store showcases fresh local produce, handmade processed foods, and boxed lunches ranging from seasonal items to regional traditional dishes. At the Ayu Market, which focuses on wild-caught products, you can see and purchase ayu as well as eel and freshwater crabs, enjoying the Shimanto River’s rich bounty firsthand.

A Few More Places to Enjoy Autumn Leaves 🍁 Today I drove toward the Kuraoka Area 🚘 The peak of the fall foliage seems to have passed, but the mountains around Gokase are now dyed in the deep, late-autumn colors. It’s truly the ‘‘last chance beauty’’ to behold 👀✨ In some spots vivid leaves still remain, and the ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, offering a scene full of atmosphere to enjoy 🍁✨ Why not bring a warm drink and come feel the quiet, beautiful end of autumn in Gokase? With temperatures dropping sharply this weekend, this may be the final viewing, so please come soon 😆

The Northern Alps' 3,000-meter peaks visible from Azumino Below flows the Hotaka River, fed by the Northern Alps This is the view from Azumino Ohashi Bridge!!

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Savoring the River! Ayu, Unagi, River Shrimp, Gori! Traditional Fishing Methods That Live Alongside the Shimanto River Introducing the traditional river fishing methods passed down by river fishers on the Shimanto River. This highlights the important local culture of living close to the river and gratefully receiving its bounty. 〇Traditional Fishing Methods of the Shimanto River The Shimanto River’s traditional fishing methods have been carefully preserved by local river fishers. While their form has gradually changed with environmental shifts, they still remain part of daily life. The river’s abundant gifts—ayu (sweetfish), unagi (eel), tenaga-ebi (long-arm shrimp), and aosa nori (green seaweed)—brighten family meals with the seasons. Skilled chefs in Shimanto City also prepare them into delicious dishes for visitors, and various processed forms are enjoyed as souvenirs. 〇See the River, Taste the River A slow walk along the Shimanto River reveals traps for catching eels and long-arm shrimp seen from chinkabashi bridges, partly submerged in the water. Depending on the season, you may encounter people fishing for ayu or working from traditional river boats. Along the banks you might spot stone-lined devices for catching gori, and at the river mouth workers harvesting green seaweed. If you look closely at the Shimanto River, you’ll discover human lives intertwined with the river. In the evening, taste the very ingredients caught with the traps you saw, slowly savored at a local restaurant. It’s a distinctive, insider way to enjoy the Shimanto River. 〇Introduction to Traditional Fishing Methods ・Ayu Fire-Swinging Fishing Nets are set across the river in advance, and at night a boat swings torches from the deck. Startled by the dancing bands of flame, ayu panic and are driven into the nets. Today this practice often uses LED lights, but the principle remains the same as the traditional method. Ayu are also caught by cast nets, angling, and other methods. ・Long-Arm Shrimp Fishing From a chinkabashi bridge looking toward the water’s edge, you can see PVC pipes spaced at regular intervals. These are korobashi, traps for catching long-arm shrimp. Once made of wood, they have changed to more convenient materials over time. Long-arm shrimp are commonly enjoyed deep-fried whole, producing vibrant colors, and are treasured as a local flavor—some grow large enough to resemble cucumbers. ・Unagi (Eel) Fishing You may see pieces of styrofoam or PET bottles floating in the river without drifting away; they can mark korobashi used to catch eels. Sensitive to smell, eels avoid resin traps, so wooden korobashi are still widely used. ・Gori Fishing If stones are lined along the riverbank to dam the water, they may form the setup for gori’s noborio-toshi-ue fishing. In the Shimanto River, juvenile Numachichibu fish are called gori and are enjoyed as a spring to early-summer delicacy. They are typically eaten deep-fried or simmered in soy-based preserves. 〇Important Notices Fishing on the Shimanto River is subject to fishing rights. Purchasing an angling permit is required when you fish. Also, closed seasons are established to protect resources. Please be aware of these regulations.

I will never forget the shock of seeing the scenery of Kamikochi live even now It's a memory that will last a lifetime.

The Sai River flowing through Azumino receives the Hotaka River and the Takase River here. This spot is the confluence of the three rivers. Many rivers that flow down from the Northern Alps merge into a single river at this point.

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] A complete introduction to must-try pleasure boat cruises on the Shimanto River! Do you associate the Shimanto River only with summer? That image isn’t quite right. In fact, plankton declines in winter, and the river’s clarity improves dramatically. You can see the riverbed in winter when summer visibility doesn’t allow it. Why not experience the Shimanto River’s winter charm aboard a sightseeing boat that brings you closer to the water…? 〇 Want a discount on cruise tickets? Stop by Shimanto City Tourism Association Visitors to the Shimanto City Tourism Association can buy sightseeing boat tickets at a 10% discount. The staff can also help make reservations on your behalf. They can assist foreign visitors too! 🛅🆓 Free baggage storage [8:30–17:30] 🛜🆓 Wi‑Fi available 🚶 Located inside Nakamura Station rotary If you want to buy sightseeing boat tickets cheaply, please stop by the Shimanto City Tourism Association! 1. Sada Chinkabashi “Sakoya” This yakatabune (traditional roofed pleasure boat) departs from the downstream-most, longest sinking bridge on the Shimanto River, Sada Chinkabashi. The route passes under both Sada Chinkabashi and Sanri Chinkabashi. The tour lasts about 50 minutes. *Reservation required; operation starts from two people.* There is a period when the engine is stopped and the boat glides forward using only hand‑rowed oars, letting you escape the bustle of daily life and fully enjoy the Shimanto River’s peaceful atmosphere. During the yakatabune cruise you will also be served karintō (deep‑fried sweet sticks) seasoned with Shimanto River blue‑nori. During firefly season, a special firefly boat operates so you can enjoy the river’s swirling fireflies from the deck. (Reservation required) 🍽️ Onboard meals (boxed lunches) available. *Reservation required; available only for private bookings.* 🚗 About 20 minutes by car from Nakamura Station. 🚲 About 50 minutes by bicycle. 2. Sanri Chinkabashi “Shimanto no Ao” This yakatabune is based at Sanri Chinkabashi, the second sinking bridge from the river mouth. The course goes under Sanri Chinkabashi and runs toward the area near Sada Chinkabashi. The tour lasts about 50 minutes. Scheduled sightseeing yakatabune service [Operating hours 9:00–16:00], departing on the hour. Bring friends or family and drop in to enjoy the Shimanto River at your leisure. You can board without advance reservation, but it can get crowded, so booking ahead is recommended. (Open year‑round) During firefly season, a special firefly boat operates so you can enjoy the river’s swirling fireflies from the deck. (Reservation required) 🍽️ Onboard meals available. *Reservation required by 12:00 the day before.* 🚗 About 25 minutes by car from Nakamura Station. 🚲 About 1 hour by bicycle. 3. Takase Chinkabashi “Nattoku” This yakatabune is based at Takase Chinkabashi, the third sinking bridge from the river mouth. The route goes under Takase Chinkabashi and travels the most upstream section among the three locations that retain the Shimanto River’s original scenery. The tour lasts about 50 minutes. Scheduled service [Operating hours 9:00–16:00], departing on the hour. Among the Shimanto River sightseeing boats, this one uniquely offers seating with tables and chairs. It’s suitable for passengers with limited mobility and wheelchair users. You can board without advance reservation, but it can get crowded, so booking ahead is recommended. (Open year‑round) During firefly season, a special firefly boat operates so you can enjoy the river’s swirling fireflies from the deck. (Reservation required) 🍽️ Onboard meals available. *Reservation required by the day before.* In addition to scheduled and meal courses, there is a private gourmet charter. Meal courses and the private gourmet charter require reservation by the day before. The private gourmet charter is available from three people. 🚗 About 30 minutes by car from Nakamura Station. 🚲 About 1 hour 40 minutes by bicycle.

[👒 Summer Gokase 2025 Entry Photo Showcase ④ 👒] Thank you for entering the “Summer Gokase 2025” campaign 😆 Thanks to you, we received many submissions ✨ Here are some of the photos submitted to “#Summer Gokase 2025”! @kakigoori2020 @gokase_pan @chika_narita @niidome2110 @tae_gerbera35 @narunaru918 @kokoyukeip There were many other wonderful entries besides the ones shown 😆 We will now begin judging! Please wait a little while for the announcement of the results 😁

This is one of the photos when I went to Kamikochi. Maintenance, fascinated by the unspoiled nature on the other side of the road, I pressed the shutter. I deliberately took a dark shot so that I could convey a quiet space.

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Feel secure with this! A Directory of Shimanto River River Activity Operators! ★The Appeal of River Activities★ You can enjoy the Shimanto River with your whole body in 360°, and nothing captures that feeling better than river activities! The Shimanto River has a gentle current, so beginners and children can take part. On canoe tours you can sometimes go where no man-made structures are visible, offering a true escape from everyday life. Shimanto City is home to many river activity operators, with a variety of options that let everyone from small children to seniors enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Take this chance to find an operator that interests you♪ 1. Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawaracco Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawaracco sits beside the Shimanto River, surrounded by rich natural scenery. In addition to campsite facilities, the site includes well-equipped bungalows and a Shimanto hinoki cypress house. It also serves as a terminal for the Rinrin Cycle rental service. Operating season: Year-round Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, closed Tuesday) *Open during the period around Golden Week and from July 1 to September 30 Pets allowed to ride together (tandem kayaks). *Please bring a life jacket for your pet. Depending on size, joint riding may be unavailable. 2. withRIVER withRIVER is located at the foot of a Shimanto River chinkabashi (submersible bridge). The current is gentle here, so beginners and small children can feel safe. At the end of the tour you can even try jumping from the chinkabashi. In addition to canoe and SUP experiences, withRIVER offers horseback riding. Besides ordinary rides, there is a course that lets you ride within the Shimanto River. Because the horse stands where you can touch the bottom, children and non-swimmers can participate safely. Operating season: March to mid-November Dogs may ride along (on SUP or two-person canoe). Dog life jackets are available to rent (500 yen per jacket). Free photo sharing available 3. Shimanto River Lodge Yuubetei Shimanto River Lodge Yuubetei is a rented villa-style accommodation on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River, available to one group per day. Families, groups, and couples can relax here. Rooms include a terrace where you can barbecue while watching the sunset. River SUP experiences are available from Yuubetei. The owner customizes courses to match guests. SUP board rentals are also offered. Please request when booking your stay. *SUP experiences operate only in the summer season. 4. Okera Adventures Shimanto Okera Adventures Shimanto centers on “bikerafting,” a combination of cycling and packraft (inflatable boat) river descent. They are the only operator in Japan to run regular guided bikerafting tours. (*Survey by Okera Adventures, March 2022) They operate by private-group bookings only, so you and your group enjoy the tour alone. One appeal is that guides tailor the tour to participants, weather, and conditions. Operating season: Year-round Dogs may ride along (dog life jackets available for rent). Free photo sharing available 5. Shimanto – River Station Canoe Center Shimanto – River Station Canoe Center is known for the spectacular natural scenery in the latter part of its tours. The attached Shimanto Hiroba Auto Campsite offers toilets and barbecue sites so you can camp beside the Shimanto River. (Advance reservation required) There is a beginner-friendly canoe school where instructors lead basic half-day and full-day courses. You can paddle an 8 km canoe touring course to the famous Iwama Chinkabashi Bridge featured on TV and in magazines; the latter 4 km of the course shows almost no man-made structures, letting you fully enjoy the Shimanto River’s wilderness. The Canoe Center also serves as a river station exhibiting canoes from around the world and as a terminal for the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle rental service. Operating season: Year-round Free photo sharing available 6. Shimanto Rakusha Shimanto Rakusha is a former school repurposed into a place where you can stay and play. The lodging uses spaces such as the school infirmary as bedrooms, and classrooms have bunk beds. You can even stay in the broadcasting room that still runs the school PA system or in the principal’s office. Because canoe experiences here do not involve long downstream runs, you can set your own experience time. Families can take turns, play in the river, and enjoy canoeing freely. In addition to canoeing, you can try stream trekking (shower climbing), raft play, and relaxed fishing in the Shimanto River. Closed: Every Wednesday *Open daily in July, August, and September Free photo sharing available 7. Canoe Shimanto Base Canoe Shimanto Base runs tours using sit-on-top canoes that you sit on the deck rather than inside. You can choose a half-day course with a 3 km downstream stretch (morning or afternoon) or a shorter course without downstream paddling. All canoes are single-person, and two sizes are available so you can pick the right fit. The half-day course is available from third grade elementary school and up; the short course is available from first grade elementary school and up. The short course is a private booking for groups of 1–10 people. Operating season: March to November Dogs may ride along. *Please be sure to bring a life jacket that fits your dog’s body size. Free photo sharing available 8. Good River Shimanto At Good River Shimanto you can enjoy a full Shimanto River canoe tour. They instruct you from canoe boarding and paddle technique to how to enjoy canoeing. The downriver course follows the river current and reveals little in the way of man-made structures, letting you relax in expansive nature. You can take commemorative photos at the popular Iwama Chinkabashi Bridge. They also run rafting tours, letting you drift downstream in a raft boat on the gentle Shimanto River in relaxed comfort. Guests from age three through seniors can participate. Operating season: Mid-March to early November Children and dogs may ride along Free photo sharing available How was it? Try experiencing Shimanto City’s river activities!

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] “Japan’s Last Pristine River, the Shimanto River” — a river where people live alongside the water and that sustains a culturally rich landscape ☞ What is the Shimanto River? …………………………………………… The Shimanto River originates on Mt. Irizuyama in Tsuno Town, Kochi Prefecture (elevation 1,336 m). It runs 196 km in total, with 35 main tributaries and 319 tributary streams overall. The river meanders through the southwestern part of Kochi Prefecture—including Yusuhara, Nakatosa, Shimanto Town, and Shimanto City—flowing without steep drops before emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Shimanto City Shimoda. …………………………………………… ☞ Where the name “Japan’s Last Pristine River” comes from …………………………………………… The Shimanto River, where residents still live close to the water, gained the symbolic label “Japan’s Last Pristine River” after a 1983 television broadcast. That description created a brand image of a clear, life-filled river running from its source to the sea. …………………………………………… ☞ What the Shimanto River provides. …………………………………………… Nurturing abundant life, the Shimanto River and its wide estuarine areas host around 200 species of aquatic life. Even today, some fishers sustain their livelihoods using traditional methods such as late-season sweetfish (ayu) fishing, fire-fishing, long-armed shrimp fishing, goby fishing, and green seaweed harvesting. These practices preserve deep ties between people and the river and a living culture of work. …………………………………………… ☞ Activities on the Shimanto River. …………………………………………… On the Shimanto River you can enjoy canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, stream-walking, raft trips, sightseeing boats, camping, and many other year-round experiences. …………………………………………… ☞ The river’s tempestuous side. …………………………………………… The Shimanto River is also famous as a wild river prone to rises in water level, flooding, and typhoons, making it susceptible to water damage throughout the year. Against this backdrop, people living along the basin have adapted their lives and landscape to nature, for example with low, railing-free bridges called chinkabashi that submerge during high water. These bridges, together with human activity, create a distinctive regional scenery. …………………………………………… ☞ Selected by the Environment Agency as one of Japan’s 100 Exquisite Waters and the 100 Exquisite Waters of the Heisei era. …………………………………………… In July 1985, the Shimanto River was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 Exquisite Waters because of its excellent water environment and active local conservation efforts. Later, in June 2008, the Kuroson River, a tributary of the Shimanto, was recognized as one of the 100 Exquisite Waters of the Heisei era in recognition of environmental conservation activities and local community initiatives. …………………………………………… ☞ The exceptionally clear Kuroson River among the tributaries. …………………………………………… The Kuroson River, selected for the Heisei-era 100 Exquisite Waters, is the clearest and most beautiful tributary of the Shimanto River. The area also preserves legends and stories such as Kuroson Shrine and Okiku Falls, and in autumn the foliage colors the landscape vividly. …………………………………………… ☞ Designated as an Important Cultural Landscape by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. …………………………………………… In February 2009, the unique landscapes formed by people’s lives and activities in the Shimanto River basin were designated an Important Cultural Landscape. This is the first time such designation covered five municipalities in the basin—Tsuno, Yusuhara, Nakatosa, Shimanto Town, and Shimanto City—drawing significant attention. ※ An Important Cultural Landscape is a landscape formed by people’s lives or livelihoods and the local natural environment, and is indispensable for understanding the lives or occupations of our nation’s people (from the Cultural Properties Protection Law, Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 5). …………………………………………… ☞ People appear on the Shimanto River throughout the seasons. …………………………………………… The Shimanto River is not only praised as the beautiful “Japan’s Last Pristine River,” it is also an environment and landscape enriched by the everyday livelihoods of local communities. This close relationship is the river’s mysterious charm that continues to draw people even now.

Karasawa Falls, located in Chiyo, Iida City, Minami Shinshu, Nagano Prefecture, is a Healing Spot known to those in the know for its Clear streams, which boasts a drop of 30 meters, falling stream. Splash of water and sunlight shine through the trees in summer, and in autumn, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery colored by Autumn leaves. Please visit the famous waterfall, a hidden gem where you can feel the beauty of the Four Seasons. 🚙 The routes runs from Prefectural Road No. 8 through the Forest Road Senen Line. Falling rocks are scattered in places, so please drive with caution.

There are many scenic spots on the way up to Yashagaike. As you climb, enjoy the sound of the river and the birdsong!

The 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament 🎣 Today (August 23rd) the 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament took place 🐟 Despite worries about the weather due to typhoons, the day turned out fine and more than 170 people attended the venue 😊 The event that drew the loudest cheers from many children was the fish-catching game limited to elementary school age and younger Some large cherry trout and eels were included, and while the children were completely absorbed, the surrounding parents were excited too 🔥 In the fishing competition, the person who caught a total of more than 8 kg won the large haul prize and took first place 🏆 The biggest fish measured 28 cm 💡 Thank you to everyone who took part in the fishing tournament 🎣 We hope to care for the river environment so this tournament can continue for many years 🥰

The sea is great, but the mountains are also worth visiting! Minami-Echizen Town has the sea, of course, and also rivers and waterfalls☆ Even at this time of year the river water is very cold and feels wonderful♪ Refresh yourself while soaking in the negative ions.

【👒Summer in Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Spotlight 1👒】 We are featuring photos submitted to the "#Summer in Gokase 2025" contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @goto0619 @niidome2110 @sakai_0808 Thank you for your submissions 😆✨ We are still accepting entries!! How to enter (Submission period — through September 15) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "#Summer in Gokase 2025" and "#Gokase" 📸 We look forward to your entries 🙇‍♀️✨

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you! We are the Shimanto City Tourism Association in Kochi Prefecture. Shimanto City lies in the southwest of Kochi Prefecture, bounded to the north by mountains around 1,100 meters high and to the south by the Pacific Ocean, making it a city rich in nature. The city was formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nakamura City and Nishitosa Village, and its name comes from the Shimanto River that runs through the city. On this account, we will deliver the many charms of Shimanto City to you. We look forward to sharing them with you! ■How to access Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture About a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Kochi Ryoma Airport About 1 hour by limited express from JR Kochi Station ■Basic information about Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture The population is about 30,000 people (as of June 2025), making it the third most populous city in Kochi Prefecture. Forests cover about 91% of the city area, and the Shimanto River, which flows through the city, stretches 196 km without dams on its main stream. Known as “Japan’s last clear stream,” the city’s catchphrase is “a town that lives with the river.” ■History of Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture The former Nakamura area of Shimanto City is called “Tosa’s Little Kyoto.” About 550 years ago, Ichijo Norifusa moved south following the Onin War and laid out streets in a grid pattern modeled on Kyoto, and that urban design remains today. The town’s blend of culture, history, and nature creates a picturesque setting perfect for strolling. ■Recommended sightseeing spots in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture Chinkabashi (low-water crossing bridges) ・There are nine chinkabashi on the main stream, including Sada Chinkabashi and Iwama Chinkabashi Activities ・Shimanto River sightseeing boats ・Canoeing and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) ・Shimanto river barbecue ・Cycling History ・Ichijo Shrine ・Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine ・Shimanto City Local Museum ・Hanka Tenmangu Shrine ・Kurosongu Shrine Food ・Shio tataki (salt-seared fish) ・Biri katsuo (local skipjack tuna specialty) ・Bushukan chu-hai (citrus shochu highball) ・Ayu (sweetfish) ・Unagi (eel) ・River shrimp ・Gori (gori fish) ■Visit Shimanto City, where nature and culture live on Shimanto City, where vast nature and historical culture come together, is an ideal destination to refresh both body and mind. Come and seek the landscapes and experiences you can only find here. We will continue to share the attractions of Shimanto City, so please follow us!

This is a summer recommendation from the Saikai City Tourism Association in Nagasaki Prefecture♪ This year’s rainy season ended early, and a string of extremely hot days has followed. Here are Saikai City spots to help you beat that heat. ◎ Tsugane-Otoshi Waterfall Address: Yukinoura Kadori, Oseto, Saikai City※After passing Shinko-ji in Yukinoura village, you will see a signboard. 〇 Free admission, restrooms available ♪ Tsugane refers to the mud crab; the name comes from the sight of crabs being swept down with the falling water. There is no plunge pool; water slams onto the rocks and creates a natural mist shower♪ ◎ Yukinoura Seaside Park Address: 615-14 Shimokamagō, Yukinoura, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Open all day, free admission; restrooms and hot-water showers (100 yen per use) available. ※No open flames allowed ♪ The white sandy beach stretches about 400 m and is perfect for rockpooling and surfing♪ ◎ Yanaginohama Seaside Park Address: 2394 Taira Sotogō, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Free admission; restrooms, hot-water showers (100 yen per use), and changing rooms available. ※No open flames allowed ♪ This seaside park borders a very shallow sea that reveals a vast mudflat at low tide. It’s ideal for summer beach fun and enjoyable for both young children and adults♪ ◎ Saiwomono River Park Address: Yukinoura Saiwomono, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Free admission, restrooms available.※No open flames allowed ♪ Recommended for those who prefer rivers to the sea!※Please be careful of sudden deep spots and rising water levels. ◎ Nanatsugama Cave (Seven Cauldrons Limestone Cave) Address: 2541-1 Nakaura Kitagō, Saikai Town, Saikai City 〇 April–September 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30) October–March 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) Admission: Adults ¥800, Junior high ¥400, Elementary ¥200, Preschool ¥100 (group discounts for 20+ people) ♪ The cave maintains a temperature around 15°C year-round, making it especially cool in summer♪ We also recommend the “cooling platform” that uses the cave’s breeze and the “cold footbath” that uses chilled water♪ Saikai City is full of spectacular views, historic sites, and hidden gems♪ Come and enjoy Saikai City this summer♪

🐻🤎 Montbell Club Friend Fair Yokohama 2025 🐻 Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Sakuhomachi and Koumi booths! We showcased the high-altitude Lake Shirakoma, the mysterious moss forests carpeted with moss, and Yachiho Kogen, where you can enjoy nature through all four seasons—offering a full taste of Shinshu’s great outdoors.🌲✨ We were delighted that you picked up delicious local specialties and tourism brochures.😊🤍 Sakuhomachi and Koumi in Shinshu are perfect spots for a summer cooling getaway. We hope to meet you again amid Shinshu’s natural beauty.🌲🍁

[Shinshu Sakuhomachi Nature Immersion Day Tour] 🍃🌿 \A day trip to soothe you in the great outdoors/ Event Date: Sunday, August 3 Highlights ✔︎ Walk around the moss-covered, mystical forest at Shirakoma Pond🌳 ✔︎ Tour a long-established sake brewery with tasting experience🍶 ✔︎ Lunch featuring local flavors: yamame fish rice bowl and soba set🐟🥢 ✔︎ Enjoy shopping at the Roadside Station Visitor Center✨🛣️ Departure and Return Locations ・Sakudaira Station, Asama Exit ・Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center ➡️If you live nearby, meeting and dispersing at the Roadside Station is convenient! Price: 9,900 JPY per person (tax included), includes lunch What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, rain gear Capacity: 25 people (minimum operation 15 people) Refresh your body and mind as you savor nature’s gifts with all five senses🫧 This charming day tour is perfect for making summer memories🌱 How to Apply / Inquiries Chikuma Kanko Co., Ltd., Saku Head Office Sales Phone: 0267-62-1000 (Hours: 10:00–17:00) ※Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays Please join us with your family and friends.

■Pothole Tour■ Deep inside Toyooka Village, at the foot of Mt. Kimen, you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest potholes. Dive headfirst into a plunge pool or float and relax. Refresh yourself to the fullest in the emerald-green summer stream. Our guide staff will support you. You may join with children. We recommend combining this with a paella-cooking experience at Nodaira Campground! 【Plan Details 】 ■Season Around July to early September ※If you prefer dates outside the above period, please consult us. ■Meeting place General Incorporated Association Toyooka Village Tourism Association (Toyooka Tabi Jikan) ＝ For those using car navigation ＝ 《Toyooka Tabi Jikan》 Address: 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395 ※If the above address does not appear, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School and come to that location. 《Toyooka Village Central Nursery School》 Address: Kamiine 12368, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953 ■Capacity 8 people (minimum number to hold tour: 2 people) ※If only one person or more than eight people wish to participate, please consult us. ■Price (tax included) Per person: 5,000 yen ※If you use the showers at Nodaira Campground, an additional 500 yen per person is required. ■Course details and schedule ① Meet at Toyooka Tabi Jikan 9:30 (payment) ② Travel to Nodaira Campground Around 9:30–10:10 ※Please travel by private car. ③ Arrive at Nodaira Campground Around 10:10 ④ Walk to the pothole area Around 10:15–10:45 ⑤ Stream walk and river play at the pothole Around 10:45–12:15 ⑥ Return to Nodaira Campground and dismiss on site Around 12:45 ■About the plan 【About Nodaira Campground】 It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village. Leaving populated areas behind, you can enjoy a relaxed time surrounded by green trees and the sound of the river. Please travel to the campground by private car. 【About the pothole “Daimyojin Fuchi”】 In Abukawa Gorge there is one of Japan’s largest giant potholes, measuring seven meters in diameter. A pothole forms when stones on the riverbed rotate in the current and gradually carve into the bedrock over long years. 【Can be combined with other activities】 You can combine the pothole tour with a paella-cooking experience or a guided cycling tour. Please inquire for details. 【Clothing and items to bring】 ● Quick-drying clothing (recommended: garments with minimal skin exposure) e.g., rash guard ● Change of clothes ● Shoes that can get wet (recommended: those that do not come off easily) e.g., marine shoes ※You may use the changing rooms and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility before and after the tour. ※For an additional fee, showers at Nodaira Campground are available (500 yen). ※For an additional fee, showers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility are available (300 yen). ■Inquiries and reservations Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website. Phone number: Toyooka Tabi Jikan 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00) Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/...

This photo was taken when I went to Ginyama Hot spring. It was the perfect summer resort for the hot and humid summer. It was cool near the waterfall as if the cooler was working.

This is a photo of Yamagata Waterfall and the river.

NEW Orahomap The refreshed Orahomap, now packed with the charms of Sakuhomachi, has arrived with extra features 😼💫💫 Check out the adorable hand-drawn illustrations that make you want to go out just by looking 👀🎨 "I didn’t know a place like this existed!" "I’d love to visit here~" You might make discoveries like these...🤍💭 Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to take a look 😸

Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Sakaebashi" 🌉 Completed in 1938 (Showa 13), it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 13 of this year. Every time you cross this historic bridge, you can sense the passage of the local community. 💭 Sakaebashi exists as a familiar part of the scenery that represents Sakuhomachi. Come and feel the town's history for yourself—be sure to visit at least once. 🫧🦋

The warm days just keep coming! On days like this, why not visit the Fishway Observation Room, Totoroado? At Totoroado, you can watch fish swimming close by through glass! I visited on June 6th and was able to see cherry trout (sakuramasu) making their way upstream! One of the charms is that different fish migrate at different times of year🐟✨ It's a great spot for families with children! Be sure to stop by Totoroado and take a look♪