Kochi Shimanto City Tourism Association
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Kochi Shimanto City Tourism Association

Aug. 8, 2025
[Image1]Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you!We are the Shimanto City Tourism Asso
[Image2]Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you!We are the Shimanto City Tourism Asso
[Image3]Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you!We are the Shimanto City Tourism Asso
[Image4]Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you!We are the Shimanto City Tourism Asso
[Image5]Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you!We are the Shimanto City Tourism Asso

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!

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Sep. 3, 2025
[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.
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Jul. 25, 2025
🌸Shinyan and Nyanko’s Layered Stamp Rally Tour 🌸 Extended due to popular demand!! Event period Friday, August 1, 2025 – Friday, October 31, 2025 Extended period Friday, August 1, 2025 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Join Shimanto City Tourism Association’s official characters, Shinyan and Nyanko, for a stamp rally that lets you enjoy Shimanto City! This isn’t just any stamp — these are layered stamps. As you stack each stamp, by the end…ta‑da! A single piece of art appears✨ Turn your completed sheet into a postcard! It’s perfect as a travel keepsake or a gift for friends💌 Why not create your own Shimanto art? How to enjoy — it’s super easy♪ 1. Get a stamp sheet! → Sheets are distributed in limited numbers at each facility. If one place runs out, another might still have them! 2. Stack and stamp five stamps! → Stamps 1–5 share the same design in either area. The final image is the same even if you don’t stamp in order! 3. Once all stamps are in place, a cute Shinyan art piece is complete🎨 → You can take it home as a postcard✨ 4. Show your completed sheet and… → The first 500 visitors receive an original cotton tote bag as a gift🎁 Two areas — start anywhere you like Stamp spots form one design across the Nakamura Area and the Nishitosa Area. Because stamps 1–5 are common, collecting them in either area yields the same final image♪ Nakamura Area🐾 1. Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio — Admission required A facility where you can learn about the creatures of the Shimanto River. With dragonfly and insect specimens and displays of fish from the Shimanto River basin, it’s fun for adults and children alike! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays) 2. Shimanto River Sightseeing Boats (Yakatabune) — Boarding required Three sightseeing boat operators participate; whichever operator you board will stamp your sheet. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the beautiful Shimanto River♪ Hours: 9:00–16:00 (Advance reservation recommended) 3. Shimanto City Local Museum — Admission required A castle-shaped museum on a small hill. Learn Shimanto City’s history and culture, and take in city views from the tower for a castle‑lord feeling! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed Wednesdays) 4. harenoba cafe n2 (Cafe N2) — Purchase or dine required Located around the middle of Tenjinbashi Shopping Street, it’s the perfect stop to rest during sightseeing. Hours: 11:00–18:00 (Closed Mondays) 5. Shimanto City Tourism Association — Cotton bag pick‑up location — Visit required A hub for travel information on Shimanto City and the Hata Region. They offer rental bikes (¥1,000 and up) and discounted sightseeing boat tickets! Hours: 8:30–17:30 (Open year‑round) The Nakamura town center is easy to explore by rental bike, so you can take a leisurely stroll and collect stamps! Nishitosa Area🐾 1. Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa — Visit required A popular spot with local specialties and souvenirs. Enjoy grilled natural ayu (sweetfish) from the Shimanto River and sweets made from local ingredients — ideal for a break or shopping! Hours: 7:30–18:00 (No holidays during the event period) 2. Shimanto River Station Canoe Hall — Purchase, experience, or stay required A facility offering canoe experiences, SUP, and rafting, with an adjacent campsite so you can fully enjoy the outdoors! Hours: 8:30–17:30 (No holidays during the event period) 3. Iwami Chaya (near the sinking bridge!) — Visit required Right next to Iwami Sinking Bridge, this spot sells homemade bento and unique handmade goods made by locals. Fans should also check out the “Shimanto River” monument by Hiroshi Miyama with parking available! Hours: 10:00–15:00 (Closed Mondays) 4. Hotel Seira Shimanto — Stay or day‑use hot spring required In addition to lodging, the hotel has a restaurant and day‑use hot spring, perfect for soothing travel fatigue. At night, the stargazing guide by the star attendant is highly recommended! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Open year‑round) 5. Shimanto River Furusato Guide Center — Cotton bag pick‑up location — Visit required The Nishitosa tourist information desk located right by the station. You can also rent Rinrin Cycles here! Hours: 8:30–18:00 (Closed Wednesdays) Driving is recommended in Nishitosa! Enjoy a scenic drive along the Shimanto River while taking in nature♪ Note: Opening days and hours may vary. Please check each facility’s website for the latest information. (Information current as of July 2025) Key point! Stamps 1–5 share a common design, so collecting them across Nakamura and Nishitosa will still complete the same image! (For example: either Nakamura’s Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio or Nishitosa’s Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa for stamp 1 is fine) When you collect all the stamps… 🎉 The first 500 participants will receive ＼an original cotton tote bag／ Show your completed stamp sheet at one of the following locations👇 • Nakamura: Shimanto City Tourism Association • Nishitosa: Shimanto River Furusato Guide Center This cute, exclusive bag features Shinyan artwork and is only available here🐾✨ Who are Shinyan and Nyanko? Shinyan and Nyanko are local cat characters of the Shimanto City Tourism Association. There are five cats in total, each inspired by the Shimanto River’s nature, traditional fishing methods, and local culture. In this stamp rally, those Shinyan cats appear together as art♪ 🎨 Character designs are by Junya Inoue, a popular manga artist from Shimanto City and a tourism ambassador (best known for BTOOOM! and Kaiju Jieitai). Come play around Shimanto City with the Shinyan cats! Don’t just press stamps — enjoy the fun of layering them to complete the art. Explore nature, history, food, and adorable characters on a Shimanto City tour. We’re sure your very own special piece will take shape✨ We look forward to your participation!

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