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.