View of the Shimanto River
#Spring0yenTrip
The Shimanto River is a first-class river with a total length of 196 km that flows through the western part of Kochi Prefecture. It is known as "Japan's last pure river" because of its extremely pure water quality and the beautiful river where untouched nature remains strong.
Attractions:
The greatest attraction of the Shimanto River is its overwhelming natural beauty. The meandering, leisurely flowing river surface reflects the surrounding lush mountains and rural landscapes, and the scenery that changes with the seasons attracts visitors. In particular, it shows different expressions throughout the year, with fresh greenery in spring, deep greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and silence in winter.
The Shimanto River is also a place where you can enjoy a variety of activities. Even beginners can easily enjoy canoeing and SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) by taking advantage of the gentle flow, and the view from the water surface is exceptional. There is also a bicycle road along the river, and touring while feeling the breeze is also popular. One of the attractions is the local cuisine that uses the rich river bounty, such as sweetfish, freshwater prawns, and wild eels, and you can taste fresh river bounty at restaurants along the river.
The sunken bridges are one of the symbols of the Shimanto River scenery. These bridges are designed to be submerged when the water level rises, and their unique shape without railings speaks of the wisdom of the people who have coexisted with nature. There are unique sunken bridges scattered around, such as the Sada sunken bridge and the Iwama sunken bridge, which are popular photo spots.
In addition, the Shimanto River basin is home to untouched nature and endemic flora and fauna. The rich ecosystem is also a valuable place for people who enjoy nature observation and bird watching. In the villages along the river, traditional life still lives on, and interacting with simple people is one of the best parts of traveling.
In recent years, glamping facilities have been developed, and the environment is becoming more comfortable to enjoy the nature of the Shimanto River. The Shimanto River, where clear waters, beautiful nature, and people's activities coexist in harmony, is a place that preserves an irreplaceable, original Japanese landscape that is deeply engraved in the hearts of all who visit.