The Shimanto River is known for its rich nature and gentle flow and is said to be Japan’s last clear stream. This beautiful river with a total length of 196 kilometers originates in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture and flows through Shimanto City to the Pacific Ocean. The source of the Shimanto River starts from the deep forest of the Shikoku Mountains. It is a place full of rich nature and tranquility, and the river water is so clean and cold that you can drink it straight from the river.

One of the most notable features of the Shimanto River is a landscape called the “submerged bridge”. The submerged bridge has no handrails. This is because it is designed to be submerged underwater in case of a major flood, to reduce water resistance, and to prevent the flow of water from being obstructed by things like wood catching on the handrails, thereby preventing further flooding of the river. In other words, the submerged bridge symbolizes the lifestyle of the people living in the river basin, who try to accept nature as it is and live in harmony with it, rather than suppressing it.
A beautiful rural landscape spreads out along the river, and the scenery changes depending on the season. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the spring, fresh greenery is dazzling in the summer, autumn leaves decorate the river surface in the fall, and snow falls gently in the winter.

The Shimanto River also offers the pleasure of descending the river by canoe or kayak. Its gentle flow and beautiful scenery are ideal for spending a pleasant time. There are also many tourist facilities and accommodations themed around the Shimanto River along the river, allowing you to fully enjoy the Shimanto River.

The Shimanto River is called the “last clear stream in Japan” because of its beautiful scenery, rich nature, and its gentle flow. As the name suggests, the Shimanto River is a place where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of modern society, face nature, and spend a pleasant time. By visiting the Shimanto River, we can re-recognize the importance of nature and the importance of protecting it.

Access
From JR Kochi Station to Nakamura city center, it takes 1 hour by JR and 2 hours by express bus. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Nakamura city center to each submerged bridge. (Car rental is recommended)