Nakamura: the gateway to the Shimanto River

Nakamura Station, in the city of Shimanto, is considered the gateway to the clear, majestic Shimanto River, thanks to convenient train connections to Kochi City.

The Nakamura area has a long history. During the Muromachi period (1338–1573), Prince Norifusa Ichijo fled Kyoto and settled in this region to avoid getting involved in the Onin War. The powerful family modeled their new home on Kyoto, using the city’s iconic grid design as a model, and Nakamura came to be known as the "Little Kyoto of Tosa." Ichijo Shrine, the ruins of Nakamura Castle in Tamematsu Park, and the Shimanto City Museum are a few good spots to get to know the area’s history.

The Shimanto River is a big draw for visitors, and many people rent bikes or cars to get around to see the sights, such as the railless Sada Chinkabashi submersible bridge. Along the way there are a few must-see stops, such as the canola flower field in Nyuta Willow Forest, which blooms yellow from late February to March, and the Shimanto Dragonfly Park, the world’s first sanctuary dedicated to this iridescent creature and home to 77 different species of dragonfly.

Water sports are a popular way to see the Shimanto River valley from a different perspective, and there are a number of companies that offer kayak, canoe and SUP adventures along the length of the waterway. For those who prefer not to get wet, a leisurely ride on a wooden yakatabune (pleasure boat) is a lovely, traditional way of enjoying the cool breezes on the river.