Cafe Ichou no Ki: Your home away from home in Okushimanto

One way to translate the Japanese term 'oku' is 'deep', and it’s certainly a good way to describe the Okushimanto area. From the vast Shikoku Karst highlands and majestic source of the Shimanto River to tea plantations that cling to steep mountainsides, Okushimanto is an off-the-beaten-path destination where you'll find hidden gems well-worth the trip

For a nourishing meal or delightful coffee break during your Okushimanto adventures, we highly recommend a trip to Cafe Ichou no Ki, especially in November when the enormous, free-standing gingko tree shimmers in its golden splendor. Run by a local community organization, everything about Cafe Ichou no Ki feels like a cozy hug. The rustic details, wooden furniture, intimate space, products like handknit beanies for sale, and of course, the sweet welcome from locals who run the cafe...you're sure to feel immediately warmed up no matter how chilly it is outside

You can order breakfast plates and udon noodles on arrival, but we highly recommend making a reservation (three days in advance) to feast on their specialty lunch buffet. A smorgasbord of lovingly-prepared dishes made with mostly local produce, it’s a real taste of (a Kochi) home

Please note that Cafe Ichou no Ki is only open on weekends and national holidays, but you can make a reservation for weekday visits. Check the @okushimantonosato Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/okushimantonosato/

Learn more about Shikoku Karst Natural Park: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10037