Winter magic along the Shimanto River

The Shimanto River offers some of the most serene views in Kochi all year round, but Japan's last free-flowing river after magical snowfall is a particularly extraordinary spectacle. You may think snowfall is rare for a region that has relatively mild temperatures throughout the year, but it is in fact rather common around the Shimanto River because it is located at a higher altitude

Here you can see Kochi’s iconic landmarks called chinkabashi (submersible bridges) covered in snow. Their distinct design without side rails has the practical purpose of withstanding floods, but they also blend into and simultaneously complement the natural scenery seamlessly

Only about 15 minutes by car from Sada Chinkabashi (fourth photo), Shimanto Riverside Hideaway is the perfect accommodation for relaxing and unwinding surrounded by Kochi’s pristine nature. It is a traditional Japanese-style guesthouse that has been renovated beautifully, equipped with everything you would need for a comfortable stay such as free Wi-Fi, a kitchen stocked with all the basics and essentials (microwave, cooking tools, seasonings, coffee, etc.), and more

Takase Chinkabashi (first photo)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/h1HpZKtP9fkrvdNj8

Sada Chinkabashi (fourth photo)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4XPNvSrR3TjFNKR4A
https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10041

Shimanto Riverside Hideaway
https://maps.app.goo.gl/77vvGLye9bykpAjW8
https://www.shimanto-riverside-hideaway.com/

Learn more about the Shimanto River: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/shimantoriver

Thank you to @Shimanto Riverside Hideaway for the first three photos and Instagram user @kochi_1001 for the last!