Shimanto River

Cycling around the Shimanto River in Shikoku is a laid-back yet stunning adventure for anyone who loves nature and quiet roads. Known as Japan’s “last clear stream,” the Shimanto River flows through lush valleys and peaceful countryside, offering a perfect backdrop for a scenic ride. The route winds alongside the river, with frequent chances to stop and take in the view, cross one of the famous low-water bridges, or dip your feet in the cool water. It’s an easygoing ride with mostly flat terrain, but there are a few rolling hills to keep things interesting. Along the way, you’ll pass through small, friendly villages and can sample local treats like ayu (sweetfish) or try the area’s fresh vegetables. Perfect for a day trip or a relaxed multi-day cycling adventure, Shimanto River is all about slowing down and soaking in the beauty of rural Japan.

Riding the River

Route

A complete ride along the river would look like the map below, but there really isn’t any single route through the area. With so many curves and tributaries and nature to see, pick your own route!

See some information on tributaries below.

As one approachs the Southern sections along National Route 381 and 441, the river opens up and slows down with beautiful sections with mountain backdrops.

Chinkabashi

Chinkabashi (沈下橋) are famous and unique to southern Shikoku. Their name is derived from the fact that they go below the waterline when the river is high. They are located all over Koichi Prefecture, but are particularly prevenalent on the Shimanto River

These typically have no railings and are a bit scary and fun to ride across!

Tributaries

Yuzuhara River

National Route 439 follows the Yuzuhara River from Yuzuhara to where it joins the Shimanto River.

Yazuhara itself is a beautiful mountain villiage and worth a visit!

Kuroson River

The small road next to the Kuroson River is a wonderful ride with next to zero traffic. The road does go over the mountains so one can either double back down a gentle descent towards the Shimanto River or go over the challenging climb

Meguro River

Kochi Prefecturial Route 8 runs along side the Meguro River. The road is quite a pleasurable ride with pictureque views along the way, at it’s head is Yukiwano Falls, listed as one of the 100 Waterfalls of Japan, however, compared to many of the other waterfalls on the list, it’s rather disappointing.

Nearby excursions

Cape Ashizuri

Cape Ashizuri is the bottom left (South West) point on the island of shikoku and, following the

Getting there and away

Train

The Shimanto River valley is generally difficult (far) to get to in the Southwest of Tokyo. The mouth of the Shimano River is at Nakamura station which is 2 hours from Kochi Station, which in turn is 2.5 hours from Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen making it almost 8 hours from Tokyo including changing time.

Kubokawa station is about half way along the river also offers a good starting point and is about 30 minutes closer than Nakamura Station.

Consequently, the Shimanto River lends itself much better to a longer tour that passes through the region, perhaps via the Shimanami Kaido.

Riding

National Route 440 to the North

Since the Jiyoshi Tunnel was built in 2010, it made access from the North probably the best way by bicycle. With a relatively gentle climb up to the tunnel with nice mountain scenery it’s quite an enjoyable approach.

Route 56 + 197 from the East

Many of the 2-digit national roads tend to be high in traffic but this one has an autoroute bypassing it so traffic isn’t high and the road gains altitude so there are some good views to be have.

From Route 56, Route 197 is a slow climb up from Susaki towards the head of the Shimanto River. When 197 crosses the Shimanto River, one can follow it from there, or continue on to Yuzuhara where there is the village and connect back to the Shimato river via the Yuzuhara River (Route 439, above)

West Coast 56

Probably the busiest road to approach the Shimanto River area on but does have great ocean views and connects up to some great roads firther north

Ferry