Shimanto River Source to Sea Bike Tour
The 196 km Shimanto River is one of Japan's last remaining undammed rivers, famous for its clear water, unspoilt surroundings and distinctive chikabashi submersible bridges, built to withstand flooding.
Enjoy the region’s incredible natural beauty as you journey from the headwaters of the mighty river all the way along the lowly flowing river to the Pacific Ocean. It is a wonderful way to glimpse the lives of people who have long lived in harmony with nature in an environment largely unchanged for centuries.
This adventure starts with a hike into the lush green forest to sample the sweet water that springs from the mountainside at the river's source. After switching to bicycles at the foot of the mountain, we start our journey along the river that changes in character as we get closer to the Pacific Ocean, following a route created to avoid heavy traffic and long tunnels.
Although long, the road is mostly flat or slightly downhill all the way to the sea. Rental bicycles (sports bikes, cross bikes) are prepared, and helpful staff are always on hand in our support car. Canoe tours are also available as an option.
We will design the tour in accordance with the level of and the request by a cyclist. *This tour ends at Nakamura, Shimanto City.
Meeting Time
Arrival time, when you use an air line and/or a JR railway for transportation
Meeting Place
Kochi Ryoma Airport, Kochi City, etc. (A taxi will pick you up)
Access to the meeting place
You arrive there by airplane, JR train and so on.
Details of Tour / Activity
●Day 1 (□breakfast □lunch ☑dinner)
Transportation to and from the site, headwater area hike
You’ll be picked up at Kochi Ryoma Airport, where you arrive around noon, or around Kochi City, by shuttle car (such as a jumbo cab). Then, you’ll head towards the headwaters of the Shimanto River in Tsuno Town, leave the car there and walk (about 25 minutes one way) to the headwaters.
After hiking around the headwaters, you’ll lodge in Tsuno Town.
●Day 2 (☑breakfast ☑lunch □dinner)
Headwater area ➡ Kubokawa, Shimanto Town (about 41 km)
9:00 After a bicycle fitting, you’ll begin your cycling trip with the staff leading the way in the support car. You’ll ride through the countryside, and have a bento (box lunch) picnic lunch.
15:00 (approx.) You’ll arrive in Kubokawa, Shimanto Town (Free time for sightseeing in the town, including Iwamoto-ji Temple and a café in a restored traditional house).
16:00 You’ll check into the hotel, and then have dinner at an izakaya pub in the town.
●Day 3 (☑breakfast □lunch ☑dinner)
Kubokawa, Shimanto Town➡Nishitosa, Shimanto City (about 60 km)
9:00 You will cycle along quiet side roads where you can enjoy the countryside and river landscape without using tunnels on the busy main road.
15:00 (approx.) You’ll arrive in Nishitosa, Shimanto City.
●Day 4 (☑breakfast □lunch □dinner)
Nishitosa, Shimanto City➡Mouth of Shimanto River (about 50 km)
8:30 You’ll start, cross the Sada Chinkabashi (submersible bridge) and so on, on the way.
12:00 (approx.) You’ll have lunch in Nakamura, Shimanto City.
14:00 (approx.) You’ll bathe in a hot spring near the mouth of Shimanto River and change clothes there.
15:00 This tour ends at your lodging place in Shimanto City. We can send you by taxi to Kochi City or the Airport as an option.
Closing place
Accommodation in Nakamura, Shimanto City.
Details
Recommened seasons
March, April, May, September, October
Regular holidays
Undecided
Required time
3 nights and 4 days
Price
*Please inquire for the details
Included
- Bicycle rental
- Support staff car, headwater hiking guide
- 3 nights lodging
- 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 suppers
- Travel accident insurance
Guide availability
Staff members in a support staff car can somewhat talk with you in English.
Min./Max. participants
Min. 2
Max. Negotiable
Travel contract type
Tailor made tours
Notes
*As the above price is calculated on the basis of 4 participants. The price is calculated for the schedule and participants of your application.
*Transportation expense to the meeting place is not included. A taxi can be arranged as an option.
*A route map is provided in English.
*Lodging expenses vary depending on the number of persons per room, and schedule.
*You can choose a right and left bank route along the Shimanto River in accordance with your cycling style and wishes.