Shimanto-gawa River四万十川

Japan's last pristine river is known for its rocky outcrops. You can enjoy the landscape from a tour boat or a tramcar.

The Shimanto-gawa River is famous as Japan's last pristine river. Beginning its 196-kilometer journey in the western Shikoku mountains around Mt. Irazu-yama, the river winds its way through the southwest of the prefecture, finally flowing into the Pacific Ocean at Shimoda, Shimanto City. Because rich forests cover the river's headwaters, and as there are no dams, pure water flows along the entire length of the river. One of the characteristics of the bridges spanning the Shimanto-gawa River is that they have no guardrails. This is to reduce resistance and to prevent the bridge from being washed away during the times of flood.

Around Nakamura, where the river broadens and slows, you can view ancient fishing techniques, which have been passed down from generation to generation. One such technique seen in spring and summer is "to-ami"—where nets are strung between 10 or more boats that form two lines and sail down the river catching fish. Another is called "hiburi"—a night-fishing technique where flaming torches carried on fishing boats are waved above the water to scare the fish into nets. This technique is used only during fall.