Shimanto River

Overview

The Shimanto River is a Class A river in the western part of Kochi Prefecture and the main stream of the Watarigawa river system. It is 196 km in length with a watershed of 2,186 km², and is known as the longest river on the island of Shikoku. Because no large dam has been built on its main stream, it is often called "the last clear stream of Japan."

Highlights

• ●The longest river on Shikoku, running 196 km
• ●A pristine flow with no dam on its main stream, called "the last clear stream of Japan"
• ●One of Japan's "Three Great Clear Streams" alongside the Kakita and Nagara Rivers
• ●A distinctive landscape of 47 submersible bridges, counting tributaries

History

Counting its tributaries, the Shimanto River has 47 submersible bridges, and in 1993 Kochi Prefecture adopted a policy to preserve them as heritage of everyday life and culture. The river has been named among Japan's 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters and its 100 Hidden Places, and is counted among the 100 Landscapes of Heisei. As the main stream of the Watarigawa system, it has long been bound up with life along its banks.

Map

32.9333, 132.9963 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Travel along the main stream to grasp the whole clear river
2. 2Visit one of the submersible bridges that remain, tributaries included
3. 3View the pristine flow at the waterside of the dam-free main stream
4. 4Take in the setting of water named among Japan's finest along the banks

Did you know?

💡 Counting its tributaries, the Shimanto River is spanned by 47 submersible bridges.

Nearby spots