Shimanto River and Chinkabashi Cycling

The Shimanto, called the last clear stream of Japan, is best explored by bicycle. Cross the low water bridges without railings and ride the riverside roads at an easy pace. This route offers a half day full of the water and greenery that make Kochi special. One reason this river is so loved is that no large scale dams stand on its main channel, so its clear flow is still preserved today.

Course Route

9:00 Start at the Sada low water bridge Cross the Sada bridge, the longest on the Shimanto, and look down at the clear stream from the railless span. Close to the town of Nakamura, it is a perfect starting point for Shimanto cycling.

9:45 Onto the riverside cycling road Ride the road that follows the Shimanto and enjoy the rural scenery as you feel the breeze. The gentle flow of the river and the farm scenery among the hills continue, so you can ride at a relaxed pace.

11:00 Stop at the Mitori low water bridge Take a break at another low water bridge. Peer at the crystal water from a span close to the surface. Since each bridge has a different river width and surrounding scenery, visiting several lets you enjoy the variety.

12:00 Rest on the riverbank Park your bicycle on the peaceful bank and relax to the murmur of the river. If you go down to the water and dip your hands, you can feel the cool touch of the clear stream.

Highlights

The Sada bridge is known as the longest low water bridge on the Shimanto. Its distinctive design without railings, meant to sink when the river rises, blends into the scenery of the clear stream. Many low water bridges remain on the Shimanto main river and its tributaries, still conveying the link between the river and daily life.

Access and Tips

Renting a bicycle near Nakamura Station is convenient. The low water bridges are narrow and cars also cross, so yield to others and ride safely. On the bridges it is safer to get off and walk your bicycle across.

A Quick Tip

The summer sun is strong, so do not forget a hat and drinks. Do not stop on the bridges themselves, and enjoy the view from the ends for peace of mind.

Practical Travel Notes

• Shimanto River: About 196 kilometers long, the longest river in Shikoku. Because no large scale dam has been built on its main channel, it is also called the last clear stream of Japan and is counted among Japan three great clear streams.
• Low water bridges (chinkabashi): Railless bridges designed to sink into the river when it rises, which reduces damage to the bridge. Many low water bridges remain on the Shimanto system across both the main river and tributaries. The Sada bridge (Imanari bridge) is known as the longest low water bridge on the main river and lies close to the town of Nakamura.
• Access and bicycle rental: You can rent a bicycle near Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway. A common route follows the river from the station toward the low water bridges.
• Riding safely: The low water bridges are narrow and have no railings. Cars also cross, so avoid forced overtaking, and on the bridges it is safer to get off and walk your bicycle across.
• The summer sun is strong, so do not forget a hat and drinks. Please confirm bicycle rental hours and fees in advance.

📚 Sources

The Shimanto River, the Sada submersible bridge (Imanari Bridge) which is the longest on the main stream, the Misato submersible bridge, and the riverside cycling route introduced in this article are organized based on tourism information published by Shimanto City and the city tourism association, along with on-site guidance. Descriptions such as the Shimanto River being about 196 kilometers long and the longest in Shikoku, and the railless structure of submersible bridges that sink when the water rises, also draw on public information. Because rental-cycle operation, fees and access may change, please confirm official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Time estimate: About half a day of riverside cycling touring several submersible bridges. Allow extra time to rest slowly on the riverbank.
• What to prepare: In summer the sun is strong, so do not forget a hat and drinks. Easy-to-move clothing and comfortable shoes, and check rental-cycle operation in advance.
• Best timing: The soft light of morning is easy for riding and flatters the waterside scenery. In summer, prepare well against the heat.
• Suggested route: Rent a cycle around Nakamura Station, start at the Sada submersible bridge and follow the river to the Misato submersible bridge. Dismount and push across the bridges, then rest on the riverbank.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• What this course assumes: About half a day / the means of transport is a bicycle. The starting point is Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Nakamura Line, where you rent a bicycle from the Shimanto City Tourism Association in front of the station (8-3 Ekimae-cho, Shimanto City, Tel. 0880-35-4171).
• Rental bicycle opening hours: The Shimanto City Tourism Association is open 8:30-17:30. All plans of up to 5 hours require the bicycle to be returned by 17:30.
• Guide to prices: A mountain bike costs 1,000 yen for up to 5 hours or 1,500 yen for 24 hours, while a mountain bike that can be dropped off at another location costs 1,200 yen for up to 5 hours or 1,700 yen for 24 hours. An electrically power-assisted bicycle is 2,500 yen for up to 5 hours, a tandem (two-seater) bicycle is 3,000 yen for up to 5 hours, and an e-bike is 4,800 yen for up to 5 hours (prices for the power-assisted and tandem bicycles were revised on July 1, 2026).
• One-way drop-off: Mountain bikes are also rented out at the Shin Royal Hotel Shimanto, the Nakamura Prince Hotel and the Shimantogawa Gakuyukan Akitsuio, and can be dropped off at any of these terminals. Check availability in advance with the Shimanto City Tourism Association (0880-35-4171). There is also Rin Rin Cycle (Canoe-kan), which allows drop-off at JR Ekawasaki Station and other locations.
• What needs to be reserved: Online reservations are available for the rental bicycles by vehicle type and duration. Numbers are limited, so booking ahead is reassuring.
• Closed days: The Shimanto City Tourism Association's rental bicycle service is closed over the New Year period (December 30 to January 3). Note that Rin Rin Cycle (Canoe-kan) has different dates, closing from December 29 to January 3.
• An alternative plan: There is also a course starting from Ekawasaki Station in the middle reaches that takes in three submersible bridges, Nagaoi, Nakahage and Hage, covering about 20 km round trip in about 2 hours. Traffic is light and it is easy going, and Nakahage Chinkabashi Bridge can only be crossed on foot or by bicycle.
• Points to note and safety advice: The submersible bridges are built to be submerged when the river rises, so they have no railings. Because of the risk of falling, get off your bicycle and push it across the bridges, and avoid stopping to take photos. The submersible bridges are still-used everyday roads and cars cross them too. The roads are narrow, so give way to each other.
• Weather and season: After heavy rain or a typhoon the river rises and the submersible bridges may be flooded or closed. The summer sun is strong and there is a risk of heatstroke, so do not forget a hat, drinks and frequent breaks.
• Public transport: Trains and local buses serving Nakamura Station are infrequent. Looking up your return times before you set off is reassuring.

* When you set out, the tourism association will go over sightseeing information and things to watch out for using a map. If it is your first time, do ask before you start riding.

(Sources: Shimanto City Tourism Association official website. As of July 2026)