Shimanto City

(Not to be confused with nearby Shimanto Town)

Sada Chinkabashi over the Shimanto River

Shimanto City (四万十市) is a city in Kochi, Japan.

Understand

The Shimanto River is known as the "Last Pristine River in Japan" or the "Last Clearwater River in Japan", and it not only runs through the city but the city is named after the river. Among its most famous attractions are the Chinkabashi or "submersible bridges". These bridges are constructed so that they sink when the river water gets high. They do not have supports or railings, so debris can flow by without destroying the bridges. These bridges are icons of the city and among its top attractions alongside the river itself.

Tourist information site

The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

See

• 1 Nakamura Castle (中村城). 09:00-17:00. Also known as Shimanto City Folk Museum (四万十市郷土博物館), it is a reconstructed castle with exhibits related to the city's history. ¥440. (updated Jul 2022)
• 2 Yasunami Waterwheels (安並水車の里). An attractive line of waterwheels that were historically used to help irrigate the rice fields. They are especially beautiful in June when the hydrangea are in bloom. Free. (updated Jul 2022)
• 3 Sada Chinkabashi Bridge (佐田沈下橋). Sada's Chinkabashi is among the most famous and easily recognizable of the submersible bridges that cross the Shimanto River thanks to the bright blue columns that hold it up. It also lies lower than the other bridges, so you are closest to the river when crossing, which is said to give it greater appeal. (updated Jul 2022)

Go next

• Shimanto Town
• Kuroshio
• Tosashimizu
• Mihara
• Sukumo
• Yusuhara
• Matsuno
• Kihoku
• Uwajima