Top Activities on the Ground in Kochi Prefecture

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.

Well known today as a ninja, Mohei was a real person who lived in the old village Kusaka-mura, which is the centre of the modern village of Hidaka-mura. According to the legend, he was a poor peasant who fell in love with the daughter of a rich landowner. The affair was doomed, and while he was walking about desperately looking for a place to die, Mohei came upon the cave called Sarudado, where a fantastic creature called a tengu was pursuing an ascetic lifestyle. Mohei became its disciple. So diligent was he that he learned everything his mentor taught and travelled to the town surrounding Kochi castle, where he did such things as giving rice to the poor. This activity is in the footsteps of the Ninja Mohei. You will wear a Ninja costume and try training in the cave! After the caving, you will relax with a coffee, local black tea and some sweets or fruits.

This is a multi-activity tour that explores the Shimanto river valley. You will travel first by train, then by bike, and finally by raft, through the natural splendor of this untrammeled region of Kochi. Along the way you will meet an artisan iron-worker practicing his traditional craft. You will see the inner-workings of his workshop and hear how his trade has passed down through the generations. Later you will have lunch overlooking the valley, and finally you will board a raft for a thrilling ride on the river.