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        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
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      • Pow Bar Founder Megumi Scott

        Beyond the Brand: Pow Bar

        An interview with Megumi Scott, the founder of Niseko brand Pow Bar.
        Churamura Okinawa Sea Turtle Marine Conservation

        Churamura: Footprints in the Sand

        Churamura, an NPO in Okinawa, work to conserve marine life and protect endangered sea turtles in Japan's southernmost prefecture.
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        Fall in Love with Kawazu

        Enjoy waterfall hikes and hot springs, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood in Kawazu on the western coast of Izu Peninsula.
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
    • Near Kyoto
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.
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Kochi, a Nature Paradise in Shikoku

Kochi Prefecture, on Shikoku Island, is home to mountains, rivers and a stunning coastline, making a must-go destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Yoshino River in northern Kochi features world-class whitewater rafting while the Shimanto River, in the west, is Japan’s last free-flowing crystal clear river.

Off the coast at Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park, enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and whale watching – or catch waves in the Hata area. Of course, Kochi is also famous for the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage and attracts soul-seeking pilgrims from all over the world. Discover more exciting activities and adventures that await in Kochi.

kochi hata surf dojo

The Surfing Life – Hata Style

Intrepid surfers are known for traveling to the far reaches of the globe to find quality waves. While Kochi Prefecture, in southern Shikoku Island, may not qualify as remote, it is far away from the frenetic pace of Osaka, Tokyo and other large cities in Japan. Bruce Dillon, an avid Australian surfer, laid roots in Kuroshio, a town located in the Hata District of Kochi, and has built a “surf dojo” where aspiring surfers can get their feet wet and get a taste for the surfing lifestyle. The Hata area has numerous surf breaks, delicious local cuisine and a laid-back culture that is ideal for extended holidays or remote work away from the crowds.

Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka. The region stays warmer than mainlandd Japan, even in peak winter, and river fun awaits from early spring to late autumn.

Kaiyu Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

Snorkeling, Surfing and Sustainability in Kochi

Shikoku conjures up images of misty mountains and pilgrims walking the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. But the far tip of Shikoku Island in Kochi Prefecture is an off-the-beaten-path destination for divers, surfers and whale watchers. There’s also a local community of outdoor enthusiasts running lodges and showcasing the hidden secrets of Kochi’s outdoors. 

Shimanto River Kochi Shikoku Japan

Shikoku Road Trip: Kochi by Camper Van

The southernmost prefecture of Shikoku Island has long been a favorite travel destination for locals, dating back to the Edo Period when pilgrims making the 88 Temple Pilgrimage would detour to enjoy the beaches and aquamarine waters of Tatsukushi. Mountainous forests and coastal towns dominate most of the prefecture, where visitors will find enterprising locals and nature guides working to revitalize their communities. Shikoku’s winding roads are best explored by car.

Washi Papermaking Kochi Shikoku Outdoor Japan

Following the Paper Trail in Kochi

Washi—traditional Japanese paper—has a history of nearly 1,500 years in Japan. Washi was used widely in everyday life until the arrival of mass-produced, machine-made Western paper in the 20th century. Today, washi is more art than commodity with a select few artists working to help keep this traditional paper relevant and evolving along with modern society. on such artist carrying on the traditional art of washi papermaking in Kochi is Rogier Uitenboogaart.

Unchanged Uguru: Snorkeling and Diving in Kochi

Uguru is remote by anyone’s definition and going onshore is a step back in time. The village consists of perhaps twenty wooden homes, built practically on top of each other, continuing straight up the mountainside. Its waters are some of the clearest around and perfect for snorkeling and diving and if you are lucky you might finish off a day exploring with a “Daruma Sunset.”

River and Sea – The Shimanto and Uwa Inlets

The Shimanto-gawa (Shimanto River) is one of the last remaining clear rivers in Japan, known for its un-dammed, pristine water and beautiful landscape. After cruising down the mostly empty road along this sparkling river, continue southbound for Cape Ashizuri where the route turns back north along the tranquil inlets of the Uwa Sea.

The UFO Line / Photo By: Toshiki Mori

Japan Eco Track: Cycling Mountains to Rivers in Shikoku

The mountains of Shikoku Island are a place of spirituality and vast wilderness. The Ishizuchi Mountains extend about 60 kilometers from east to west in western Shikoku, bordering Ehime and Kochi prefectures. The 1,982-meter Mt. Ishizuchi is the tallest mountain in western Japan and its four shrines are sacred points for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a spiritual experience. 

The steep terrain makes for a challenging but rewarding ride for fit cyclists. Public transportation is limited here, so the best way to fully immerse yourself into Shikoku culture is by cycling the Japan Eco Track. Access from Tokyo or Osaka is easiest by flying to Matsuyama Airport in Ehime (1.5 hours from Tokyo and 50 minutes from Osaka). Take a bus to Matsuyama Station (25 minutes) then take an hour-long train to Iyo-Saijo Station or drive 45 minutes from Matsuyama IC to the Ishizuchi region.

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