Discover the Heart of Shikoku’s Untamed Beauty
Nestled along the pristine banks of the Shikoku’s last wild river, the Shimanto Towa roadside station stands as a vibrant gateway to the natural and cultural riches of the Towa region in Kochi Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and the serene flow of the Shimanto River, this roadside station blends rustic charm with modern adventure, offering travelers a true taste of rural Japan.
More than just a pit stop, Shimanto Towa is a celebration of local life. Visitors can savor seasonal specialties like fresh ayu fish, unagi, and Shikoku pork at the Towa Dining Hall, enjoy a rotating “Towa Basket” meal, or indulge in unique treats like the four-leaf clover ice cream with 100% Shikoku pork. The Towa Market offers farm-fresh produce and handcrafted goods, while the Shikoku River Zip Line delivers thrilling aerial views of the river’s majestic landscape. With seasonal events like the Chestnut Fair and weekly night markets, every visit feels like a journey through the rhythm of the land.
Why Visit
Visit Shimanto Towa for the only four万十川 (Shimanto River) zipline, where you soar 20 meters above the river’s pristine waters, framed by ancient forests and wild rapids. Here, taste the region’s only ice cream made with 100% local pork—“Shimanto River and Curry Pan”—and savor the seasonal “Toowa Basket Meal,” featuring fresh wild ayu, eel, and tenjiku rice, all sourced directly from the river’s basin.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor the rich flavors of Shimanto Towa with fresh, local ingredients from the river and mountains.
Toowa Dining Hall
とおわ食堂
Specialty
Local cuisine using ingredients from the Shimanto River basin
A dining hall offering meals made with fresh ingredients from the Shimanto River area, including wild ayu, eel, Tenwajin rice, and Shimanto pork. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, reflecting the natural beauty and local traditions of the region.
Shimanto River Buffet
四万十流域バイキング
Specialty
Seasonal local dishes from the Shimanto River region
A buffet featuring over 20 dishes made with seasonal ingredients from the Shimanto River basin, centered around traditional local cuisine. The atmosphere is lively and communal, ideal for experiencing the diversity of regional flavors.
Toowa Ice Cream Shop
とおわのアイス屋さん
Specialty
Ice cream and soft serve made with seasonal local ingredients
A cozy ice cream shop offering handmade ice cream and soft serve crafted from fresh seasonal produce from Shimanto and Kochi. The atmosphere is light and refreshing, perfect for a sweet break in nature.
Shopping Highlights
Discover seasonal produce and handmade goods at Shimanto Towa’s vibrant market.
Toowa Market
とおわ市場
A direct-to-consumer market offering fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits, bento boxes, and locally crafted processed goods. The shop highlights the natural abundance and daily life of the Toowa region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Chestnuts and tea from the region
Featured Products
Explore signature treats like chestnuts, tea, and 100% Shimanto pork delicacies.
Shimanto Chestnuts
四万十栗
Locally harvested chestnuts from the Shimanto region, known for their rich flavor and sweet texture. Grown in the mountainous terrain of the river basin.
Shimanto Tea
四万十茶
Premium green tea cultivated in the highlands of the Shimanto River basin, known for its delicate aroma and smooth taste.
Shimanto Mushrooms
椎茸
Fresh shiitake mushrooms grown in the forested areas of the Shimanto region, prized for their robust flavor and firm texture.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including parking, restrooms, and accessible facilities.
Parking
The roadside station has a parking area with space for 71 cars, including 3 accessible parking spots for wheelchairs, and space for 3 buses.
At the roadside station premises
Restroom
Restrooms are available at the roadside station for visitor use.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors at the roadside station.
Throughout the roadside station premises
Information Center
An information center is available to assist visitors with inquiries about the roadside station, local attractions, events, and nearby facilities.
At the roadside station entrance or main facility
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the roadside station grounds.
Within the roadside station premises
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors using electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
ATM
An ATM is available on-site for visitors to withdraw cash.
Near the main entrance or information center
Pet Area
A designated pet-friendly area is available for visitors with pets, allowing them to rest and walk their animals safely.
Outside the main building, near the entrance
Activities & Experiences
Experience thrilling adventures like the Shimanto River Zipline and seasonal events.
Four Million River Zip Line
四万十川ジップライン
Ride a zip line 20 meters high and 220 meters long, enjoying thrilling and exhilarating views of the majestic scenery of the Four Million River.
Duration
15 min
Activity may be suspended during heavy rain or strong winds.
Insider Tips
Plan visits around weekly events and check seasonal highlights for the best local flavors.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays to secure fresh produce from Toowa Market before the daily batch of local strawberries and summer melons sells out.
- Hidden Gems: At the Toowa Market, look for the limited-edition "Kuri no Mochi" (chestnut rice cake) available only during the Chestnut Fair in October, sold exclusively at the counter near the entrance.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the Toowa Ice Cream Shop between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to try the seasonal "Miso and Yuzu Soft Serve," a rotating special only available during the Chestnut Fair period.
- Dining Strategy: Order the seasonal "Toowa Basket Set" at Toowa Restaurant before 10:00 AM on weekdays, as it is only available during the morning hours and features ingredients from that week’s local harvest.
- Biking Access Tip: If arriving by bicycle, use the dedicated bike parking area near the Toowa Ice Cream Shop, as the main parking lot is reserved for cars and buses.
- Activity Timing: Book the Shimojima River Zip Line in advance for a morning slot before 11:00 AM, as the afternoon sessions are often fully booked due to high demand and limited capacity.
- Market Pro Tip: Purchase the "Toowa Farm Fresh Box" at Toowa Market between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM on Thursdays, as it includes the week’s surplus harvest and is discounted by 20% during that time.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Late March to April features peak canola flower displays, with fresh bamboo shoots available at the market.
Summer (June-August): August hosts the roadside station night market and the Four Million River Buffet.
Autumn (September-November): The Chestnut Fair celebrates local chestnuts, with seasonal ice cream and market treats.
Winter (December-February): Limited hours for the restaurant and zip line, but the market and ice cream shop remain open year-round.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers a children's play area and engaging activities like the zip line. Features kid-friendly food options such as ice cream and simple meals. Equipped with stroller-friendly paths and accessible restrooms. Educational elements include local food and nature exhibits.
Food Lover Review
Provides diverse dining with high-quality local dishes like river trout and Shikoku pork. Features seasonal specialties such as chestnuts and regional bento. Fresh produce is available at the market. Offers artisanal ice cream and unique local flavors.
Car Camping Review
Has clean restrooms and vending machines. Offers a quiet, scenic environment suitable for overnight stays. While no explicit overnight parking policy is listed, the spacious 71-car parking lot supports extended visits.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by scenic views of the Shikoku River and lush mountain landscapes. Features excellent photo spots including the zip line and riverside viewpoints. Seasonal beauty is evident in autumn chestnut events and spring greenery. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and naturally picturesque.