Destinations

Nakamura

"As an island without bullet trains, life naturally flows at a slower pace on Shikoku. Down in the deep south at Nakamura this is especially true. Come and spend a day or so relaxing by the banks of the beautiful Shimanto-gawa river."

Harry Sargant - Tailored Department Manager

Nakamura is a small, sleepy town in the southwest corner of Shikoku, one of the most isolated areas of Japan and about as far as you can get from the bright lights of Tokyo, metaphorically speaking! Nakamura sits beside the Shimanto-gawa river, hailed as the last 'untamed' river in Japan, surviving as nature intended without a single dam, diversion or other human alteration, commonly found on rivers across Japan. The Shimanto winds its way lazily through inland Shikoku before emptying into the Pacific Ocean, just past Nakamura. As it nears the ocean the river widens creating a broad expanse of clear fresh water, perfectly framed by the hills on either side. The river is a lovely place to enjoy the great outdoors, whether by boat or kayak, or simply by taking a stroll along its wide banks. You can also get close to the area's flora and fauna at the nearby dragonfly nature park and wild bird park.

Nakamura has a number of delightful family-run minshuku accommodation options – the Japanese equivalent of a B&B. These places offer a friendly welcome and the best in hearty home-cooked food.

Nakamura is a good base for further exploration of this isolated corner of Shikoku. A few miles to the south is the rugged coastal scenery of the Ashizuri-Misaki cape, with a number of pleasant walking trails, plus perhaps the most remote of Shikoku’s famous 88 temples. To the east of Nakamura lies more attractive coastline with beaches and whale watching trips on offer, depending on the season.