Shimonanosato, the former school beside the river and mountains in autumn

An old school.
A new kind of place.
Upstream of Niyodo Blue.

Shimonanosato is a former Japanese elementary school in Niyodogawa. Today, it is a cozy place to stay for travelers, a favorite gathering place for locals, and a mountainside retreat for groups.

Shimonanokawa
Elementary School.

Shimonanokawa Elementary School served this mountain community for more than a century, operating in several locations in the Nakatsu Valley over its long history. As enrollment declined, the school closed in March 2000.

In 2005, the former school began a new chapter as Shimonanosato — once again becoming a place where people gather.

STAY.
CAMP.
GATHER.

Sleep in the school. Camp at Yumenomori. Join activities, sports, events, and groups.

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Stay

Sleep inside the former elementary school, surrounded by the character of the old classrooms.

CHECK ROOM AVAILABILITY

Camp

Yumenomori Campground is part of Shimonanosato, with grassy pitches and the natural setting of the valley all around.

CHECK CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY

Gather

Community activities, sports, events, and groups using a place made to come together.

COME TOGETHER

Upstream of
Niyodo Blue.

Shimonanosato sits beside the Nakatsu River, in the upper reaches of the Niyodo River system. Here, exceptionally clear water runs through mountain valleys, deep pools and narrow gorges.

Swim, wade and explore the river nearby — or venture deeper into the valley with guided canyoning and other river adventures.

Canyoning in the clear turquoise water of the Nakatsu River near Niyodogawa

Canyoning in the Nakatsu River area · Niyodo Adventure

Settle
into
the vibe!

Shimonanosato is so much more than a place to sleep.

Visitors enjoying the clear waters of the Nakatsu River beside Blue Brew in Niyodogawa, Kochi. — Hang out by the river.

Autumn riverside walking trail along the Nakatsu River in Niyodogawa, Kochi. — Take a stroll along our trails.

Blue Brew craft beer taproom surrounded by forest beside the Nakatsu River in Niyodogawa, Kochi. — Walk across the bridge to Blue Brew.

The Milky Way and countless stars above the forested mountains of Niyodogawa, Kochi. — Check out the night stars.

Shimonanosato:
The community center.

Shimonanosato is more than a place to stay. It continues to be part of everyday life in the valley, with sports, workshops, events and gatherings throughout the year.

Here, longtime residents work alongside a growing number of newcomers, finding new possibilities for Shimonanosato and making it better, little by little.

Together, we're building a welcoming community. If you're staying with us, pop your head in to see what we're doing. And if you're up for it, come join us!