Shimonanosato in the valley surrounded by mountains

INTO THE MOUNTAINS.

Shimonanosato sits beside the Nakatsu River in the mountains of Niyodogawa, Kochi Prefecture — on Shikoku Island, close to the border with Ehime.

Getting here takes a little intention.
That is part of what makes this place feel different.

Where we are

Shimonanosato is in Niyodogawa, a mountain town in western Kochi Prefecture.

Shimonanosato

619 Shimonanokawa, Niyodogawa-cho,
Agawa-gun, Kochi 781-1762, Japan

Elevation: approximately 350 m

Map of Shikoku showing Shimonanosato location
Winding mountain road towards Shimonanosato

THE EASIEST WAY HERE

By
car

For most visitors, we recommend coming by car.

Having your own vehicle makes getting here much easier and also gives you the freedom to explore Niyodogawa during your stay.

Kochi Ryoma AirportAbout 1 hr 45 min
Matsuyama AirportAbout 2 hrs
JR Sakawa StationAbout 50 min

Travel times are approximate and may vary with traffic, weather and road conditions.

When you arrive

Shimonanosato and Blue Brew sit close together beside the Nakatsu River, with Yumenomori Campground about an 8-minute walk upstream.

Blue Brew is just across the nearby bridge.

You do not cross the bridge to arrive at Shimonanosato.

Yumenomori Campground is approximately an 8-minute walk from Shimonanosato.

Local area map of Shimonanosato, Blue Brew and Yumenomori
Bridge over the Nakatsu River next to Shimonanosato

Parking

There is plenty of free parking at Shimonanosato for overnight guests, groups and visitors.

Parking area at Shimonanosato
Cyclists resting with their bikes outside Shimonanosato

Cyclists are
welcome.

Shimonanosato sits approximately 350 m above sea level, so keep the climb in mind when planning your route.

Secure bicycle storage is available for overnight guests.

After a day on the road, you can put the bike away and settle into the valley.

ON FOOT

Experienced walkers and runners can also reach Shimonanosato under their own power.

Distances are substantial and services become limited as you enter the mountains, so plan your route carefully, carry what you need, and allow plenty of daylight.

COMING WITHOUT A CAR?

It’s possible.
It just takes some planning.

JR Sakawa Station building

The nearest JR station is Sakawa Station.

From Sakawa, buses travel toward Niyodogawa Town. Reaching Shimonanosato requires another local bus connection.

That final local service is very limited — currently operating only on weekdays and only a few times per day.

Because the journey can involve several transfers, long waits and Japanese-language timetables, we generally recommend renting a car or arranging another form of transportation if possible.

If you plan to come by public transport, contact us before your trip. We can help you understand whether the connections work for your travel date.

ONE LAST STOP BEFORE THE MOUNTAINS

Shopping options become limited as you approach Shimonanosato.

If you would like snacks, breakfast food, special dietary items or other supplies during your stay, we recommend stopping at a supermarket or convenience store before heading farther into the mountains.

Exterior of Blue Brew taproom

JUST ACROSS THE BRIDGE

Blue Brew, the taproom of Mukai Craft Brewing, is about a one-minute walk from Shimonanosato.

Craft beer, soft drinks and some food are available when the taproom is open.

Opening days vary, so please check the latest information before visiting.

CHECK BLUE BREW HOURS
Nakatsu River near Shimonanosato

THE ROAD GETS
QUIETER.

The towns become smaller.
The river gets clearer.

And eventually, you arrive here.

SHIMONANOSATO

Niyodogawa, Kochi

GET DIRECTIONS