Experience outdoor fun in Shikoku starting from the hometown of Ryoma!

Text & Photography / Wei Ruwei

Thanks to the high acclaim of the Japanese drama "Ryoma ga Yuku" broadcast in Taiwan, the birthplace of Sakamoto Ryoma—Kochi Prefecture (formerly known as "Tosa")—has gained popularity among Taiwanese travelers in recent years.

From the statue of Ryoma in the terminal building of Kochi Airport, to the hair salons that use “Ryoma” as part of their shop names, to the ongoing "Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" in Kochi City (running until March 31, 2012), including the fact that the Kochi Prefectural Government specially purchased the shooting sets of "Ryoma ga Yuku" from NHK... one can deeply feel the local pride in Ryoma. In this prefecture/city with a population of around 800,000, aside from its rich history and culture, the Shimanto River, which originates from the rugged mountains within the prefecture, is hailed as “Japan’s last clear stream.” With crystal-clear waters home to reportedly over 200 species of fish, the river is not only vital to the livelihoods of local fishermen but also serves as a key tourism highlight of Kochi. Stretching 196 kilometers—the longest river in Shikoku—it offers attractions along its upper, middle, and lower reaches, including 33 designated scenic spots and cycling paths. Here, visitors can enjoy kayaking and ride yakatabune boats that date back to the Edo period.

For those who love outdoor activities and crave more excitement, venture out of Kochi Prefecture to the area between Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture and Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, where you can admire the magnificent view of seven bridges—including the Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the Hakata-Oshima Bridge, and the Tatara Bridge—that connect six islands to the mainland. This archipelagic region, often referred to as the “Aegean Sea of Japan,” not only allows for thrilling bike rides across the ocean-spanning bridges but also offers the chance to take boat trips in the Naruto Strait of the Seto Inland Sea to witness dramatic whirlpools—a truly unique experience. The distinctive geography of Shikoku gives rise to another captivating facet of Japan’s charm.