【Aikido × Travel】From Shimanto to Kochi City｜Aikido Journey, Day 2
By community, 22 hours agoAfter a light breakfast in my room, I met up with A-san.
Today, we’re heading back to Kochi City to prepare for tomorrow’s seminar with Suganuma Sensei.
Before leaving, we stopped by a local product market near the Nakamura Daiichi Hotel where we had stayed.
The product center “Sunriver Shimanto” is located on the same premises as the hotel.
Inside, there was a wide selection of local foods. A-san picked up a delicious-looking simmered rice dish with Hatchikin chicken and ginger, while I grabbed some fresh seasonal strawberries.
Instead of getting straight onto Route 56, we decided to visit our favorite store, Workman.
Mike didn’t bring enough shirts, so he needed to buy a few more. Plus, A-san had never been to Workman before, and we remembered passing one yesterday.
We headed to “Workman Plus II Shimanto” (https://www.workman.co.jp/).
Mike found two breathable short-sleeved shirts, and A-san picked up a T-shirt she could wear under her aikido-gi.
“What kind of sightseeing is there around here?”
“There’s a chinkabashi.”
“A chinkabashi?”
I was a bit embarrassed—I had never heard of it.
A chinkabashi is a type of bridge designed to submerge during heavy rain, making it less likely to be swept away.
Shimanto River, known for its pristine waters, has a wide span and long flow. When it rains, the water level rises quickly, often causing floods. That’s why these special bridges were built in various locations.
A-san looked up some options, and although there were several nearby, we decided to visit the larger “Katsuma Chinkabashi” upstream.
As we drove past rows of houses and into more wooded areas along the river, the bridge finally came into view.
Under a cloudless blue sky, bright yellow daffodils bloomed, and the chinkabashi blended seamlessly into the road.
“Let’s drive across!”
“We probably can’t turn around on the other side, so let’s skip it.”
Curiosity aside, the driver’s judgment is final.
We parked nearby and enjoyed the peaceful scenery of the river and the bridge.
Luckily, there weren’t many people around, so we each wandered off to explore at our own pace.
We strolled slowly along the rocky riverbank, savoring the moment.
A postal van passed by Mike as he walked across the bridge. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie.
Shimanto River, often called “Japan’s last clear stream,” was so pure and smooth that its clarity was truly soothing.
Thank you, A-san, for showing us such a beautiful spot.
Before we knew it, it was past noon and our stomachs were growling.
“What do you feel like eating?”
“Ramen!”
Mike, who had seen countless ramen signs and shops while driving, answered without hesitation.
He’s not really into traditional or local Japanese cuisine—his answer is always the same.
While I sighed a little, kind-hearted A-san searched for a nearby ramen shop.
“Found one!”
And it was miso-based—Mike’s favorite.
To thank him for driving, we headed straight there.
The small shop’s parking lot was packed, but we managed to squeeze into one spot and went inside.
Mike ordered a miso ramen with extra char siu, and I had my favorite: ramen with wood ear mushrooms.
By the time we finished, it was already 1:30 PM.
Time to get moving toward Kochi City.
While driving along the highway, we spotted another roadside station: “Nabura Tosa-Saga.”
We were all feeling sleepy—passengers and driver alike—so we decided to stretch our legs and look for something unique to the area.
Being a Saturday, the place was bustling.
I was drawn to a set of three types of daifuku (sweet rice cakes) and bought them. We each grabbed a hot coffee and sat down for a break.
Then, a fun idea popped into my head.
“Oh! I bought strawberries earlier—maybe I can make a strawberry daifuku!”
What a perfect dessert.
I split open a daifuku, tucked a strawberry inside, and took a bite. “So good!”
Thank you, local produce!
We continued driving and finally arrived in Kochi City.
We’ll be staying for two nights at Comfort Hotel Kochi
👉 Book Your Stay in Shimanto City with Trip.com
The hotel is conveniently located near the station and also close to a rental car shop.
After checking in and returning the car, we took a short rest.
Time flew by, and soon it was dinner time.
We headed to a small restaurant near the hotel, but unfortunately, it was fully booked.
After being turned away from a few more places, we followed the lights across the river and ended up in Harimaya Town.
Tired, hungry, and a little grumpy, we stepped into a restaurant with hopeful hearts.
“Table for three?”
“Yes, of course.”
Phew—what a relief.
We were saved by Harimaya Yokocho
After a short wait, we were shown to a lively space decorated with retro posters, giving off a festive vibe.
Just being there lifted our spirits.
“Three beers, please!”
Though it was just a travel day, we toasted to good times.
Mike was blown away by the salt-seared bonito sashimi.
Thick cuts, rich flavor, and incredible freshness—it was the highlight of the meal.
With all the delicious food fueling us, we’re now fully ready for tomorrow’s seminar!
👉 Find rental cars on EconomyBookings
👉 Search hotels & flights in Kochi Prefecture on Traveloka
(By booking through the above links, you’re also supporting Aikido Travel activities—thank you!)
👉 Coming up next: “Aikido Seminar Experience in Kochi｜A Day of Learning and Encounters” (Day 3)
From Kochi City, we headed straight down Route 56 toward Nakamura Dojo in Shimanto City.
With full stomachs and the gentle rocking of the car, it would have been easy to doze off—but this was a trip with three friends. Conversation flowed, spirits were high, and the drive was lively and fun.
On the way, we came across Michi-no-Eki Kawauso-no-Sato Susaki and decided to stop for a break.
I never used to care much about souvenirs, but now I find myself drawn to the fresh local produce and specialty foods that are hard to come by in Tokyo. Every roadside station feels like a little treasure hunt.
Luckily, the store wasn’t crowded, so we browsed at a relaxed pace. I couldn’t resist picking up ginger miso and yuzu mayonnaise, while A’s basket was filled to the brim with Mire biscuits in all kinds of flavors. I had never even heard of them before, but when I tried them later, their thick, crunchy texture and rich taste completely won me over. Now I understand why they’re so popular.
The hot sun had left us a little flushed, so we treated ourselves to sherbet from Yokobatake Reika. Naturally, chocolate-loving Mike chose chocolate flavor—but since it was sherbet, it was a new experience for him. He enjoyed the crisp, refreshing texture.
True to the name “Kawauso-no-Sato” (Otter’s Village), we even spotted a cheerful otter mascot outside the Lawson across the street, welcoming customers.
Back in the car, we continued on toward Nakamura.
“I’m pretty sure there’s a long beach around here,” said Mike, who once lived in Kochi. And sure enough, after passing Saga Park, Tosa Shirahama Beach appeared before us.
“Wow, it’s huge…”
Even though we were mindful of the time, the beauty of the scenery made us stop the car. We each wandered down to the shore in our own way, soaking in the vastness of nature. The waves were calm, the sound of the sea all around us, and I found myself lost in the moment—grateful just to be there.
It was nearly 5 p.m., and simply walking along the evening shore gave us a sweet, nostalgic feeling, almost like youth itself.
Finally, we reached our destination: Nakamura in Shimanto City.
For this trip, we stayed at Nakamura Daiichi Hotel (BBH Hotel Group).
👉Book Your Stay in Shimanto City with Trip.com
The room was simple but very practical, reasonably priced, and amenities were plentiful at the front desk.
Practice with Nakamura Aikikai is held at the Shimanto City Martial Arts Hall, about 2.5 km from the hotel. Training began at 7:30 p.m., so after checking in and taking a short rest, we changed into our dogi and drove to the dojo.
Although it was already dark, the Martial Arts Hall was an impressive building and easy to recognize. Since we arrived a little early, we waited at the entrance until a kind member welcomed us and showed us in.
The head instructor of Nakamura Aikikai is Yuto Yasumitsu Sensei. Despite meeting for the first time, he greeted us warmly with a smile.
The first 30 minutes were spent practicing with children, followed by an hour of adult training.
“Our numbers have been shrinking little by little,” he said—a concern many dojos share.
Sensei’s techniques were soft and fluid, using the hips and whole body to naturally connect with the partner. I tend to tense up, but once I grabbed his arm, all my strength seemed to melt away, and before I knew it, I was on the mat.
It was a living experience of the gentle, effortless, and mysterious Aiki passed down from the late Koichi Sayagi Shihan and Noriaki Maeda Shihan.
After practice, while folding our hakama, we realized we hadn’t taken any photos—so with the remaining members, we gathered for a quick “Say cheese!”
I’m already looking forward to seeing everyone again at the upcoming Suganuma Shihan seminar in two days. Thank you so much for welcoming us so kindly.
We returned to the hotel around 9:30 p.m. and headed out for a late dinner at a nearby izakaya. After such a long day, the big lunch at Nishimura Shoten felt like a distant memory. Hungry again, we ordered our favorites and toasted with a cold beer.
Tonight, I’m sure I’ll sleep soundly.
👉 Next time: “From Shimanto back to Kochi City – Flowing Rivers and Castle Town Strolls on Day 2 of the Aikido Journey.”
※ You can support Aikido Travel by booking your rental car through the links below.
The 2nd IAF International Aikido for Young Adults | October 2025 in Tokyo
By community, 4 weeks ago🌏 The 2nd IAF International Aikido for Young Adults (October 24–26, 2025)
Following the first seminar held in 2023 at Kyoto’s Butokuden, The 2nd IAF International Aikido for Young Adults will take place this year at Minato City Sports Center in Tokyo.
This international event is open to Aikido practitioners under the age of 30 with shodan rank or higher. It offers a rare opportunity to train and connect with peers from around the world, creating unforgettable memories through shared practice.
🥋 Guest Instructors
- Special Instructor: Mitsuteru Ueshiba Aikido Hombu Dojo-cho (Hombu Dojo)
- Instructor: Toshio Suzuki Shihan (Hombu Dojo)
- Instructor: Yuji Koyama Shihan (Hombu Dojo)
📌 Official Seminar Website
✈️ Travel & Accommodation
To help you prepare for your trip, you can easily search and book hotels and flights near Minato City using the links below:
Search hotels and flights near Minato (Traveloka.com)
Find hotels in Tokyo on Trip.com
※ Booking through these links helps support the Aikido Travel website and its activities.
⚠️ Registration Status
As of May 26, 2025, the seminar has reached full capacity. We are currently accepting waitlist only registrations.
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity for international exchange and training—please consider joining the waitlist.
[Aikido × Travel] The Start of the Kochi Seminar and First Keiko at Nakamura Dojo (Day 1: First Half)
By community, one month agoAs a couple who both practice Aikido, people often ask us, “So, at which dojo did you meet?”
The answer always surprises them—because our story didn’t begin in a dojo at all.
We first met 25 years ago on a roadside in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.
Back then, I wasn’t practicing Aikido yet.
It was only after we got married that Mike, who had already been training for six years, encouraged me to step onto the mat.
His very first dojo was with the Kochi Aikido Group, and ever since, we’ve often said to each other, “Someday, let’s go back there together.” But like many dreams, the years slipped by and it never seemed to happen.
Then in January 2024, during a casual get-together after training, our friend A mentioned, “Oh, I’ve practiced at a dojo in Kochi before.
” That sparked something, and before we knew it, the conversation turned into “Let’s all go together!” Still, as with many big ideas, it didn’t happen right away.
But the following year, at the very same gathering, the topic resurfaced with new excitement—and this time, the plan finally began to take shape.
When A looked into it, we discovered that in late March, the Kochi Aikido Group would be hosting a seminar with Morito Suganuma Shihan, Director and Dojo-cho of Aikido Shoufukan.
That was the sign we were waiting for. Our “Aikido Journey: Kochi Edition” was officially on.
Travel Itinerary
Friday, March 21 – Practice at Nakamura Dojo (Shimanto City, Nakamura Aikikai)
Saturday, March 22 – Sightseeing on the way back from Shimanto City to Kochi City
Sunday, March 23 – Join the seminar with Suganuma Shihan, hosted by Kochi Aikido Group
Monday, March 24 – Sightseeing for just the two of us after parting ways with A
Tuesday, March 25 – Return to Tokyo
Of course, we contacted both Nakamura Dojo and Kochi Aikido in advance and received their kind permission to join training.
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Preparation
With the schedule set, the first step was booking flights and hotels. This time, balancing cost and convenience, we went with JAL.
👉 Compare low-cost flights (Kiwi.com)
Booking flights early usually means you can snag “hayawari” (early bird discounts). But I once forgot this lesson—on a past trip to Izumo, I waited until just one month before departure to buy tickets.
The result? I ended up paying nearly double the discounted price. A painful but unforgettable lesson.
For accommodations, we skipped the luxury hotels and instead prioritized good reviews and reasonable prices:
Shimanto City (Nakamura) → Nakamura Daiichi Hotel (BBH Group)
Book Your Stay in Shimanto City with Trip.com
Kochi City → Comfort Hotel Kochi
Check the Best Hotel Deals in Kochi City on Trip.com
Traveling from Kochi City to Shimanto City by train is possible, but it takes a long time and makes it harder to enjoy sightseeing along the way.
To give ourselves more freedom and flexibility, we chose to rent a car instead.
Rental Car → Toyota Rent-A-Lease
Find rental cars on EconomyBookings
Search hotels & flights in Kochi Prefecture on Traveloka
(By booking through the above links, you’re also supporting Aikido Travel activities—thank you!)
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The Journey Begins – From Haneda to Kochi Ryoma Airport
March 21, 2025. With two dogi and a hakama packed into the suitcase, we headed to Haneda Airport.
I couldn’t help but remember how empty the airport had felt during the pandemic, compared to the lively, bustling scene of today. Time changes so much.
After picking up souvenirs, we met A at the gate. The flight departed on time, and soon a clear blue sky stretched before us, with Mt. Fuji rising proudly above the clouds.
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A Hearty Lunch at Nishimura Shoten
After arriving at Kochi Ryoma Airport, we grabbed our rental car and made our way to our first stop: Nishimura Shoten.
The reviews weren’t wrong—the parking lot was full. But thanks to Mike’s uncanny “superpower” of always finding a spot, we managed to park without a hitch.
While waiting, we browsed the menu posted outside and checked the daily special. The more we looked, the hungrier we felt, and the anticipation made everything more exciting.
Once seated, I ordered the “Aradaki” (braised fish head), which arrived in a bowl so large I had to ask myself—is this really meant for one person?
The tender fish, rich with deep flavor, was simply outstanding.
Driven by the Japanese “mottainai” spirit of not letting food go to waste, I did my best. But in the end, I could only make it halfway through before admitting defeat.
Even so, my heart was full of happiness. It’s strange how travel meals leave behind more than flavors—they leave behind little stories of abundance, humility, and joy.
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Visiting Tosa Shrine and Zenrakuji Temple
With some time before keiko, we explored Kochi City. First stop: Tosa Shrine.
The quiet, tree-lined grounds seemed to clear the mind, and walking along the corridors of the shrine, we admired the historic ritual objects on display.
Our omikuji fortunes—chu-kichi (middle blessing) and sho-kichi (small blessing)—were gentle reminders that we still had much room to grow.
Right next door, we visited Zenrakuji, the 30th temple of the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
Bathed in the warmth of early spring sunshine, we offered our prayers and felt a sense of good fortune for the journey ahead.
With light hearts, we set off toward Shimanto City.
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👉 Coming up next: The road to Shimanto City and our first keiko at Nakamura Dojo.