【Aikido × Travel】From Shimanto to Kochi City｜Aikido Journey, Day 2
After 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)