Submersible Bridge
Shimanto, in Kōchi Prefecture, is famed for the unspoiled Shimanto River, often called Japan’s last clear stream. Flowing freely without dams, the river is ideal for kayaking, fishing, and cycling along peaceful rural routes. Scattered along its length are iconic chinkabashi (submersible bridges), designed without railings to let floodwaters pass—among them, the Sada (Imanari) Chinkabashi, the river’s longest at nearly 292 meters. These low bridges, set against green hills and reflective waters, are a symbol of the region’s harmony with nature. Together with fresh local cuisine and quiet countryside charm, Shimanto offers a serene escape into traditional riverside life.