Riding the Shimanto River ~ Japan’s longest uncontrolled river
Kubokawa to Shimanto River
We have had a truly spectacular day. We enjoyed an exceptional breakfast at Ryokan Mimi. After the rain of yesterday, the weather this morning looks promising. However the temperatures have dropped and rain is coming.
Something we love about Japanese meals is the thoughtful and attractive way it is served. The small plates offer the right quantity with each item immaculately prepared and seasoned…quality over quantity…
Following Route 381 was a good choice for us. We enjoyed unobstructed views of the river while being surrounded by the towering forested hills we have come to associate with Shikoku. The road surface and paved sidewalk were excellent, the traffic was light and despite cold temperatures with rain which developed through the day, we felt that this was a day to remember.
Ryokan Mimi has a long history as a family business since the 1930’s. The younger generations are continuing the traditions as well as expanding and modernizing their accommodations with a second building. Our spacious room was in the original building and offered us a seating area overlooking the gardens, and 2 tatami rooms: one for sleeping and one with a table for eating, drinking tea…. There were many treasures on display throughout.
The Shimanto River is the longest, uncontrolled river in Japan. We were intrigued by the “submersible bridges” that are positioned at the level of the river, well below our route . These cement bridges feature a single lane with no curb along the side nor railings. The design of the bridge has a time proven effectiveness, since when the water level rises, there is no damage to the bridge. It becomes submerged and as the water levels lower, the bridge emerges.
We have yet to see one of these creatures, but the signs are featured often along the way.
Peter BrettThat's a Totoro from the movie "My Neighbour Totoro," one of the most popular Japanese movies in Japan and abroad. It's well-worth watching and pretty easy to find. Reply to this comment 8 months ago
At this point, we have taken refuge in another Michi-no-eki…..we were so cold and the rain comes and goes. I think the highest temperature today has been 7 degrees C. We have decided against camping and we’re trying to find accommodation. There is nothing we can book online in this area. A young woman working at the Michi came over and asked if we were in trouble. She took on helping us find a place to stay and phoned Hotel Siera.. Yeah, we have a room for tonight. Thank you Miho!
We arrived at Hotel Siera Shimanto with the wind howling and the rain coming down. We are lucky to have a room with a spectacular view of the Shimanto River. We are dressed in our Japanese robes and are headed to the Onsen for a restorative soak in the hot, therapeutic water.
