Nakamura
Nakamura, the Town of Last Pure Shimanto River and Dragonfly
Nakamura was founded in 1468 (Ōnin 2), when Ichijō Norifusa, the former Imperial Regent (Kanpaku), relocated to the area during the Ōnin War and began developing the town as the political and cultural center of the Hata region.
The town was laid out in a grid pattern on land surrounded by the clear waters of the Shimanto River and its tributary, the Ushiro River. Reflecting its resemblance to Kyoto, place names such as Gion, Kyomachi, Kamogawa, and Higashiyama can still be found today.
Over the course of five generations and more than a century, the Tosa Ichijō Clan survived the turmoil of the Warring States period while introducing the refined culture of Kyoto to the region. Their influence gave rise to a unique cultural heritage in Nakamura, and traces of this historic town can still be seen today.
Blessed with the pristine Shimanto River and a rich natural environment, the area preserves a harmonious landscape where nature and daily life coexist. It is also renowned as one of Japan's most important habitats for dragonflies, with an exceptional diversity of species.
Sightseeing Highlights in Nakamura
Shimanto River
The last pure stream, the Shimanto River, has rich river resources and is the habitat for more than 200 different kinds of fish. Along the river is a great place to appreciate nature with outdoor activities including excursions by boat, kayaking, camping and more.
Ichijo Shrine
This shrine enshrines Kaneyoshi Ichijo, an aristocrat from the Muromachi period and succeeding Ichijo family members from the Tosa area. The shrine is famous for the Ichijo Taisai Festival.
Tonbo Natural Park, Shimanto River Gakuyu-kan Museum
This area is the No.1 habitat for dragonflies and some 81 different kinds are found here. An Akame snook is exhibited in an aquarium.
Fuba Hachiman-gu Shrine
Norifusa Ichijo had the deity transferred to this place from Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine.
Yasunami Waterwheel Village
A number of small and big water wheels twirling in the midst of the rice fields provide a nostalgic scene.
Shimanto City Folk Museum
City’s historical documents are exhibited. Great view from the rooftop of the museum.
*The museum is presently closed due to renovation. Some parts are scheduled to be reopened in March, 2018, and fully opened in February 2019.
Important Annual Events in Nakamura
Shimanto River Flower Trip, Willow Grove and Field Mustard Blossom in Nyuta
This mustard blossom field is spread out along the Shimanto River. At the site, a Japanese harp music concert, local products fairs.
Tosa Ichijo Imperial Procession (Wisteria Festival)
This is a grand pageant procession recreating the day when the former Kanpaku, chief advisor to the Emperor, Norifusa Ichijo, entered Nakamura City. The court noble procession consists of 200 participants and will parade through the city.
Shimanto Citizen Festival (Dance & Lantern Parade)
This is a summer event consisting of dance, and Chochin paper lanterns on floats parading through the city. Swirling around the float is a dynamic highlight of this festival.
All Japan Joro-gumo Silk Spider Sumo Competition
Two Kogane-gumo spiders will be set on one stick together, then fight against each other. The event held for the sake of creating a summer memory for children is very popular.
Daimonji Okuribi Bon Fire
Mt. Judaiji will become blazing red as the fire is lit on the mountain, displaying a fantastic scene. With this event, local people know the summer is nearing its end and autumn is coming.
Shimanto Summer Firework Festival
As the fireworks burst with music, the night sky will be illuminated with a variety of colors reflecting on the surface of the Shimanto River.
Fuba Hachiman-gu Shrine Taisai Festival
In this festival, the wedding ceremony for the god will be held. This is a very rare ritual in the country.
Shimanto River Ultra Marathon
There is a 60-km and 100-km marathon along Shimanto River and about 2,000 runners will participate from all over the country.
Ichijo Taisai Festival
This has been held grandly since the Ichijyo Shrine's founding, and during the festival, the streets are lined with stalls. The children’s parade also create a festive mood.
Traditional Crafts of Nakamura
Nakamura Suzuri Ink Stone
Nakamura’s Suzuri ink stone is good for the practical use as well as for ornamental purposes. Its material is compared favorably with Tankei and Kyuju ones from China.
Food & Specialties of Nakamura
Tosa Meika “Taisaku-san”
This is a confectionery in which yokan (sweet red bean bar) is sandwiched by cookies. It has an elegant sweetness and goes well with tea. Please try it when you visit Nakamura.
Kyoka “Ichijo-ko”
This sweet was made to commemorate the virtue of the Tosa Ichijo Family. Carefully selected Tosa’s chestnuts are first steamed then coated with bean paste one by one.
Ikada Yokan
A Yokan is a bar of sweetened and jellied bean paste. Ikada Yokan is made recreating the scene of an ikada raft floating down the Shimanto River.
Grilled Eel
Shimanto River’s wild eel has a rich flavor and chewy texture.
Aosa-nori Seaweed Tempura
The fresh Aosa seaweed is fried in Tempura style. This is a local dish with a rich flavor.
Fried River Shrimp
The fresh shrimp caught in Shimanto River is fried and you can enjoy its vivid color and crunchy texture.
Gori Fish with Fried Egg
Gori is a fish that is caught in the Shimanto River. This is a dish in which gori and dried daikon radish are cooked together and then fried with egg.
- Access
- An one min-min. walk from Nakamura Station on Tosa Kuroshio Railways
- Contact
- Shimanto City Tourism Association
- 8-3 Ekimae-cho, Shimanto City, Kochi 787-0014
(in the bus rotary of Tosa Kuroshio Railways Nakamura Station) - TEL：0880-35-4171 / FAX：0880-34-1144
- E-mail： info@shimanto-kankou.com
- URL： https://www.shimanto-kankou.com/