About Tosa-Reihoku Area
The island known as Shikoku, where Kochi Prefecture, Tokushima Prefecture, Kagawa Prefecture, and Ehime Prefecture are located
The best way to truly experience Tosa-Reihoku is to take your time and stay a while.
Located in the heart of Shikoku, over 80% of this area is covered in pristine forests. Its rivers are so pure that the water can be drunk straight from the source. At night, the sky comes alive with countless stars, thanks to the near-complete absence of artificial light.
Visitors often come here to relax and recharge both body and mind, surrounded by the gentle rhythms of nature.
The best way to get around is by renting a car from Kochi Ryoma Airport or Kochi Station. Bicycle rentals are also available locally, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely ride through the countryside.
Tosa-Reihoku is renowned for its natural beauty and is home to the Outdoor Village Motoyama, a facility created by the globally recognized outdoor brand Montbell. For adventure seekers, rafting on the Yoshino River—where world championships have been held—offers a thrilling, unforgettable experience.
Scattered throughout the region are scenic terraced rice paddies, symbols of traditional Japanese landscapes rarely seen today. One of the local rice varieties, Tosa Tenku no Sato, has been awarded as the best rice in Japan and is even served in Japan Airlines’ international first-class meals. The rural scenery, unchanged since the Yayoi Period over 2,000 years ago, invites you to step back in time and discover the timeless charm of Japan.
Where is Tosa-Reihoku?
The Tosa-Reihoku area is made up of four municipalities: Ōtoyo Town, Motoyama Town, Tosa Town, and Ōkawa Village.
Situated in the heart of Shikoku—one of Japan’s four main islands—Tosa-Reihoku belongs to Kochi Prefecture, which, together with Kagawa, Tokushima, and Ehime, forms the broader Shikoku region.
Thanks to its central location, Tosa-Reihoku offers excellent access to all corners of Shikoku, making it an ideal base for exploring the island.
With its untouched forests, clear rivers, and mountain landscapes, the area is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Still largely undiscovered by international tourists, Tosa-Reihoku remains a hidden gem—perfect for those seeking a quiet escape, deep rest, and authentic connection with Japan’s rural charm.
Four Highlights of the Tosa-Reihoku Area
Japan's Timeless Nature
Over 80% of the Tosa-Reihoku area is covered in forest, with beautiful terraced rice fields carved into the mountainsides. These “tanada” are a living symbol of Japan’s rural heritage.
From May to June, the flooded paddies reflect the sky and clouds like mirrors, creating breathtaking scenes of natural art. In summer, the vibrant green of growing rice sways in the breeze. And in autumn, golden ears of rice glow warmly in the setting sun—a sight not easily forgotten.
For a more dynamic experience, rafting on the Yoshino River offers stunning views of the valleys and lush riverbanks. The river is so clean that you can drink its water right from your canoe.
This is the perfect destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes.
Living Japanese Culture
Tosa-Reihoku is home to ancient temples and shrines that have stood for over a thousand years—quietly witnessing the passage of time in these mountain valleys.
Traditional festivals, passed down for generations, are still celebrated today with deep local pride. Among them is the Kusa-Zumō Festival, a ritual that dates back over a millennium. Originally held to pray for protection from epidemics and for a bountiful harvest, it continues today as a vivid expression of Japan’s living spiritual heritage.
Here, culture isn’t preserved in museums—it’s alive in the rhythms of local life.
A Taste of Authentic Japan
Tosa-Reihoku is the birthplace of Tosa Akaushi, an exceptionally rare wagyu breed with only around 470 heads shipped across Japan each year. Its rich flavor, combining tender lean meat with delicate marbling, offers a truly unique culinary experience.
The area is also renowned for its terraced rice paddies, where Tosa Tenku no Sato—a premium rice that has twice won Japan’s national rice grand prize—is lovingly cultivated. This rice doesn’t just shine on the plate; it’s also used to produce doburoku, a thick, unrefined sake with a rustic, full-bodied flavor unique to the region.
Tosa-Reihoku’s cuisine is a reflection of its land—rare, honest, and unforgettable.
Stay Your Way in Reihoku
Whether you're looking for a traditional inn, a cozy guesthouse, a hotel with modern comforts, or a peaceful campground surrounded by nature, Tosa-Reihoku offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler—more than 25 in total.
Many of the lodgings are family-run, where warm, personal hospitality awaits. Some facilities also offer foreign language support to help international guests feel at ease.
This is the kind of place where visitors often choose to stay a little longer—to slow down, unwind, and truly feel at home in the heart of rural Japan.
Language Support in Tosa-Reihoku
Visitors to the Tosa-Reihoku area can feel at ease—English and other languages are spoken by various people throughout the region.
Our tourism association has English-speaking staff who are happy to assist you.
If you have any questions or need help during your trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Services & Support for a Worry-Free Stay
Tosa-Reihoku offers a variety of services to help international visitors feel safe and comfortable during their stay.
You’ll find a gym offering the world-renowned CrossFit program, a restaurant serving vegetarian-friendly curry, and a hospital with 24/7 emergency care. There's also a heliport available with prior arrangement, along with other essential services to support your travel needs.
Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, we’re prepared to help you stay well and enjoy your time with peace of mind.
