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 get to know the Tosa-Reihoku area is a longer stay.
80% of the area is forestland, with local river water of such a high quality that it can be drunk straight from the source.
Another noted aspect are the beautiful starry night skies, due to the relative lack of artificial light.
Many people visit the area to rest and relieve their tired bodies and minds.
Renting a car from Kochi Ryoma Airport or Kochi Station is recommended.
Bicycle rentals are also available in the area, so leisurely cycling is a great option.
The area is famous for its natural beauty and is also home to the Outdoor Village Motoyama,
an outdoor facility produced by the world-famous outdoor goods manufacturer Mont-bell.
Rafting on the Yoshino River, where world championships are also held, offers a dynamic and exhilarating experience.
You will also find numerous terraced rice paddies, a sight emblematic of the old Japan, which are rare today.
Rice cultivated on those terraced rice paddies, Tosa Tenku no Sato, has been recognized as the best rice in Japan at awards festivals and is used for Japan Airlines' in-flight meal in first class. The rural landscape has remained unspoiled since the Yayoi Period (300 BCE-300 CE) 2,000 years ago, and certainly worth a visit.
The area consisting of Otoyo-cho, Motoyama-cho,
Tosa-cho, and Okawa-mura is called the Reihoku Area
The Tosa-Reihoku area is located in Kochi Prefecture, which is within the Shikoku area (which encompasses Kochi, Kagawa, Tokushima, and Ehime prefectures).
Located right in the middle of the Shikoku region, it has outstanding access to everywhere you may want to travel in Shikoku.
The Tosa-Reihoku area has pristine, unspoiled nature, making it hallowed ground for outdoor enthusiasts.
The area is like a hidden getaway, still being relatively unknown to tourists from overseas.
It is highly recommended for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing stay.
Four Features of the Tosa Reihoku Area
Nature of Japan
Eight percent of land in the Tosa Reihoku area is forest, with rice paddies built on the mountain slopes.
These are called “terraced rice fields.”
In May and June, clouds reflect off the surface of the rice fields, creating an artistic scene.
In the summer months of July and August, the green rice fields are stunning, while in the autumn months of October and November, the ears of rice dyed by the setting sun are also breathtaking.
Rafting on the Yoshino River also allows you to enjoy the beauty of the valley through nature.
The river's water is clean enough that you can scoop it up and drink it while canoeing.
This area is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy Japan’s nature to the fullest.
Japanese Culture
You will find many temples and other facilities that have remained standing for over 1,000 years.
There are also local festivals that have persisted for over 1,000 years.
One such festival is the Kusa-Zumo Festival, which was originally held as a prayer for recovery from epidemics and a bountiful harvest, and is today a festival emblematic of Japan.
Japanese Cuisine
Only about 470 heads of the rare Tosa Akaushi wagyu beef are shipped to market annually.
It offers a unique flavor, with a good balance of lean meat and marbling.
The Tosa-Reihoku area is home to some of Japan's finest terraced rice paddies, and is where Tosa Tenku no Sato, a premium grade of rice that took the nationwide grand prize twice, is grown. Another specialty is doburoku, an unrefined, thick sake made from Tosa Tenku no Sato rice.
Accomodation
The Tosa-Reihoku area offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every type of traveler and includes 25 different hotels, inns, campgrounds, and guesthouses.
Many inns are privately run, and the friendly owners will welcome you with Japanese hospitality. Some hotels offer foreign language services.You can find more information on this website.
Many guests of the Tosa-Reihoku area stay for long periods of time to relax.
Foreign language speakers in the Tosa-Reihoku area
There are many people who speak English and other languages in the Tosa-Reihoku area.
The tourism association has English-speaking staff.
If you have any problems or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Vegetarian friendly, gym, hospital, helipad, other services available
Offerings include a gym providing the world-famous "CrossFit" program,
a restaurant offering vegetarian curry, a hospital with 24/7 services,
a heliport (prior consultation required), and more, allowing inbound tourists to visit the area with peace of mind.
