Río Shimanto

**Best bridges to visit:** Iwama Chinkabashi (岩間沈下橋) is the most photogenic and accessible. Sada Chinkabashi (佐田沈下橋) is longer and more dramatic but harder to reach. Katsuma Chinkabashi is the lowest and floods frequently — check water levels before visiting. **Canoeing:** Shimanto Canoe offers half-day guided canoe trips (¥6,500/person, April–October). You paddle 8km of the lower river, passing under two chinkabashi and stopping for riverside lunch. English guides available by advance request. Book online 7+ days ahead. **Cycling route:** Rent an e-bike at Shimanto City Tourism Center (¥1,500/day) and follow the 'Shimanto Cycling Road' — a 20km mostly flat route along the west bank. Highlights: Iwama Bridge (km 5), riverside tea house (km 12), and firefly viewing spots (June evenings near km 15). **Best season:** May–June for fireflies (hotaru) at dusk along the riverbanks. July–August for swimming in the clear pools near Iwama Bridge. Autumn (October–November) for foliage reflected in the water. **Overnight option:** Stay at Shimanto no Yado in the riverside village of Ekawasaki — a small ryokan where dinner includes ayu (sweetfish) and unagi (eel) caught from the river that morning. The host can arrange early-morning fishing trips. **Flood awareness:** Chinkabashi are designed to flood. After heavy rain, bridges can be submerged for 24–48 hours. Check the Shimanto City website or ask at the tourist office for current conditions.