楽天トラベル観光体験
Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park is filled with fishery harbours and villages that thrived due to pelagic fishing. The park is characterized by its seashore landscape and accompanying islands. It was designated as a national park in 1955. Located in both Ehime and Kochi Prefectures, you can admire the inland landscapes, splendid marine parks, and abundance of coral species. Be impressed by the park’s underwater seascapes, nurtured by the Japan Current. The waters are home to reef-building corals and subtropical fish that form its diverse marine life. Visit the Kashima Jingu Shrine and see the local fisherfolk pray for safety and a rich catch. As you admire the surrounding environment, drop by Kongofukuji Temple, one of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a well-known pilgrimage trail associated with the Buddhist monk, Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Trace the local history of the Shikoku pilgrimage at Shikkoku-no-machi and its long-distance nature trail.
Submerged Coastlines, Unspoiled Islands and Beaches
The Uwakai Area is home to a submerged sawtooth-like beach with an outstanding coastline surrounded by a chain of islands. Filled with sea cliffs and caves, they offer an incredible view of the seascape. Thanks to its indented coastline, the area is ideal for pearl oyster cultivation and farming, and has been used as such for decades. Yellowtail and sea bream fish varieties have recently been produced here too. Trace the footsteps of the Date Clan at Kashima, who used the area as their hunting ground. Today, it’s an uninhabited island that is home to wild monkeys and deer. Snorkel or walk along the Coral Beach.
Precipitous Cliffs, Climatic Caves and Striking Rock Terraces
Ashizuri area's striking beauty is characterized by its granite cliffs and rock terraces dating back from the Mesozoic and Tertiary eras that created a unique seashore landscape. At Cape Ashizuri sits one of Japan’s largest lighthouses. You can walk along the tunnel of camellia flowers, visit Hakusan Cave Mouth, and Kameyobiba (Turtle Summoning Place), one of the seven wonders of the Cape. Relax at Tatsukushi Beach and admire the deep-blue water and incredible landscape filled with soft sandstone and oddly-shaped rock formations such as the Otake-Kotake, Shiborimaku, and Senjojiki. Be fascinated as you look at the traces of extinct plants and animals that once existed in the area.
An Area of Breathtaking Landscapes and Spiritual Power
Explore the Nametoko Gorge, renowned for its smooth riverbed and unusually shaped rocks. Follow the trail that leads you along the mountain stream until the sight of Yukiwanotaki astounds you. The waterfall boasts an impressive 80-meter vertical drop and is considered as one of Japan’s finest waterfalls. Enjoy the beautiful landscape filled with rivers, deep pools, and maple trees — a view that is especially stunning in autumn. Mt. Sasayama has been regarded by locals as a spiritual destination. It extends over Kochi and Ehime Prefectures and is noted for its beautiful flowers that bloom vigorously over the flowering season.
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