There is still a lot of untouched nature in Shikoku, something that is gradually becoming less and less common in Japan. Come to Shikoku and experience nature and the many plants and animals that coexist in harmony with the land.

Shikoku doesn’t have any mountains in the 3000 meter range, but Mt. Ishizuchi and Mt. Tsurugi are both in the 2000 meter range. It depends on the route, but both mountains can be climbed in a day, making them ideally suited for day tripping tourists. Listen to the chirp of birds and enjoy the natural scenery as you climb.

There are some beautiful sightseeing spots where rivers flow through the mountains. Nametoko Valley, Omogokei Gorge, and Iya Valley all feature gorgeous scenery with rivers flowing through pristine natural scenes. Once the red leaves appear in the autumn, Kankakei Valley is the place to go to see them. The gorge features a ropeway so visitors can gaze out at the beautiful autumn leaves while being taken to the top of the mountain in comfort.

Usually, a river loses its original sparkle the further you follow it downstream, as it becomes more intertwined with people’s livelihoods. However, the Shimantogawa River, said to be Japan’s last clear stream, doesn’t lose that sparkle for its entire length. Sweetfish and river shrimp swim with vigor, and people still use traditional hand-cast nets to fish the river. Rent a pleasure boat and slowly take in the scenery of the Shimantogawa.

There are many more attractive spots where the river comes to an end, at the sea. Cape Ashizurimisaki features dramatic cliffs that highlight the dynamic strength of the sea below. It is the southernmost point on Shikoku, and it is capped with a white lighthouse, which has become a symbol of the cape.

Katsurahama Park, which faces the Pacific Ocean, is a famous moon-viewing locale. The park features a statue of Ryoma Sakamoto, one of the heroes of Japan's history, and it's a popular stop-off point for Japanese tourists. There are a variety of other attractions in the area including the Katsurahama Aquarium, and the Tosa Dog Center, which hosts traditional dogfights.v

Kochi prefecture features a number of locations including Katsurahama where boats depart to take visitors on whale watching trips. In addition to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other creatures of the sea can also be spotted on the whale watching trips.

For people who would rather play in the ocean than just look at it, Kashiwajima is a great diving spot, and there are several surfing beaches in Kochi including Ikumi Beach, Shirahama Beach, and Okinohama. Divers can see coral reefs and tropical fish!