Sada & Misato bridges — a walk along the Shimanto river

The Shimanto river and its sinking bridges

The Shimanto River is one of Japan's longest and most pristine rivers, stretching 196 kilometers from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Its winding path often parallels rural roads, allowing for outdoor activities and walking. The most unique feature of the Shimanto River is its many "chinkabashi," or submersible bridges — 47 of them in total, including those on its tributaries. These bridges are designed without railings, allowing floodwaters and debris to flow over them without causing damage, which keeps them functional for decades.

The 7km loop: Sada to Misato bridge

This tranquil 7-kilometer loop crosses two of these bridges: Sada-chinkabashi near the start, and Misato-chinkabashi (also known as Sanri-chinkabashi) further along the route. Both paths are paved, and we encountered almost no cars, aside from a few locals travelling to and from nearby villages.

The first stretch runs at a height above the river, offering open, scenic views. After crossing Misato Bridge, the trail drops down and meanders through woods and along the riverbank, passing a handful of houses. Near the end of the loop, there's a small coffee stand named Hotori coffee overlooking the river — a nice spot to pause before heading back to the car.

A free parking lot is available near the starting point, but there are no toilets or restaurants along the way, so plan accordingly.