Southernmost tip of Shikoku
Tosashimizu is a “hidden gem” featuring the stunning Cape Ashizuri and nature nurtured by the Kuroshio Current. Rich in history tied to John Manjiro and nostalgic charm, its seafood like “Shimizu Mackerel” is exceptional. The moving experiences found here precisely because of its remoteness will become lifelong treasures.
Cape,coast,Kuroshio Current,coral reefs,Daruma sunset,a pilgrimage temple,hot spring,Shimizu mackerel
Hotels, ryokan, guesthouses, campsites
Discover the region：Tosashimizu
Tosashimizu, located at the southernmost tip of Shikoku, Japan, is a place truly deserving of the term “hidden frontier”—a world away from the bustle of major cities. The coastline, where the Kuroshio Current crashes directly against the shore, pulses with the raw energy of nature. There is no airport or railway within the city. Yet it is precisely this “inconvenience” that makes this place so extraordinary. Streets that still carry the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era, and a way of life lived in harmony with nature. Because it is not easily reached, the landscapes you encounter here will become treasures for a lifetime.
Blessed by the warm Kuroshio Current, Tosashimizu enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. The annual average temperature is approximately 18°C, with sunshine hours ranking among the highest in Japan. Snow is extremely rare even in winter, and numerous subtropical and scientifically valuable rare plants grow wild here. During the gentle spring and autumn seasons, you can enjoy walks along the coastline, while summer invites you to experience snorkeling and other ocean activities.
Tosashimizu is also the birthplace of Japan-U.S. relations. John Manjiro, born here in 1827, was cast adrift at sea at the age of fourteen and rescued by an American whaling ship. Through a remarkable twist of fate, he eventually made his way to the American mainland, where he studied English, navigation, and shipbuilding in Massachusetts. The Western knowledge and experiences he brought back profoundly influenced Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji periods, laying the foundation for friendship between Japan and the United States. To this day, Tosashimizu maintains sister-city relationships with two cities in Massachusetts, and visitors can trace his footsteps at the local museum. Come discover the destiny forged by one young man, and the frontier spirit that lives on within it.
The bounty of the sea, nurtured by the Kuroshio Current, graces the tables of Tosashimizu. Among the local specialties, “Shimizu Saba” (mackerel) stands out as a true delicacy unique to this region. Only in Tosashimizu, where fishing grounds and dining tables are so close, can you savor mackerel as sashimi—freshness being essential to this fish. The moment it touches your lips, the sweet richness of its fat gently unfolds. Then there is “Katsuo no Tataki”—bonito seared boldly over rice straw flames. This signature dish of Kochi achieves a perfect harmony between its smoky aroma and the bonito’s inherent umami. Savoring these flavors that fishermen have preserved for generations, paired with the clean, crisp taste of local sake, while feeling the sea breeze on your skin—this experience will become an unforgettable memory of your journey.
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