Rediscovering the charms of the Niyodo River! Shown to us by Mr. Yamaoka, an Ino Town Tourism Association volunteer

Kochi City Hall CIR Marisa

How to make the most of summertime nature, the Kochi way!
   Like last year, summer has come early to Kochi! Unlike my home country of Indonesia, Japan has four seasons, and the celebration of these seasons is an integral part of Japanese culture, with different things to look forward to as each one approaches. The ideal way to spend one’s summer is relaxing by the sea. However the situation is slightly different in Kochi, which is full of rich and beautiful nature. Of course relaxing by the sea here is equally as enjoyable as relaxing by the river, and in Ino Town there is the famous "Niyodo Blue" at the upper reaches of the Niyodo River, which of course is a beautiful attraction. But this time I would like to tell you about a different aspect of the river’s charm.

Receiving an explanation about the Niyodo River from our guide Mr. Yamaoka.

Barbecuing along the Niyodo River

Kochi Prefectural CIR Han Jeonggyu

 

One way to enjoy summer
   One of the best ways to spend your summer is enjoying a barbecue! There are many popular places to barbecue in Kochi, such as Yasea Park (Yasu, Konan-shi), Yutorisuto Park Otoyo (Otoyo-cho), and the Shimanto River area, but this time we went to the Niyodo River area which is easily accessible from Kochi City. “Hakawa Park” (located on Route 33 near Niyodogawabashi) is one place where you can barbecue along the Niyodo River. It is a convenient location, located 10 minutes walking distance from JR “Hakawa Station” and 20 minutes from “Ino” tram stop, and also has a parking area right in front of the park. Entrance is also free.

Barbecue: The meat shop did everything
for us, including delivering it to us and
picking it up afterwards.

Smartphone Applications ②

   The world has become a convenient place. One can get a lot done just by using smartphone applications. Today, I will be introducing three applications that are useful even for people who have just arrived in Japan☆

 

• Japan Travel - Route, Map, JR (by Navitime Japan)
   This app does more than just telling you where to get on and off public transportation. It is a guide book in itself, with articles on the local region’s food, nature, culture, shopping, and more. You can also search for places using only their phone numbers! The most impressive thing about this app is how you can search for Free Wi-Fi, Information Centers, ATMs and more, even offline!