Enjoy an Adventure Along the Niyodo River

Kochi Prefectural CIR Minda Dettman

   This summer, Mitsui (a KIA staff member) and I attempted rafting along the Niyodo river! At times quiet and at times rough, the river provided an afternoon filled with excitement, as we rafted down in a small boat. Recently, you might find yourself staying at home to avoid crowds, but rafting is an activity that can be enjoyed in small groups, making it perfect for this summer. Now, let’s go back to the beginning of our story as we trace our rafting adventure.

Let’s go!

   First, Mitsui and I headed to Sakawa Station. There, we were picked up by Hiro, the instructor at Niyodo Adventure—the company running the experience we were to participate in. Laughing and talking merely, he drove us to the abandoned school that Niyodo Adventure is run out of.

Enjoy Nature and Animals at Mount Yokokura

Kochi Prefecture CIR Han Jeonggyu

   Recently as time near other people is limited, time spent at home has increased. Hiking, therefore, may be the perfect activity to have fun outside yet avoid crowds. I especially recommend Mount Yokokura (774 m above sea level), in Ochi Town. With multiple parking lots at different elevations, one can choose the distance you want to hike. Some of the courses can be quite difficult, making it the perfect mountain for both beginners and those looking for a challenge.

In front of the giant cedars at Sugihara Jinja

   Slightly up the trail from the third parking lot, you will find Sugihara Jinja, a mysterious shrine surrounded by giant cedar trees more than 500 years old. The shrine features many points of interest, such as lanterns engraved with the sun and moon, two stone monuments that tell the history of the shrine’s repairs, and sculptures of Japanese folk tales and the zodiac animals. In addition, Mount Yokokura is the location Emperor Antoku is said to have dwelt in secret, after plunging into the sea when chased by opposing forces. He is said to have left behind many legends, the remains of a residence, and a burial site. Emperor Antoku’s presumed burial ground has yet a different aura from Sugihara Jinja.

Let’s use the Digital Library!

Kochi Prefecture CIR Valerie Teo

   I’m hungering for books from the library… but I can’t bring myself to head there because the coronavirus is just too scary. Are you having such thoughts? If you are, let me tell you something! As long as you live, work, or study in Kochi, there’s a  digital library that you can use for free!

   It’s always so exciting to borrow new books, that I am motivated to travel to the  library no matter how far it is. However, when the due date draws near, I find myself thinking that it’s troublesome to travel so far. The digital library allows me to borrow and return books easily. This world has indeed become a convenient place!

1 First, make a “Joint Library Card”
   This is the card you need to borrow books from the library. You might already have this card. If you don’t, fret not. To make one, all you have to do is to head down to Otepia’s service counter with something that can verify your name and address, such as your residence card! (You can also apply for this Joint Library Card by post—together with your Digital Library Card application.)

2 Next, make a Digital Library Account
   There are three ways to do this. ① In person at Otepia’s service counter. ② By post. ③ By email—only for those who already have a Joint Library Card. If you choose to apply via email, ensure the email is sent to e-lib@library.kochi.jp with the email subject written as “電子図書館申込” (Denshi Toshokan Moushikomi). Include your name and your Joint Library Card number in the email. Once your application is processed, a Digital Library ID Card containing your User ID and Initial Password will be sent to you by post within 10 days.

3 Now for the actual usage
   Access https://www.d-library.jp/kochi/ from your smart devices and log in with the given User ID and Initial Password. You can now proceed to borrow e-books! For easy searching, the books are sorted into categories like history, social science, engineering, the arts, language, literature, and more! Not only are there Japanese books but books in other languages as well!
   Let’s enjoy the world of e-books from the comforts of our home! :)

Living in Kochi Q&A: Let’s make use of a promotional event! ~You can enjoy cheap activities and lodgings in Kochi~

   Did you know that a variety of money-saving promotional events are available for you to help revitalize Kochi through tourism?

   In this issue, we will introduce a promotional event in Ochi Town. There is no doubt that this is the perfect opportunity to try out activities or stay overnight in the Ochi Town area.
   Rich in beautiful nature, Ochi Town is the perfect place for hiking mountains or playing by the riverside.

Who can sign up for this promotion?
• Those who reside in Kochi Prefecture
• Those who are able to share their experiences with hashtags on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Points to Note

• The promotional event ends on March 31, 2021 (with some summer-only activities)

• Discounts cannot be used by the same person twice for the same activity

• You will need a reservation to enjoy the accomodations and activities.

Make sure to mention “kyanpēn wo tsukaimasu” on the phone or on the website, when making your reservation.

Here are some examples of things to do!

Snow Peak’s Rafting Tour at Niyodo River Camping Field in Ochi

*Experience rafting here!

Snow Peak’s Kawano Rest Stop in Ochi

* From here, you can view lodges designed by the world-famous architect Kengo Kuma and enjoy the changes in scenery across the seasons.

Neko no Omoi

A guest house in Ochi

*Pet cats at this guest house!

   If there is more you want to know, please contact the Ochi-cho Tourist Association or KIA.

【Ochi-cho Tourist Association】

1736-7 Ochi Ko, Ochi-cho, Takaoka-gun

Tel: 0889-26-1004

E-mail: info@ochi-kankou.jp