【秘境】大阪から1泊2日、神秘の滝と幻の和牛をめぐる旅｜高知・嶺北

【秘境】大阪から1泊2日、神秘の滝と幻の和牛をめぐる旅｜高知・嶺北

Hello, this is Ikeno Ueno. This time, I’m traveling to the “Reihoku region” of Kochi Prefecture, which I’m personally interested in. It offers breathtaking waterfalls in a remote area, rare Wagyu beef, and delicious local sake. Located in the heart of Shikoku, this naturally rich region encompasses four towns and villages: Tosa Town, Motoyama Town, Otoyo Town, and Okawa Village. This time, I’ll be exploring it for two days and one night. I hope you enjoy your trip to Kochi to the end! It’s about a four-hour drive direct from Osaka Station. Our first stop was a hidden waterfall known only to those in the know. There’s a torii gate at the entrance to the waterfall. It says Mitaru Gongen, doesn’t it? For some reason, I timed my visit to arrive at 11:30 AM. A four-minute walk from the entrance , a sparkling emerald green pool appeared before me. Its mystical color is so clear even from a distance. Nikobuchi Falls is famous in Kochi , but this waterfall is no less impressive. In fact, the fewer people there, the more mystical it seems. The sunlight pours in from directly above, sparkling off the water’s surface…it’s truly beautiful. The water’s clarity is unmatched, and the almost captivating blue-green color makes me stop and stare. I actually asked a local for the best time to visit. The recommended time is between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM (late September). After visiting, I was convinced. The light and colors can only be seen at this time. Incidentally, the word “gongen” means Buddha appears in divine form. Hearing that, the divine nature of this waterfall makes sense. A mysterious tree. Do you know what it is? To be honest, I think I prefer this waterfall to the famous “Nikobuchi” (Niko-fuchi). There’s a sake brewery here that uses local sake rice. The keyword here is “terroir.” It’s French for “land,” and it’s often heard in the wine world. Taking into account the climate and soil of the land, as well as the history and culture of the people who live there, we create sake that can only be found in that region. That’s Reihoku terroir. Tosa Sake Brewery’s sake is crafted using carefully selected sake rice and “ultra-soft water.” The rice is grown in high-altitude rice terraces, and its water source is the Sameura Dam, Shikoku’s water reservoir. With forests covering 88% of the region, the Reihoku region is blessed with pure water and air. Tosa Sake Brewery’s sake has been highly praised both domestically and internationally, winning numerous awards. The brand name “Keigetsu” (pronounced “Keigetsu”) is named after the literary figure Omachi Keigetsu. The adjacent building houses the Keigetsukan, a museum dedicated to his love of sake, where you can learn about the history and culture of Tosa Sake Brewery. For 220 yen, you can tour the museum and enjoy a tasting session. It’s a delight. You can sample various varieties and receive a small bottle of sake. There are also limited edition sakes available only here, making it a must-see for sake lovers. While Keigetsu sake can be purchased at roadside stations and hotels, tasting it at the brewery is truly exceptional. I ended up buying several bottles. Our next stop was Sameura Dam, located in the center of Shikoku. It’s one of the largest dams in western Japan. The water stored in the dam lake supports life not only in Kochi but throughout Shikoku. From above, the dam lake appears to have a specific shape. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it’s shaped like a dragon. Locals call it “the lake where the dragon god lives,” giving it a slightly mystical atmosphere. The dam is currently undergoing a large-scale restoration project. A 6-meter-diameter hole will be drilled through the dam wall, and three new discharge pipes will be installed. Once completed, this will allow for efficient release of water before heavy rains raise the water level, reducing the risk of flooding downstream. This is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a place that supports the future of Shikoku. Our hotel for this trip was Sameuraso Lakeside Hotel, located within Sameura Lake Town, a lakeside station and nature-focused tourist hub. Enjoy activities like cycling, fishing, SUP, and canoeing, and there’s also accommodation and a tent park. This is also a perfect area for outdoor enthusiasts. The exterior is beautiful, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings of the lake. It was recently renovated in 2021 and is beautiful. The Japanese-style room. It’s very clean. From the terrace, you can see the entire Sameura Dam. The view makes you want to take a deep breath. The dam view from the bathtub. It feels open and spacious. Tosa Sake Brewery’s sake is on sale. The outdoor atmosphere is wonderful. Lake Station is next door. Is it an event? There’s a terrace. It’s very quiet and relaxing. The hotel staff recommended some rice terraces about a 20-minute drive away. The Reihoku region is high in altitude and mountainous. Rice terraces have long been cultivated to grow rice on limited land. As one of the prefecture’s leading rice-producing areas, it produces Aikawa rice and sake rice. We were able to get a glimpse of the Reihoku terroir. It was dinner, something I’d been looking forward to on this trip. It was the legendary Tosa Akaushi beef. This Tosa Akaushi beef is extremely rare. Only 0.1% of all wagyu beef is available on the market, so the quantity is so low it’s been dubbed the “phantom wagyu.” Tosa Akaushi, a Japanese Brown breed, is rarely distributed and not well known. There are three dinner plans available, but this time, two special courses were prepared for us. Let’s enjoy Tosa Akaushi. The sweetness of the red meat spreads with each bite. Raised on an abundant diet of hay and wild grass, the natural flavor is truly palpable. The fat is light and not heavy, yet the meat is rich in flavor. The sweetness spreads throughout the mouth with each bite, bringing a smile to your face. The Japanese kaiseki meal included more than just Tosa Akaushi, and it was a very satisfying dinner. The next morning, when I stepped outside, the air was cool and clear , refreshing. I couldn’t help but take a deep breath in the refreshing morning air unique to the high altitude. I saw people enjoying fishing by the lake. A shrine nestled by the lakeside. It’s breakfast time. On the way to our first destination on the second day, we came across a sunken bridge crossing the Yoshino River. Kochi is famous for its sunken bridges. While the Shimanto and Niyodo rivers are famous, they can also be found in the Reihoku region. At first glance, you might wonder, “Why doesn’t it have a railing?” But there’s a reason for this. Kochi is known as the typhoon capital, and heavy rains cause rivers to flood in an instant. If there were a railing, there would be a risk of driftwood getting caught and the bridge collapsing. That’s why the bridges are purposely designed without railings, to be “submerged in water.” While some are maintained for tourism, the sunken bridges in this area are purely residential roads. Seeing locals crossing them in their cars made me realize, “Ah, this is an everyday view.” While they’re rarely featured as tourist spots, encountering views like this is one of the joys of travel. Next, we head to a sea of clouds spot at an altitude of 777 meters. Surrounded by the Shikoku Mountains, the Yoshino River flows below. It’s high enough to feel like you’re standing above the clouds, and when fog rolls in, the entire area turns into a sea of clouds. Unfortunately, the weather was too good to see the sea of clouds. This was actually my second visit. When I came here at the same time last year, I was able to see a spectacular sea of clouds around 8:00 AM. Here’s a photo of it. The road was completely white with fog. The observation deck is a world above the clouds. I remember being speechless for a while, awed by its power and mystical atmosphere. It’s a 20-minute drive from Otoyo IC on the Takachiho Expressway. Easy access is another attraction. Sea of clouds are most likely to appear early in the mornings between October and December. This video was taken at 8:00 AM in mid-September. There’s also a campsite, so I’d love to enjoy the outdoors here at least once. Waking up to this view is unbelievable. Even if you don’t see the sea of clouds, the clear sky and mountain views are a delight. The view is truly spectacular. It’s a 20-minute drive from Yutorisuto Park. This shrine is home to a giant tree estimated to be 3,000 years old. Legend has it that Tosa feudal lord Yamauchi Toyoshige and Sakamoto Ryoma visited the shrine during the late Edo period. It stands approximately 60 meters tall and has a trunk circumference of over 20 meters. It ‘s not just large, but exudes a sacred aura. Looking up at it naturally makes you stand tall. It splits into two stumps from the base, towering over the grounds of Yasaka Shrine. There’s a famous story about Hibari Misora. At age 9, she was involved in a traffic accident during a tour and spent time recuperating in Kochi. It’s said she prayed to this giant cedar, asking it to make her the number one singer in Japan. As you all know, she went on to have her first film role at age 12, and then, at age 14, she returned to pray there as a token of gratitude. The tree seems to intertwine with her life as a superstar from a young age, creating a sense of storytelling. The giant cedar tree has watched over people’s prayers and history. Just standing here, you can feel its weight, transcending hundreds of years. Some branches are broken due to the heavy rains in July. There’s a roadside station and a small farm-fresh market. I found something ice cream lovers will love: shiso ice cream. “Delicious!” The subtle shiso flavor is exquisite. An unexpected find at the end of my trip. This was my whirlwind tour of the Reihoku area. It included a spectacular waterfall, a sake brewery and local sake, and the legendary Tosa Akaushi cow. The next morning’s walk, the sunken bridge, the sea of clouds spreading across the mountains, and the giant cedar tree that has watched over history. Each location had its own unique charm, and despite my short stay, it was truly a rich experience. Located within a two-day, one-night trip from Osaka, the Reihoku area offers a wealth of nature, culture, and gourmet food, making it a hidden gem. Be sure to use this as inspiration for your next trip!

高知県の北部、四国の真ん中、嶺北（れいほく）エリアへ。
エメラルドグリーンの滝壺「三樽権現の滝」から始まり、土佐酒造の酒蔵見学、そして幻の和牛「土佐あかうし」──。
知られざる山あいのまちで、自然・食・文化をまるごと味わう1泊2日の旅。

大阪から約4時間。まだ観光地化されていない“本物の高知”がここにあります。
次の休日は、少しだけ足をのばして嶺北の大自然へ。

さめうら荘レイクサイドホテル

さめうら荘レイクサイドホテル

⏱ チャプター
00:00　オープニング
00:36 大阪駅から嶺北へ
01:27　三樽権現の滝
04:25　土佐酒造桂月館
06:42　早明浦ダム
08:16　さめうら荘レイクサイドホテルへ
10:24　高須の棚田
11:26　幻の和牛・土佐あかうしの夕食
13:14　朝の散歩と沈下橋
14:15　トビイワ沈下橋
15:49　ゆとりすとパーク
16:38　ゆとりすとパークの絶景雲海
17:51　杉の大杉
20:33　道の駅大杉
21:31　マップ
21:52　エンディング

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