Ashizuri-Uwaki National Park

The Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park, established in 1972, takes in the coastal region of southern Shikoku, extending around the towns of Tatsukushi and Minokoshi and reaching down to Cape Ashizuri, the southernmost tip of the island. The rugged southwest coast of Shikoku and the offshore islands are also included within the park.

This region with its sleepy little fishing villages offers some of the finest coastal scenery in Japan.

It is still largely unspoiled and in its natural state, with crystal-clear water and long beaches of white sand. The best centers from which to explore the park are the towns of Tosa-Shimizu and Uwajima. The road from Uwajima runs parallel to the coast, affording magnificent views.

On the coast is the Ashizuri Marine Park (Ashizuri Kaichi Koen), with long banks of coral and colorful marine life (trips in glass-bottomed boats are offered). Tatsukishi Bay has a beautiful beach of white sand. In the town, near the bus station, are an interesting Shell Museum and a Coral Museum (Sango Hakubutsukan). To the west of Tatsukushi, at Nagashima, the 80ft/ 25m high Kaiteika Underwater Observatory has an observation chamber 23ft/ 7m below the surface. Ten minutes' walk away is the Kaiyokan Aquarium, with many rare species of fish.

Along the coast to the north we reach the Uwanoumi Underwater Park (Uwanoumi Kaichu Koen). From the town of Funakoshi there is a ferry service to the little island of Kashima, in the center of the park. Trips in glass-bottomed boats enable visitors to see the teeming underwater life. There are many troops of monkeys on the island.