The Seiyo Time

Here, in Seiyo City, you will encounter a real Japan.

Having 1,400m-difference of elevation, varieties of nature and people’s lives are rich.

Surrounded by the sea, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and many small islands make up the Japanese archipelago. In the western part of Shikoku is located the city of Seiyo. Its greatest feature is the height difference, from sea level to an elevation of 1,400m, which is the setting for its natural environment. In the east it is connected with the mountains of Kochi prefecture and in the west it faces towards Uwa Sea. Within this diverse natural environment the cherry blossoms of spring, the fresh verdant leaves of summer, the changing colors of autumn and the snow-clad winter, in Seiyo City you can enjoy the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and you can feel the history, culture and way of living that has been cultivated over many long years by the Japanese people.

There, you can enjoy an open unspoiled landscape.

Coastal Area (Mikame-town, Akehama-town)

Facing the Uwa Sea, Seiyo City’s coastal area is one of Japans most prominent areas of mikan (oranges) production. With the sun shining down upon the terraced fields and the breeze rolling in from the sea, the local climate allows uniquely delicious mikan to grow. Furthermore, adults and children alike can enjoy a range of activities along the beautiful coastline. During the summer the area bustles with people bathing in the water, indulging in sea-kayaking and camping, or relaxing in one of Seiyo’s hot saltwater baths, brimming with sea minerals.

Traditional Villages Area (Uwa-town)

Merchant Houses built between 1740~1945 still line the “the streets of Unomachi”, with their architectural style featuring traditional white plaster walls and udatsu-small extra roofs. The Uwa area is also famous as a rice-producing region and, after the harvest, “waraguro”, the bundled rice plants draw many amateur photographers to the area in search of a picture that perfectly captures the essence of the season.

Mountainous Area (Shirokawa-town, Nomura-town)

Ōnogahara is situated 1,100m~1,400m above sea level, on an unbroken plateau of Shikoku Karst (a geological formation of irregular limestone deposits). From here you can look out over cows grazing on the plains for as far as the eye can see, or rest one’s spirit by spending time enjoying the plateau’s breeze. In Shirokawa-town, situated at the base of the mountain, the local people continue to live and breathe historic rural life and culture. Truly, the sprawling, picturesque rice-fields are brimming with the spirit of Japan.