Takaoka District

Takaoka is an administrative district in Kōchi Prefecture that spans mountainous terrain and comprises seven municipalities. Major towns such as Nakatosa, Sakawa, and Shimanto serve as the main population centers within the area.

The district was established in 1879 as an administrative unit and has undergone several changes through municipal consolidations. A notable milestone came in 2006 when Shimanto town was formed by merging smaller communities.

Farming remains central to how people live here, with rice cultivation and forestry shaping both the land and daily routines. You can see these traditions reflected in the managed fields and woodland areas that define the region.

The JR Dosan railway line is the main transportation link connecting different towns across the district. Using the train is the most reliable way to travel between settlements, especially given the mountainous terrain.

The Shimanto Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum displays regional wooden construction techniques through a building designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. This facility celebrates the area's long tradition of timber craftsmanship.