Sakawa, town in Takaoka district, Kōchi prefecture, Japan
Sakawa is a small town in Kōchi Prefecture on Japan's Shikoku island, nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and rivers. It contains wooden houses from the Edo period and Meiji era standing alongside older sake breweries, with narrow streets and stone pathways connecting historic residences to small shops and community spaces.
Sakawa traces its roots to ancient Tosa Province and contains paleolithic-era archaeological deposits alongside rare geological fossils. The settlement was formally established as a town in 1900, while the Tsukasabotan brewery has operated continuously since 1603.
The name Sakawa reflects its geography, derived from elements meaning elevation and plain. Today residents and visitors alike experience the town through its working sake breweries, artisan pottery studios, and shops that continue centuries-old crafts in daily operation.
The town is easily accessible by train from Kōchi City on the Dosan Line, with the main area walkable on foot after arrival. Many local shops prefer cash, so carrying small bills and coins is helpful, though modern payment methods are also available in some locations.
Sakawa is known as the mecca of geology in Japan due to its rich deposits of paleolithic fossils and rare stones. Scientists and earth science enthusiasts visit to study these geological treasures and understand the region's ancient past.
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