Ino(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Ino Town is near Ino River Park, where you can find cozy guesthouses like Ino Nature Stay and Yamato Inn. These accommodations offer direct access to walking trails along the Ino River, perfect for birdwatching and seasonal flower viewing. Many also feature traditional kaiseki meals using locally sourced ingredients such as wild mountain vegetables and fresh fish from the region.

Staying here puts you within a 10-minute walk of Ino Town Cultural Center, where local artisans host workshops on shikki lacquerware and sashiko embroidery—ideal for authentic cultural immersion. The quiet, rural atmosphere makes it perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and connection with nature.

Yes, several ryokans in Ino Town serve authentic kaiseki-style breakfast featuring regional specialties. At Ino Kanko Ryokan, guests enjoy a multi-course meal with local rice, wild mountain greens, fresh river fish, and pickled vegetables grown in nearby farms. The meal is served in a tatami room with sliding doors opening to a garden view.

Another highlight is Yamato Guesthouse, which offers a farm-to-table breakfast experience, including sweet potato porridge and home-dried plum—ingredients sourced directly from local producers. Breakfast is often accompanied by tea brewed from wild herbs collected in the surrounding hills, enhancing the sense of place and tradition.

For photographers, Ino Town offers stunning natural and cultural backdrops. The Maple Bridge over Ino River is ideal during autumn, when crimson leaves mirror perfectly in the still water—especially magical at dawn with mist rising. The Mikazuki Mountain Overlook provides panoramic views of the valley, showcasing seasonal changes from cherry blossoms in spring to fiery foliage in fall.

The former Ino Elementary School, now a cultural center, features preserved wooden classrooms with peeling paint and vintage desks—perfect for documentary-style shots. Don’t miss the Wednesday Market, where locals sell handmade textiles, sweet potatoes, and pickled vegetables; the vibrant colors and candid moments capture authentic rural life in high detail.

When visiting Ino Town, be sure to try kakuni sweet potato dishes—grilled with honey or battered as tempura, these are rich and naturally sweet. Another must-try is Ino River Fish Hot Pot, made with freshly caught sea bream and pure mountain spring water, delivering a delicate, clean broth.

Don’t miss wild mountain vegetable rice balls, wrapped in seaweed and filled with seasonal greens like fern shoots and bamboo sprouts—packed with flavor and texture. During festivals, sample mochi tofu with local sake lees, a traditional dessert prepared by elder villagers, offering a subtle fermentation note and warm finish. These dishes are commonly found at roadside stalls and weekend markets, offering genuine taste of the region.

While Ino Town is rural, public transport is surprisingly accessible. Take the Tosaden Railway from Kōchi Station to Ino Station (~45 minutes), then transfer to local community buses heading to Ino River Park and the hot spring area. On weekends and festival days, a free tourist shuttle bus runs between major sites like Mikazuki Mountain Overlook and the former elementary school cultural center.

Many guesthouses offer complimentary pickup service, especially beneficial for travelers with luggage or limited mobility. For real-time schedules and route planning, download the Kōchi Prefecture Transport App, which includes multilingual support and offline maps—essential for navigating the scenic countryside efficiently.

For slow travelers, Ino Town offers serene and scenic trails. Start with the Ino River Eco Trail (~3 km), a gentle path along the riverbank lined with ferns and home to herons and kingfishers—interpretive signs explain local flora.

Next, try the Mikazuki Mountain Trail, moderately graded with panoramic views of the Ino Basin and distant Shikoku mountains from the summit. Finally, explore the Old Elementary School to Shrine Path (~2.5 km), winding through ancient camphor trees to a secluded shrine nestled in the woods—perfect for reflection and quiet contemplation.

All routes have resting benches, water stations, and clear signage. Bring a map, insect repellent, and a spirit of curiosity to fully embrace the rhythm of rural Japan.