Dragonfly Nature Park

Dragonfly Nature Park stands as the world's first dragonfly sanctuary, established in 1985 in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture. The park's creation was sparked in 1978 when a development project threatened to destroy the last habitat of the Beccou dragonfly in Kochi Prefecture. This prompted conservation efforts that led to WWF Japan purchasing land for the sanctuary, marking the beginning of a pioneering dragonfly conservation initiative operated by the Society for the Study of Dragonflies and Nature.

The park's natural significance is remarkable, with 81 species of dragonflies confirmed in the area, representing the highest density of dragonfly species in Japan for a sanctuary of comparable size. The nearby Shimanto River, often called Japan's last clear stream, provides pristine water conditions that support this exceptional biodiversity. The river system itself hosts 180 species of fish and 90 different kinds of dragonflies. Beyond dragonflies, the park's 50-hectare grounds shelter over 700 species of wild plants and numerous other creatures, creating a thriving ecosystem carefully maintained through human stewardship.

Visitors can explore both the outdoor nature park and the Shimanto River Gakuyukan Hall Akitsuio museum complex. The museum comprises the Dragonfly Hall and Fish Hall, displaying the world's largest permanent collection of 1,000 dragonfly species from around the globe and 300 species of freshwater and brackish water fish, many native to the Shimanto River.

Throughout the park's walking trails, visitors can observe dragonflies in their natural habitat, witnessing behaviors such as egg-laying, hunting, and emergence. The park transforms seasonally, with purple iris flowers blooming from late May to early June and around 3,000 water lilies flourishing until late September. Special activities include fish feeding sessions and organized dragonfly observation events.

By train, take the JR limited express from Kochi Station to Nakamura Station (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes), then continue by taxi for 10 minutes or take a local train to Gudo Station followed by an 8-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk. By car, the park is roughly 30 minutes from Shimantocho Chuo IC via the Kochi Expressway. Museum admission fees apply for the Gakuyukan Hall, with the outdoor nature park grounds and gift shop accessible free of charge. Free parking accommodates 80 vehicles.