Recommended spots to be soothed by the miraculously clear Niyodo River "NIYODO BLUE!"

What is Niyodo Blue? A mysterious blue valley created by nature

Why Blue?

The Niyodo River flows through the center of Kochi Prefecture. The mysterious blue color of the water's surface is called "Niyodo Blue" and it is a scenic spot known nationwide.

So why does the Niyodo River look so blue?

The reason for this lies in a natural miracle that is the result of a number of intersecting factors. First, the Niyodo River flows very fast, which makes it difficult for impurities to accumulate at the bottom of the river. In addition, there are various geological formations in the river basin, and the water is filtered as it passes through these layers.

As a result, the water is incredibly clear and appears blue to our eyes because sunlight is scattered in the water.

Easy access

It is easily accessible from Kochi city, and it is also great that you can visit it on a day trip.

Recommended spots to see the Niyodo Blue

If you want to see the Niyodo Blue, we recommend three spots: Nikobuchi, Yasui Valley, and Nakatsu Valley. The beauty of the valleys, each with its own unique expression, is sure to captivate all who visit.

Additionally, the scenery of the sunken bridges without railings, unique to Kochi Prefecture, where there is a lot of rain, is also an essential part of the appeal of the Niyodo River basin. We will introduce these spots in more detail later as recommended spots.

3 recommended spots near the Niyodo River to explore the mysterious blue waters

The three most well-known spots where you can experience the mystical blue of Niyodo Blue are Nikobuchi, Yasui Valley, and Nakatsu Valley. Here we will introduce the highlights and attractions of each spot in detail.

Nikobuchi

Nikobuchi, quietly nestled in the town of Ino in Kochi Prefecture, is a waterfall basin that captivates visitors with its mysterious beauty.

The waterfall's color changes with the amount and angle of sunlight, so viewers will never tire of it. In particular, around noon, when the sunlight pours down on the entire basin, it shines a breathtakingly beautiful blue.

Nikobuchi has long been revered by locals as a sacred place where a giant snake, the incarnation of the water god, lives, but even today, it is prohibited to enter the water or eat or drink there. If you visit, please be respectful of this sacred place and view the area quietly.

Also, since there are nearly 100 steps, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. It takes about 5 minutes on foot from the parking lot to Nikobuchi.

Yasui Valley

Yasui Gorge

781-1628 Kochi Prefecture, Agawa-gun, Niyodogawa-cho, Oya 1627-4

This is the best "Niyodo Blue" spot in the Niyodo River area. This gorge is known for the most beautiful autumn foliage in the prefecture, and there are many other sights to see, such as Hiryu Falls, a two-tiered waterfall with a drop of 30m that looks like a dragon twisting its body and taking off, as well as the Suisho-fuchi and Sabo dam, which change color to blue or green depending on the season and time of day, and Mikaeri Falls, which can be seen from the road.

Located upstream of the Niyodo River is the Yasui Valley. Among its many attractions is the "Suisho-fuchi" pool, which is also known as a great spot for photography enthusiasts.

Also, the largest waterfall in Yasui Valley, Hiryu Falls, is simply breathtaking. Its graceful form, resembling a twisting dragon's body, will captivate anyone who sees it. You'll be struck by the contrast between the roar of the waterfall and the lush greenery that surrounds it.

The valley offers a variety of different views throughout the year, including the fresh greenery of spring, the coolness of summer, the autumn leaves, and the snowy scenery of winter. However, there are some areas in the valley where the footing is poor, so we recommend that you visit wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.

Nakatsu Gorge

Nakatsu Gorge, one of Kochi Prefecture's most famous scenic spots, is known for the beautiful gorge beauty created by the clear Niyodo blue stream and huge rocks. There are many different walking trails, and you can enjoy the valley's various views, including waterfalls and deep pools.

The highlight of the Nakatsu Gorge is the Uryu Falls. The sight of the water gushing out in all directions from a 20m drop is overwhelming. The gorge is cool and refreshing, and we recommend soaking up the negative ions to refresh your body and mind.

At the entrance to the valley, there is Nakatsu Valley Yunomori, where you can not only stay overnight, but also enjoy hot springs and restaurants. It is the perfect place to spend your time however you like, whether that be soothing your tired body after a day of walking in the hot springs or tasting dishes made with local ingredients.

Aso Submerged Bridge

Kochi Prefecture has many "submerged bridges," which are bridges without railings that are designed to be submerged when the water level rises. Among them, the Asao Submerged Bridge in Ochi Town, which spans the Niyodo River basin, is one of the submerged bridges from which you can enjoy the Niyodo Blue scenery.

The Niyodo River, as well as the surrounding nature and scenery, are beautiful, and the area is famous as a model for anime and stage plays. In the summer, the area is bustling with people enjoying sweetfish fishing.

Please take note of the following points when visiting Asao Submerged Bridge.

3 Recommended Gourmet Spots Near the Niyodo River

Tosa Washi Craft Village QRAUD

Located along National Route 194 leading to Nikobuchi, Tosa Washi Craft Village QRAUD is a complex where you can enjoy the local bounty with all five senses. In this place surrounded by beautiful nature, you can enjoy authentic French cuisine made with plenty of fresh local ingredients.

It is the perfect base for sightseeing in Kochi, with accommodation and day-use baths to soothe your travel fatigue, as well as paper-making and weaving experiences to experience the traditional culture of Tosa. There is also a roadside station on the premises where you can find local foods and souvenirs, and access to Nikobuchi is easy.

CAFEandBEEF Karu.

Located in a prime location, CAFEandBEEF Karu is a cafe and restaurant where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Niyodo Blue and delicious Tosa Kurobe beef dishes.

The restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful Niyodo Blue, and while gazing at the magnificent view, you can savor exquisite dishes such as steaks and hamburgers made with Tosa Kuro beef, which is characterized by its finely textured meat and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth fat.

It is easily accessible by car from the popular tourist spot, Yasui Valley, in about 25 minutes, so it is recommended to stop by during your sightseeing trip.

Nakatsu Gorge Yunomori Restaurant Ponte

Located at the entrance to the Nakatsu Valley, Nakatsu Valley Yunomori Restaurant Ponte is a restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of dishes made with plenty of local ingredients.

The restaurant serves dishes made with carefully selected ingredients, such as fresh river fish caught in the pure waters of the Niyodo River and vegetables lovingly grown by local farmers, and offers a wide variety of Japanese, Western, and noodle dishes. The colorful "Yunomori Bento" is a popular menu item ordered by many visitors.

It is especially recommended to combine a visit with a stroll through the Nakatsu Valley. After enjoying the beautiful valley scenery, you can savor the delicious cuisine made with local ingredients, which will satisfy both your body and mind.

How to get to each spot

Nikobuchi

Access by car: From Kochi city, take National Route 33 to National Route 194. Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. From Ino IC on the Kochi Expressway, take National Route 194. Approximately 1 hour.

Access by public transport: Take the Kenko Hokubu Bus (bound for Nagasawa or Doi) from JR Kochi Station or JR Ino Station, get off at the Hodono Iriguchi bus stop, and walk for about 20 minutes. *Please check the timetable in advance as there are few buses.

Yasui Valley

Access by car: From Kochi city, take National Route 33 to Prefectural Route 362. Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Prefectural Route 362 to Yasui Valley is narrow, so driving caution is required. From Ino IC on the Kochi Expressway, take National Route 194 and National Route 439 to Prefectural Route 362. Approximately 1 hour.

Access by public transport: Take the JR Dosan Line from JR Kochi Station to Ino Station. Please note that it takes about 45 minutes by taxi from Ino Station.

Nakatsu Gorge

Access by car: From Kochi city, take National Route 33 to Prefectural Route 363. Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. From Ino IC on the Kochi Expressway, take National Route 33 to Prefectural Route 363. Approximately 1 hour.

Access by public transport: Take the JR Dosan Line from JR Kochi Station to Sagawa Station. From Sagawa Station, take the Kuroiwa Kanko Bus (bound for Tosa-Osaki) and get off at the "Nanokawa" bus stop. From there, walk 15 minutes up the slope of Prefectural Route 362. *Please check the timetable in advance as the buses run infrequently.

Asao Submerged Bridge

Access by car: From Kochi city, take National Route 33 to Prefectural Route 18. Approximately 1 hour. From Ino IC on the Kochi Expressway, take National Route 33 to Prefectural Route 18. Approximately 40 minutes.

Access by public transport: Take the JR Dosan Line from JR Kochi Station to Sagawa Station. From Sagawa Station, take a taxi for about 25 minutes.

Conclusion

The Niyodo River basin has many attractions, including beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine made with local ingredients, and experience programs that allow you to experience traditional culture. Be sure to visit the Niyodo River area, where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and refresh your mind and body.

Niyodo Blue Tourism Council Websitehttps://niyodoblue.jp/en/?lang=en