Visiting Niyodo River today
- What it is: A 124 km river through the middle of Kochi Prefecture, famous for the clear blue-green water known as "Niyodo blue". Route 33 follows it through the mountains between Matsuyama and Kochi.
- Best spots: Nakatsu Gorge and Yasui Gorge each have walking paths of about 1.5 hours. Nikobuchi is a deep blue pool below a waterfall, best around midday.
- Getting there: JR to Sakawa (about 50 minutes from Kochi), then a 40 to 60 minute taxi to the gorges. For Nikobuchi, JR to Ino (20 minutes), then a 50-minute bus. Buses are infrequent, so a car or booked taxi is easiest.
- Best time: Autumn and winter for the clearest water; November for autumn leaves at Yasui Gorge.
- Tip: The road into Yasui Gorge is narrow, and the gorges get busy in Golden Week, Obon and November weekends. Paths are slippery, so wear good shoes, and take your rubbish home.
Best time
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Checked against: Niyodo River – JNTO (japan.travel) · Yasui Gorge – NIYODO BLUE (official) · Niyodo River (Good Luck Trip, JTB). Check opening times and prices before you go.
Niyodo River on Shibuya246
Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.
Travel
Niyodogawa in the Rain
On my Shikoku trip I drove from Matsuyama to Kochi along Route 33, following the Niyodogawa river through the mountains. It rained the whole way, so the…