The Niyodo-gawa River: The Cleanest Water in Japan
The Niyodo-gawa River is known for having the cleanest water in Japan; it shimmers with a mysterious color that looks both blue and green.
Due to its astonishing clarity and beauty, the color is often referred to as the “Niyodo Blue.”
The Niyodo-gawa River is also called “the miracle stream.” There’s no doubt that the view of the shore is beautiful, but it has also continued to form the way of life for people who coexist with water and created the local culture.
About Niyodo Blue
The term “Niyodo Blue” was coined by a photographer who has continued to shoot the Niyodo-gawa. When the sunlight and color of the sky blend together, depending on the season or perspective, the color mysteriously looks bright blue or dark green; it is so enchanting.
Rocks around the Niyodo stream come in various colors, and their colorful shades beautifully accentuate the waterside.
You can best appreciate the “Niyodo Blue” around mid-August to mid-January.
About the Nikobuch
On the upper stream of the Niyodo-gawa river system, there is the Nikobuchi, a must-see spot only “known by a few people” where you can experience the beautiful and mystical “Niyodo Blue.”
The landmark is a small sign that can be seen from the roadway. After climbing down the cliff-like path with a rope, Nikobuchi will appear before you: a land of mystery. In a quiet space densely surrounded by green trees, the scenery with a glistening spray of water from the falls hitting onto the stream pool is nothing but spectacular.
※Swimming or jumping in the water at Nikobuchi is prohibited. Please enjoy while remembering your manners.
About the Niyodo-gawa River
The Niyodo-gawa is the third largest river in the Shikoku region. Rising from Mt. Ishizuchi, western Japan’s highest peak, it runs across the middle of Kōchi Prefecture from the south to the north.
The area along the Niyodo-gawa stream makes you feel a sense of history, as there are many low crossings without handrails: this is the signature scenery of Kōchi. The rare arched Kuki low water crossing is said to be the oldest in Kōchi Prefecture; the Kataoka low water crossing is known for the beauty of its location; the Asao low water crossing, surrounded by mountains, is very popular as a photo shooting spot.
About the Yasui and Nakatsu Valleys, the Suishō-fuchi
The Yasui Valley, found in the upper stream of the Yasui-gawa River, a branch of the Niyodo-gawa, is a mountain stream flowing with cool and clear water that springs from an old-growth forest, a beautiful sight of the “Niyodo Blue.” In the valley, there are various falls where you can enjoy playing in the river, camping, and trekking, etc. in the summer. One of the spots within the Yasui Valley where you can fully enjoy the “Niyodo Blue” is the Suishō-fuchi. It is a mysterious and mystical location where the season, hour of the day or angle changes the water’s appearance.
The Nakatsu Valley was chosen as one of the best eighty-eight waterfronts in the Shikoku region. One of its highlights is the mystical scenery made by the waterfall. With a 20-meter drop, the spectacular Uryū-no-taki (the waterfall of the rain dragon) will astound you. In the autumn, the colorful contrast of the maple leaves is wonderful, and you can enjoy this scenery in a promenade around the valley.
