Niyodo River - Pure Water of The Gods

Niyodo River

Nikobuchi

Yasui Valley

The Niyodo River in Shikoku is one of Japan's most beautiful rivers. It is known for the clarity of its water, which has such a distinctive aquamarine color that it's become known in Japan as "Niyodo Blue". Sara Ariafar explores the river and the surrounding forests. She meets with people living in the area. And she joins them as they relax with midsummer pastimes.

Omogokei Valley
The lush green foliage, transparent aquamarine blue water and white granite rock make this one of the most beautiful valleys in Ehime Prefecture. By car it takes over 2.5 hours from the main cities of Ehime or Kochi prefectures. Visitors are recommended to take an extra jacket, even in summer, as the temperature in the Omogokei Valley does not climb above 20℃.
For further details, visit tourism website:
http://iyokannet.jp/english/index.htm (in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean)

Nikobuchi
The waterfall lies deep in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture. The only way to reach it from the road is to lower yourself down the steep slope using the rope provided. It takes about 5 minutes to reach the bottom. Visitors are advised to wear shoes with soles that have a strong grip. The road to the waterfall is very narrow, so extra care is needed when driving.

Mt. Yokokura
The peak of this mountain is 793 meters above sea level. A road leads up to close to the summit. There is also a network of hiking trails. The best season for finding bioluminescent fungi is June and July. The road to the top of the mountain is very narrow, so extra care is needed.

Ikegawa Cha-en
This café is located in an area that is famous for its green tea. Because it is close to the river, this is a wonderful place to relax. It specializes in serving sweets made with green tea from the nearby plantations.
www.ikegawachaen.jp (in Japanese only)

Yasui Valley
This valley is the best place to see the crystal-clear water known as Niyodo Blue. In autumn, the trees in the virgin forests along the river are known for their beautiful fall foliage. There is a restaurant and inn in the valley called Horai-so.

Additional Tourist Information
For more details on tourism in the Niyodo River Basin, please visit the website:
http://niyodogawa-kanko-eng.net (in English)

Tourist Taxi
The best way to explore the Niyodo River Basin is by taxi or rental cars, as bus services are very limited. It is often more economical to hire a tourist taxi rather than using a regular taxi.
www.fukuitaxi.com (in Japanese only)
www.geocities.jp/kochiyosakoi_taxi/ (in Japanese only)

Access:
To reach the Niyodo River Basin from Tokyo, it is best to fly to Kochi Airport (about 90 minutes). From the center of Kochi City, take the JR Dosan railway line to Ino Station or Sakawa Station. The best way to get around the Niyodo River area is by taxi or rent car.

Travel Log

Traveler:Sara Ariafar

I have visited many rivers in my homeland, Iran, as well as in other parts of Japan. But I have never been so amazed as I was by the Niyodo River. The light-blue color of the river water is incredible. The atmosphere along the river is also very special. And the people living there enjoy a life of peace and happiness surrounded by the great harmony of nature. I met a professional photographer, Mr. Nobuyuki Takahashi, who shows the beauty of the Niyodo River in his work. He told me that every day is a new opportunity for him to explore this nature. At a waterfall in the northern section of the river, he said he feels a sense of awe in that place, which people have described as the presence of the deities. I also met Mr. John Moore, from Ireland, who has moved to the Niyodo River so he can live near it. After many years looking traveling through Japan, he found the place he believes is the most beautiful in the country. It was really an honor to have a chance to listen to his ideas and his rich experiences.

Every year, a stone-skipping competition is held at the river. Some local people have been doing this pastime since they were children. I never thought throwing stones could be this much fun. I will never forget lying in the cool river water in the middle of the forest. There was no sound and no movement - only nature around me. When I opened my eyes, I could see the beautiful blue sky framed by the green leaves of the trees like a circle and sunshine on my face. It was a very profound moment for me. There is so much to think about in this area. If you are a nature lover and looking for fresh river and mountain food, if you are willing to communicate with warmhearted and peaceful people, then the Niyodo River is highly recommended. I am sure you will return with wonderful memories.