Home » Journey to the Miraculous Niyodo Blue Waters in Kochi 4 Days

Exploring Japan’s answer to Jiuzhaigou Valley

Journey to the Miraculous Niyodo Blue Waters in Kochi 4 Days

Meeting Point: Haneda Airport

Finish Point: Haneda Airport

Recommended Season: Spring, Summer and Autumn

Duration: 4 days

Tour Code: SK0001

Contact Us

Tour Highlights

Journey through the stunning Nakatsu and Yasui Valleys to witness the beautiful turquoise waters of Niyodo Blue.

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Sorayama Highway, take a Niyodo River cruise, and visit the mystical Nikobuchi Pool.

Visit “Monet’s Garden Marmottan” in Kitagawamura, East Tosa, which recreates the iconic impressionist gardens of Claude Monet.

Message from Tour Planner

Experience the mesmerising Niyodo River, a pristine waterway that has repeatedly garnered recognition as Japan’s purest river. This extraordinary natural wonder, known as the “Miraculous Clear Stream,” has captivated global attention with its ethereal beauty.

The river’s crystalline waters showcase what locals affectionately call “Niyodo Blue”—a phenomenon so spectacular it has earned the moniker “Japan’s Jiuzhaigou.” As you meander along its course, you’ll encounter pools of mystical emerald hues that transition into crystal-clear azure shallows, where the interplay of light and water creates a mesmerising spectacle of reflections dancing upon the riverbed. The pristine waterfalls cascade with diamond-like clarity, whilst gentle one-hour walks through scenic valleys are perfectly curated for sophisticated travellers. Your journey culminates with a visit to the acclaimed “Monet’s Garden” in Kitagawa Village—an authentic recreation so magnificent it has received the blessing of Giverny itself.

Join us for this bespoke exploration of Kochi Prefecture, where nature’s artistry meets cultural refinement in perfect harmony. This carefully crafted itinerary promises an intimate encounter with one of Japan’s most exquisite natural treasures.

Contact Us

Recommended Program

The Niyodo Blue I: Nakatsu Gorge – Where Ancient Boulders and Waterfalls Create Nature’s Masterpiece

Just a leisurely hour and a half from Kochi City, we invite you to venture upstream along the Niyodo River to discover Nakatsu Gorge, renowned as the most spectacular waterfall and stream landscape in the entire Niyodo water system. Accompanied by our expert nature guide, you’ll embark on a gentle stroll whilst marvelling at the mesmerising ‘Niyodo Blue’ vistas that unfold before you.The crowning jewel of this expedition is the magnificent Uryu Falls, an awe-inspiring cascade plunging 20 metres downward. Above the falls, you’ll notice the sacred Shimenawa rope, a traditional element that marks this as a place of spiritual significance. Watch in wonder as the crystalline waters gracefully cascade over ancient rocks, creating a natural spectacle that perfectly embodies the raw beauty of untamed Japan.

A Perfectly Curated Path Through Nature’s Grandeur (Image)
The Enchanting Uryu Falls: Nature’s Ever-Changing Masterpiece (Image)

The Niyodo Blue II: Yasui Gorge – Home of the Most Intense Azure Waters

Even narrower than Nakatsu, Yasui Gorge winds through remote mountain passages where the road is barely wide enough for a single minibus to pass. Whilst this limited accessibility means it rarely features on commercial tours, locals revere this site as home to the ‘Ultimate Niyodo Blue’—the most chromatically rich and pure stream in the entire system.

The term ‘Niyodo Blue’ itself has a fascinating origin, coined by nature photographer Nobuyuki Takahashi, who was captivated by the extraordinary colours of these waters. The crown jewel of this chromatic wonder is ‘Suisho-buchi’ (Crystal Pool) in Yasui Gorge, where the phenomenon reaches its zenith.

Here, the waters create an enchanting spectacle, with the hues shifting and changing depending on the depth of the water, the flow patterns of the current, and the play of light on the surface. This creates a mystical display where the water seems to dance with colour, ranging from ethereal turquoise to deep sapphire, offering visitors a truly magical natural phenomenon that few get to witness.

Suisho-buchi: The Crown Jewel of Niyodo River (Image)
Extraordinary Clarity of Niyodo Blue (Image)
The Sabo Dam Waterfall: Nature’s Dynamic Display (Image)

Niyodo River Clear Water Cruise

Embark on a delightful 50-minute journey aboard a traditional yakatabune (roofed pleasure boat) along the lower reaches of the pristine Niyodo River. As you glide peacefully through the crystal-clear waters, you’ll experience one of Kochi Prefecture’s most enchanting attractions – the iconic submersible bridges (chinka-bashi).

The gentle pace of the cruise allows ample time to marvel at the river’s famous clarity and the surrounding natural beauty. The covered boat provides comfort while maintaining an open view of the scenery, making this cruise enjoyable regardless of weather conditions.

yakatabune (Image)

“Monet’s Garden” Marmottan

Located in Kitagawa Village in eastern Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, “Monet’s Garden” Marmottan holds the unique distinction of being the only garden in the world, besides the original in Giverny near Paris, to be granted permission to use the name “Monet’s Garden.”

This remarkable garden is far more than a mere replica of the original. It is a living, breathing masterpiece that has been thoughtfully adapted to the climate and natural environment of eastern Tosa. The garden flourishes with vibrant blooms throughout the seasons, maintained and continuously enhanced through the passionate dedication of its staff.

The Kitagawa Village “Monet’s Garden” – the only garden in the world officially authorized by Giverny’s “Monet’s Garden” (Image)
Contact Us

Itinerary

4 Days

City

Schedule

Meal
Included

Day 1

Haneda Airport Matsuyama Airport

■In the afternoon, fly from Haneda Airport to Matsuyama Airport.

■Upon arrival, you will be taken by bus to Matsuyama Shiki Memorial Museum.

Accommodation：Matsuyama

✖

✖

✖

Day 2

Matsuyama / Niyodo Blue “Niko Fuchi” / Niyodo River Cruise / Kochi

■From Matsuyama to Kochi. On the way, stop at Niyodo Blue ”Niko Fuchi”.

■In the afternoon, Enjoy Niyodo River Cruise.

■Arrive in Kochi in the evening.

Accommodation：Kochi

B

L

D

Day 3

Kochi / Niyodo Blue “Nakatsu Gorge” / Niyodo Blue Yasui Gorge / Kochi

■In the morning, head to Niyodo Blue “○Nakatsu Valley”. This valley is attractive for its rugged scenery with waterfalls continuing down the gorge of giant rocks. Enjoy a stroll through Nakatsu Valley to Uryu Falls.

■Head to Niyodo Blue “Yasui Valley”.

■Stroll through “Suisho-fuchi”, “Hiryu-no-taki”, and “Otome-gawara”, which are said to be particularly beautiful areas of Niyodo Blue and have spectacular water views like Jiuzhaigou.

■Return to the hotel.

Accommodation：Kochi

B

L

D

Day 4

Kochi / Kitagawamura / Kochi Airport Haneda Airport

■In the morning, visit Monet’s Garden Marmottan in Kitagawa Village.

■Afterwards, stroll around Doi Kurukawa Naka.

■In the evening, fly from Kochi Airport to Haneda Airport.

B

✖

✖

What’s Included

・Hotel in Matsuyama and Kochi
・Private guide for 4 days
・Transportation in the itinerary
・Meal：Breakfast 3 / Lunch 2 / Dinner 2
・Entrance fee at the spots in the itinerary

What’s NOT Included

・Round-trip transportation to Meeting and Finish point
・Tips for guides, drivers and others
・All fee for free time

Explanation of marks in the itinerary and approximate times

Explanation of marks in the itinerary:

Move

Plane:

Bus:

Car:

Train:

Ship:

Ropeway:

Walking:

Helicopter:

Meal

Breakfast:

B

Lunch:

L

Dinner:

D

Contact Us
Travel Conditions

Minimum Number of guests

1 person

Meeting point

Haneda Airport

Meals

Breakfast 3 / Lunch 2 / Dinner 2

Guide

Included

Important Notes
  • Unless otherwise specified, the tour will be conducted in English.
  • In case of itinerary revisions, our terms and conditions will apply. Please note the following points in paticular:
    　・The itinerary may change due to circumstances beyond our control.
    　・Accommodations in designeated cities is subject to availability.
    　・The order of the itinerary may change.
Contact Us

Related tours

Destination

Style and theme

Contact Us