The Niyodo River in Kochi is known for having the clearest water in all of Japan. It sparkles a stunning aquamarine on sunny days, enticing onlookers to want to swim in its crystal clear shimmering water. The peculiar blue of the water is known as "Niyodo blue", a term coined by nature photographer Nobuyuki Takahashi. The Niyodo area is popular with locals for bathing, fishing, boating, picnicing and camping. On this tour you will see a side of Japan that is completely different from the fast-paced, modern and grey world of Tokyo – you will see Japan’s nature at its very best.

Hotel in Kochi city

Meet the guide in the hotel lobby.

Ino paper museum

Ino-cho Paper Museum opened in 1985 with the purpose of promoting “Tosa Washi”, , a type of washi paper which has a history dating back over 1000 years and is highly valued for its thin yet durable nature. In fact, it is the thinnest and most finely made washi paper in the world. To make the most intricate patterns of 0.03mm thickness, it takes great skill. At the museum you can learn about the history and culture of washi, its raw materials and its tools. There are Washi making demonstrations where you can see how it is made, and you can even try making a simple craft like a postcard or a coaster.

Nakatsu George

Nakatsu Gorge was formed over 300 million years ago as a result of the shifting tectonic plates and is regarded as a power spot in Shintoism. You will hike 2.3km along the gorge, with the pristine Niyodo blue water flowing peacefully alongside you. Along the way try spot all seven of the statues dedicated to the “Seven Gods of Fortune” – one of them is tricky! At the end of the trail the sun disappears and you enter a cool, misty area which feels almost magical. You will be looking out into a thundering waterfall - Uryu-no-Taki. At 20m high, there is a rope hanging above the falls — a mark of hallowed grounds in Shinto tradition. The rope is a divider between the sacred space where gods are enshrined and our world, the outside world.

Lunch at Yuno Mori

At "Yunomori", which is right next to the Nakatsu Valley in the upper reaches of the Niyodo River, you can enjoy a Japanese-style lunch using authentic local ingredients. The Yunomori Bento is a particularly popular dish - it uses abundant vegetables all grown in the area using the water of the Niyodo River.

Blue Brew

The owners of this recently opened craft beer facility learned their craft in the United States before moving to Kochi and deciding to brew their own beer using the delicious and fresh water of Niyodogawa Town. It is a unique craft beer retreat where you can sip on a cool craft beer while soaking in the view of the pristine Shikoku mountains and the Niyodo River.

Sawatari Green Tea Plantation

Did you know that Kochi is full of green tea plantations? Some of them dot the mountainside in seemingly impossible places, houses nearby perilously balanced on the hillside. You will have the chance to take a walk around this green tea plantation which has a stunning view out onto the Niyodo River. The green tea hedges contrast stunningly with the blue water, making for the perfect photo! Hear about what life is like on a green tea plantation and learn how the tea is grown.

Cafe Asunaro

This cafe and restaurant is part of the tea plantation, allowing visitors a wonderful view of the river while they rest. The café is run by Noriaki Kishimoto, a local tea farmer who wanted to expand Sawatari by bringing green tea to life through an assortment of dishes. All dishes use the Sawatari local green tea. You will outdoors on the terrace. Choices range from their popular green tea udon to the subtly sweet green tea waffles.

Hotel in Kochi city

Return to your hotel.