Nakatsu Gorge walk
中津渓谷
Walk beneath forest canopies, cross quiet bridges, and follow the sound of waterfalls through Nakatsu Gorge, a peaceful nature escape in Kochi Prefecture.
Niyodo Blue
Nakatsu Gorge is one of Kochi’s classic places to experience “Niyodo Blue,” the vivid clarity associated with the Niyodo River system. Here, the color appears along the Nakatsu River, a tributary of the Niyodo, where deep pools, mossy rock walls, and calm forest scenery create a quieter counterpart to nearby Yasui Gorge.
The trail
The trail spans 2.3km and offers an easy hour-long walk. It meanders along the riverside, occasionally crossing via bridges and stepping stones. Despite its brevity, it’s incredibly photogenic.
Uryu no Taki waterfall
The trail’s pinnacle is the majestic Uryu no Taki waterfall, where the rushing river cascades down 20 meters, filling the limpid blue pools along the trail. However, every sight along the path is truly breathtaking: pathways, bridges, waterfalls, and stunning rock formations sculpted over years of erosion from rain. The bedrock, over 17,000 years old, features iron deposits that lend some rocks a reddish hue.
Where we stayed
The area itself is very peaceful, surrounded mostly by nature with few accommodations or dining options. We lodged at Yunomori, conveniently located next to the gorge’s entrance. Arriving in the afternoon, we had ample time to stroll along the gorge and later unwind in the ryokan’s onsen. We combined our two-day stay with exploration of the Yasui Gorge.
Good to know
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- Location
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Niyodogawa, Kochi Open in maps
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