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Nakatsu Gorge walk

中津渓谷

A short walk through Nakatsu Gorge in Kochi, following clear Niyodo Blue pools and boulder-lined paths to the 20-metre Uryu no Taki waterfall.

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Uryu no Taki waterfall on the Nakatsu Gorge walk.

Nakatsu Gorge and Niyodo Blue

Nakatsu Gorge follows the Nakatsu River, a tributary of the Niyodo, through a narrow forested valley in Kochi. Clear pools gather between mossy rock walls and large boulders, giving the water the blue-green colour associated with “Niyodo Blue”. For a longer walk in the same area, see our route through Yasui Gorge.

Nakatsu Gorge walking route

The route begins beside Nakatsukeikoku Yunomori and follows the river towards Uryu no Taki. Small bridges and stepping stones carry the path across the water, while statues of the Seven Gods of Fortune appear among the rocks and moss.

It is a short, well-marked walk with a succession of narrow passages, boulder-lined pools and river views. The waterfall is the natural turnaround point; the official path can also be continued towards Ishibashira.

Nakatsu gorge walk Clear blue pool below the rocks in Nakatsu Gorge. Nakatsu gorge walk Nakatsu gorge walk Walking path along the rock walls of Nakatsu Gorge. Nakatsu Gorge path beside the rushing stream. Stone path through the boulders of Nakatsu Gorge. Red bridge above the blue water in Nakatsu Gorge.

Uryu no Taki waterfall

Uryu no Taki is the main destination, reached about 20 minutes from Yunomori. The river drops 20 metres through a cleft in the rock wall into the pool below. The waterfall appears near the end of the route, after the bridges and tighter sections of the gorge.

Uryu no Taki waterfall Uryu no Taki waterfall Uryu no Taki waterfall

Staying at Nakatsukeikoku Yunomori

We stayed at Yunomori beside the gorge entrance, making it a practical base for the walk and for visiting Yasui Gorge. After the trail, we could return directly to the ryokan and its onsen.

Good to know

Route

The official route is 2.3 km and takes about one hour. Uryu no Taki is roughly 20 minutes from Yunomori; the GPX track for our walk is available below.

Getting there

By car, Nakatsu Gorge is about one hour from Ino IC. By public transport, take a Tosaden Kotsu bus from Ino to Sakawa, change to the Kuroiwa Kanko Bus for Nanokawa, then walk about 10 minutes to the gorge.

Difficulty

The route is gentle and family-friendly, but wear proper shoes, paths can be slippery.

Nearby

Nakatsukeikoku Yunomori is beside the trailhead. Yasui Gorge is another Niyodo Blue walk in the area.

GPX track

Download the GPX track of Nakatsu Gorge walk, for your maps app or GPS watch.

Location
Niyodogawa, Kochi Open in maps
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Hikes & walks

Yasui Gorge walk

安居渓谷

A relaxed gorge walk through Kochi’s Niyodo Blue country, following crystal-clear river pools, mossy paths and waterfalls to the two-tiered Hiryu no Taki.

Ryokans & onsen

Nakatsukeikoku Yunomori

中津渓谷 ゆの森

Nakatsukeikoku Yunomori is a small traditional inn at the entrance of Nakatsu Gorge in Kochi's Niyodo valley: quiet Japanese-style rooms right over the river, an open-air onsen, and the gorge walk starting at the door.