Yasui Gorge walk

Niyodo River

Yasui Gorge is one of the best-known places to experience Niyodo Blue, the name given to the exceptionally clear waters of the Niyodo River. Flowing 124 km from the mountains of Shikoku to the Pacific Ocean, the river is often described as one of the most beautiful in Japan. The walking route follows the Yasui River, a tributary of the Niyodo, where those vivid blue tones appear in deep pools, narrow rock channels and quiet forested bends.

The walk along Yasui Gorge

We parked at Mikaeri Falls, about 1.1 km before the official trailhead, and started our walk from there. You can also drive farther to the main parking area, where you will find free maps, restrooms and a small cafe. The cafe was closed on the day of our visit.

Our route was about 11 km in total and took roughly 3 hours. If you prefer a shorter walk, or want to avoid part of the asphalt road, you can turn back after the Sabo Dam and return to the parking lot. The walk does not require serious hiking gear, but some rocky sections near the water can be slippery, so sturdy shoes are useful.

Total immersion

This was a quiet, leisurely walk, with narrow paths running beside the river, small waterfalls appearing around bends, and clear pools below the rocks. We passed a few other visitors in the gorge, but it never felt crowded, which made the whole route feel calm and immersive.

Hiryu no Taki

The main highlight is Hiryu no Taki, a two-tiered waterfall that drops about 25 metres. Still, the waterfall is only one part of what makes the walk worthwhile. The route itself has plenty of variety, from riverside paths and rock crossings to the Sabo Dam and occasional open views of the surrounding mountains.