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.
Yasui Gorge and Niyodo Blue
Yasui Gorge is a forested valley in Niyodogawa, Kochi, carved by the Yasui River, a tributary of the Niyodo. It is one of the main places to see Niyodo Blue: exceptionally clear water shifting between turquoise and emerald in deep pools and narrow rock channels.
The main sights are spread along the valley rather than gathered around one viewpoint. Suishobuchi, Sabo Dam, Hiryu no Taki, Mikaeri Falls, Otomegawara and Araodani can be linked on foot or visited from the small parking areas along the gorge road.
Our Yasui Gorge walking route
We started at Mikaeri Falls, before the main parking area at Horaiso, and followed the road and waterside paths deeper into the gorge. The principal sights fall into two clusters: Hiryu no Taki, Otomegawara and Araodani around Horaiso, then Suishobuchi and Sabo Dam farther along the valley.
We joined both clusters into one longer out-and-back walk. For a shorter visit, park at Horaiso and explore one section on foot, or use the smaller parking areas to avoid the stretches of asphalt between them.
Paths, pools and waterfalls
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 gave us time to stop at the water and follow the changes in colour through the valley.
Hiryu no Taki waterfall
Hiryu no Taki is the main waterfall on this side of Yasui Gorge, dropping in two stages through the forest. It is a clear destination for the walk, but the route is more varied than a simple out-and-back to one viewpoint: riverside paths, rock crossings, pools and the Sabo Dam all give the gorge a different character around each bend.
Good to know
- Route
Our recorded walk was about 11 km and took roughly three hours, starting near Mikaeri Falls and linking both main sections of the gorge. Shorter walks are possible from the parking areas at Horaiso, Suishobuchi and Sabo Dam.
- Getting there
Car or taxi is the practical option. Yasui Gorge is about 1 hour 10 minutes from Ino IC; the final 8 km on Prefectural Road 362 is narrow, with limited room for vehicles to pass. Use Horaiso as the navigation destination and check current road notices (external link) before setting out.
- Difficulty
Mostly gentle walking on paved road and gorge paths, with slippery rocks and wet sections near the water. Wear proper walking shoes.
- Facilities
The main parking area and the gorge’s only public toilets are at Horaiso. Carry food and water if you plan the longer route.
- Nearby
For a shorter Niyodo Blue route, compare the Nakatsu Gorge walk. We used Nakatsukeikoku Yunomori as a base for visiting both gorges.
- Official information
See the Niyodo Blue Tourism Council guide to Yasui Gorge (external link) for access, seasonal conditions and visitor guidance.
- GPX track
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Download the GPX track of Yasui Gorge walk, for your maps app or GPS watch.
- Location
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Niyodogawa, Kochi Open in maps (external link)
- Details
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