Nakatsu Keikoku Yunomori: Day-Use Hot Spring Prices

A hot spring inn standing at the entrance to Nakatsu Gorge, a tributary of the Niyodo River, famed as a miraculous clear stream. Cradled by the beautiful flow of water known for its translucent blue "Niyodo Blue" and by a deep green gorge, it is a solitary inn like a quiet, soothing hideaway. Built generously with timber from Niyodogawa Town, the building is full of the scent of forest, making it a healing bath and an ideal base for gorge walks.

Highlights

From the bath overlooking the gorge, the mountain scenery that changes with the seasons spreads out. The nearby Nakatsu Gorge has well-maintained promenades, letting you enjoy a walk around scenic spots where the Niyodo Blue stands out, such as Ryugubuchi and Uryu Falls. The soft alkaline simple sulfur cold mineral spring gently calms a body warmed from walking the gorge, and a soak in the open-air bath with a view of the starry sky promises an exceptional moment.

Seasonal Enjoyment

In summer, walking the gorge in search of coolness is pleasant, and in autumn the foliage dyes the gorge vividly. The fresh greenery of spring is beautiful too, and the clear color of the water changes with the season and the play of light, so you never tire of it no matter how often you visit. The gorge in summer especially is pleasant with cool breezes and the sound of water, making the combination of a cool-off walk and a soak popular.

Access & Basic Information

It is located in Nanokawa, Niyodogawa Town, Agawa District, Kochi Prefecture. It is about an hour by car from central Kochi City, along the gorge reached by heading toward Matsuyama on National Route 33. In addition to lodging, day bathing is accepted. As closing days are set, confirming before your visit is reassuring.

One Piece of Advice

Visiting as a set with a walk along the Nakatsu Gorge promenade is the classic plan. A day of washing off your sweat in the bath after walking and lingering in the afterglow of the Niyodo Blue is recommended.

Practical Travel Notes

• Spring quality: An alkaline simple sulfur cold mineral spring. With its soft feel, it gently eases the fatigue of gorge walking.
• Day bathing: The fee is roughly 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children. Hours generally run from around 11 a.m. to about 8:30 p.m. (reception until about 7:30 p.m.).
• Closing days: Tuesdays (or the following day if a holiday), a few Wednesdays a month, and the year-end and New Year period are the general closures. Please check the latest information before visiting.
• Access: About an hour by car from central Kochi City. Along Nakatsu Gorge, reached by heading toward Matsuyama on National Route 33.
• Parking: Available at the facility.
• Nearby: The Nakatsu Gorge promenade is right in front, letting you tour Niyodo Blue scenery such as Ryugubuchi and Uryu Falls. Lodging and dining at the restaurant are also available.

📚 Sources

Nakatsukeikoku Yunomori, the Nakatsu Gorge known for the Niyodo Blue, and walking spots such as Ryugubuchi and Uryu Falls introduced in this article are organized based on tourism information published by Niyodogawa Town and the town tourism association, along with information from the facility. The spring quality, such as the alkaline simple sulfur cold mineral spring, and the guideline day-use fees and reception hours draw on public information. Because hours, closing days and access may change, please confirm the facility official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Time estimate: About half a day for a stroll on the Nakatsu Gorge paths plus a bath. Allow extra time to explore the gorge at a relaxed pace.
• What to prepare: Comfortable shoes for the gorge paths. The waterside can be slippery, so take care, and bring a towel for day-use bathing.
• Best timing: In summer a gorge walk feels cool and refreshing, and in autumn the foliage dyes the gorge vividly. The Niyodo Blue stands out most on clear, sunny days.
• Suggested route: First walk the Nakatsu Gorge paths to Ryugubuchi and Uryu Falls to enjoy the Niyodo Blue, then wash off in the bath and linger in the afterglow.