Niyodo Blue and Asei Valley Tour

The clear water of the Niyodo River is called Niyodo Blue and shines blue in the light. Starting from Asei Valley, one of its headwaters, explore the falls and pools. Here is a one day route to soothe you with transparent water and deep greenery. Set in a valley ringed by cliffs of limestone and schist, the contrast between the blue of the water and the color of the rock is a charm found only in this gorge.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Asei Valley Head to the valley set among the mountains of Niyodogawa Town. Walk the path while gazing at pools filled with clear blue water. Paths are laid out along the valley, letting you enjoy the waterside scenery up close.

10:30 Enjoy the blue at Suisho pool At the pool said to show the most beautiful Niyodo Blue, enjoy the transparent surface glowing in the light. Because the blue of the surface changes with the angle of the sun, it is worth viewing it at different times of day.

11:30 Look up at Hiryu Falls Visit the falls regarded as the symbol of the valley and feel the power of the water tumbling down the rock face. The falls, with their great drop, pour vigorously down the rock, and the cool sound of water echoes through the valley.

12:30 Rest along the valley Sit in the shade and spend a relaxed time wrapped in the murmur of the river and the cool air. The air stays cool even in summer, making it a fine place to escape the heat.

Highlights

Asei Valley has scattered sights such as Suisho pool and Hiryu Falls. Niyodo Blue, where the surface shines blue depending on the angle of the sun, looks most vivid on clear days. The contrast between the bluish cliffs and the fresh green or autumn leaves is also beautiful, showing a different face in each season.

Access and Tips

It is about an hour and a half by car from central Kochi. Getting around the valley is mostly on foot, so comfortable shoes and easy clothing are recommended. Some stretches within the valley are narrow, so drive slowly.

A Quick Tip

Footing near the water can be slippery, so take care. The seasons of fresh green and autumn leaves are especially beautiful, so allow plenty of time to fully enjoy it.

Practical Travel Notes

• Asei Valley: A valley along the Asei River flowing through Niyodogawa Town, designated as the Asei Valley Prefectural Natural Park. Sights such as Suisho pool and Hiryu Falls are scattered about, and you can enjoy the contrast between the bluish cliffs and the clear stream.
• Niyodo Blue: The name for the scenery where the clear water of the Niyodo River system shines blue in the light. Suisho pool is known as a representative pool of Niyodo Blue and is also chosen among the 88 scenic spots of Shikoku. The blue looks most vivid on sunny days with strong light.
• Hiryu Falls: A representative waterfall of Asei Valley, with a drop of about 50 meters. Its figure pouring vigorously down the rock face is striking.
• Access: About an hour and a half by car from central Kochi. Getting around the valley is mostly on foot, and some stretches are narrow, so drive carefully. Comfortable shoes and easy clothing are recommended.
• Note: Footing near the water is slippery, so please take care not to force your way to the water edge. Please confirm the latest information such as operating status and parking in advance through official information.

📚 Sources

Yasui Gorge, the Suishoen pool representing the Niyodo Blue, and Hiryu Falls with a drop of about 50 meters introduced in this article are organized based on tourism information published by Niyodogawa Town and the town tourism association, guidance for the Yasui Gorge prefectural natural park, and on-site signboards. Descriptions such as Suishoen being selected among the Shikoku Eighty-Eight Views also draw on public information. Because operating status, parking and access may change, please confirm official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Time estimate: About half a day centered on a stroll along the Yasui Gorge paths. Allow ample planning including the round trip from Kochi City.
• What to prepare: The gorge is mainly walking paths, so wear comfortable shoes and easy-to-move clothing. The waterside is slippery, so do not force your way to the edge.
• Best timing: The Niyodo Blue is most vivid on clear, sunny days. In the fresh-green and autumn-foliage seasons the contrast with the bluish cliffs looks especially beautiful.
• Suggested route: From the gorge entrance, follow the paths, savor the blue at Suishoen, look up at Hiryu Falls, then rest in the shade along the gorge.