Appreciate the majesty of nature at Nakatsu Gorge in Kochi Prefecture. This gorge, carved by the Niyodo River, with its crystalline emerald waters showcases the contrasts of rock and river. With the lush foliage of summer, the waters are framed by crisp greens and moss. In autumn, gaze at the crimson and gold leaves overlooking the gorge.
The Niyodo River and Nakatsu Gorge are a part of Niyodo Blue, Kochi’s prefectural nature park. Traverse over the gorge on a 2.3 km-long path that zigs and zags between boulders and over the river’s surface. This area, considered sacred by locals, is also thought to be a power spot that was formed over 300 million years ago.
Along the pathway, see if you can’t spot the seven statues of the lucky gods. At the end of the hike, you’ll reach Uryu Falls—a 20-meter high waterfall—marked by a hanging rope that divides the human world from the spirit world according to Shinto tradition.
A 10-minute walk from Nanokawa bus stop via the Kuroiwa Kanko Bus. Alternatively, a 1-hour drive from Ino IC on the Kochi Expressway.
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