Explore Niyodo Blue Japan’s Clearest River with Local Guide

The Nagoya Submersible Bridge, or Nagoya Chinka-bashi, is a traditional low-water bridge crossing the Niyodo River. Unlike modern bridges, the Nagoya Submersible Bridge offers a close, almost intimate connection with the river, allowing visitors to truly feel the harmony between human life and nature in Kochi.

Yasui Valley — Home of "Niyodo Blue" Yasui Valley is one of the best places to experience "Niyodo Blue" — the legendary crystal-clear water of the Niyodo River, ranked the cleanest in Japan multiple times. The color shifts between deep blue and bright emerald depending on the light, and it has to be seen to be believed. We will walk along the valley and stop at the Crystal Basin (Suishō-buchi), where the water is so pure it looks like liquid glass. Depending on trail conditions, we may also visit a waterfall tucked into the surrounding forest and a calm pool created by an old erosion-control dam — a surprisingly beautiful spot where nature and structure meet. Spots visited may vary depending on trail conditions on the day.