We recommend Yasui Gorge for those who want to just see beautiful water scenery.
The problem is that Yasui Gorge is the most difficult destination to reach among the three popular places for Niyodo Blue.
We will introduce Yasui Gorge, as well as how best to enjoy it, accommodation information, and information on recommended neighboring places.

The main attraction of Yasui Gorge is divided into several places.

The classic places include Suisho Buchi deep water (the picture above) and the erosion control dam ahead of it, Araodani Ravine, Otomegawara riverside, Hiryu Falls (the picture below), and Mikaeri Falls.

We therefore recommend walking along the gorge for at least an hour or two if possible.

Every season is beautiful at Yasui Gorge for walking. The following are brief descriptions for each season:
April to June: Contrast between fresh green leaves and Niyodo Blue
July to September: The increased water volume makes the waterfall more powerful.
October: The water volume decreases, making the water more transparent.
November: The leaves turn yellow and red, making the gorge one of Kochi’s most popular viewing spots for autumn leaves.
December to March: It is freezing, but the transparency of the water is fantastic!

The gorge can become very crowded during the Golden Week holiday from late April to early May, the Obon holiday in mid-August, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in November. Please have a safe trip here and allow time to spare.

It is essential to go to Yasui Gorge by car or taxi.

National Highway 439 is wide, but the narrow Prefectural Road 362 (Yasui Park Line) runs for about 8 km to the gorge.

There is a large parking lot in front of Horaiso, the only accommodation at Yasui Gorge. You are recommended to enter Horaiso into the car navigation system.

The road is so narrow that two cars can’t pass each other at the same time, so it is safer for those who are not used to driving to take a taxi.

The Niyodo Blue Tourism Council has a tour plan with a charter taxi starting from Kochi City, Ino Station and Sakawa Station. Please feel free to contact us.

Please note that some sections of road will become one way in crowded seasons, and road restrictions may be in place due to roadworks, depending on the day.

The last resort is to stay at Horaiso, the only accommodation at Yasui Gorge.

Horaiso will pick you up and drop you off between the nearest bus stop (Kariyamaguchi) and Horaiso if you ask for the service in advance at the time of reservation. The service may not be offered in busy seasons such as the Golden Week holiday from late April to early May, summer holidays, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in November. Please check when you make a reservation.

◎Niyodo Blue is in front of you!

You can enjoy Yasui Gorge whenever and as much as you like. Experiencing the gorge in the mornings and evenings in particular is a privilege only for people staying in Horaiso.

◎There is a choice of accommodation types.

Horaiso has cabins as well as Japanese-style guestrooms in the main building.

We recommend a Japanese-style guestroom if you want to stay in a Japanese-style inn. For those who want to have fun with your family or friends, a cabin is also a good option.

The food it serves is delicious, so we recommend that you have lunch there.

→Horaiso

◎Prefectural Road 362 (Yasui Park Line) leading to Yasui Gorge is extremely narrow. It is safer for those who are not used to driving to take a taxi.

◎You can go sightseeing at the gorge throughout the year. The gorge, however, can become very crowded during the Golden Week holiday from late April to early May, the Obon holiday in mid-August, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in November. Please take another route instead of Prefectural Road 362 in the crowded seasons.

◎Road restrictions may be in place due to roadworks. Please contact the town office, the tourism association or our tourism council for details.

◎Swimming is not prohibited in the gorge, but please be considerate to people visiting for sightseeing. As there are some dangerous areas that are deeper or flow faster than other areas, swim at your own risk.

◎Please take your trash with you.

◎The gorge is a prefectural park. You are not allowed to pick up plants or bring stones home with you.

◎The promenade is slippery. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

◎Toilets are located only in Horaiso at Yasui Gorge. Please use the toilet before you start walking.

Ikegawa in the Doi district in Niyodogawa Town is an area located in the lower reaches of the Doi River, a branch of the Niyodo River.

Ikegawa Yosaku Koryukan community center is located on National Highway 439.

The facility offers local specialty products such as tea, vegetables and wooden handicrafts, and has a restaurant where local people gather.

There is a public restroom in the center, making it a good place to rest for people visiting Yasui Gorge.

There is a park one level down from the center, where you can get a truly magnificent view of Niyodo Blue.

Located about 20 minutes’ drive from Yasui Gorge, Ikegawa Chaen Koubou Cafe stands alongside the Doi River in the former Ikegawa area (the Doi district in Niyodogawa Town).

A local tea farmer offers homemade desserts. Although tea comes with the desserts when you eat in the cafe, you can order better tea in a teapot, which is really good!

The Doi River, a branch of the Niyodo River, flows in front of you, and peach flowers and cherry blossoms bloom in the spring.

Minshuku Ichikawa is an inn located within walking distance from Ikegawa Chaen Koubou Cafe.

You can get a view from your room overlooking the Niyodo Blue flowing in front of you.

Another attraction of the inn is its excellent food.

The landlord, who trained at a Japanese restaurant in Kyoto, will serve you some delicious dishes.