Nakatsu Gorge Prefectural Natural Park (中津渓谷県立自然公園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A roughly 2.3-kilometer gorge carved by the Nakatsu River (中津川), a tributary of the Niyodo River. Along the promenade, one highlight follows another: stone pillars, clear blue pools like Ryugu-buchi (竜宮淵), and curious rock formations. The highlight is Uryu Falls (雨竜の滝), deep along the promenade where rock walls jut in from both sides, dropping water about 20 meters. Get close, and spray rises with a thunderous roar, letting you feel the exhilaration of gorge trekking with your whole body. Stone statues of the Seven Lucky Gods are scattered along the promenade, and hunting for them one by one is part of the fun. As you walk, Niyodo Blue pools appear one after another, and time flows in a way that feels like it's cleansing even your heart.

Tips

There is parking near the entrance to the gorge. The promenade continues over wet rocky areas and stone steps, so non-slip shoes are essential. The area around Uryu Falls gets wet from spray, so protect your camera against moisture or bring a towel. Weekends during the autumn foliage season get crowded, so arriving in the morning is more comfortable.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. In the morning, light streams into the valley, making the spray of the waterfall basin and the blue of the pools shine vividly.

Access & map

〒781-1742 高知県吾川郡仁淀川町竹屋敷