Yasui Gorge (安居渓谷)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A gorge stretching roughly 10 kilometers along the Yasui River (安居川), also called the 'sacred site of Niyodo Blue.' The biggest highlight is Suisho-buchi (水晶淵), deep along the promenade. Despite its depth, the water is so clear you feel you could count the stones on the riverbed, and the sunlit surface glows a deep blue, a beauty that takes your breath away. Along the way there are plenty of spots to stop, including Hiryu Falls (飛龍の滝), which cascades down the rock face like a white cloth, and the spacious Otome-gawara (乙女河原) riverbank, with the gorge's character changing the further you walk. A world apart woven from deep forest and clear streams, this is the highlight of the latter half of the course, where you'll lose track of time gazing at the blue of the water.

Tips

There are narrow stretches along the road beside the gorge, so drive carefully. There are parking spaces around places like Horaiso (宝来荘). Getting to Suisho-buchi involves walking along a riverside path, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The rocks at the water's edge are slippery, so be very careful of your footing when peering in.

Best time to visit

About 2 hours. When the sun is high, light reaches Suisho-buchi and the transparency of the blue looks its most vivid.

Access & map

〒781-1628 高知県吾川郡仁淀川町大屋