Niyodo River (Nakatsu Gorge)
Consistently voted Japan's clearest river — the electric-blue water through Nakatsu Gorge is so luminescent it appears artificially colored. Swimming holes accessible between white boulders and waterfalls.
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The Niyodo River runs the clearest water in Japan — a surreal turquoise blue that looks computer-enhanced but is entirely natural. The swimming hole at Ino town (near Tosashimizu) is the best casual access point. Nakatsu Gorge further upstream has dramatic limestone walls. Combine with Tosa Washi paper workshops (Ino town) for a full Kochi inland day.
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