/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19997/9cbbf846-a6a5-4487-9519-d64429215f03.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19997/f6ff42f4-9841-4a20-9117-29d2c7d9eb4d.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19997/ccb96fbb-580c-4168-92a6-02cdb4b172ae.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19997/d0376fda-f025-4589-b740-12035946f88d.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19997/1dfef4bc-aaca-4b1b-84c4-4935b8e5636b.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19997/134b82cb-2c71-4d6e-9b1a-7bbfc3eb9155.JPG)
Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75444/7e8aad7c-cea4-43cd-8978-522bed2bb728.png)
Joined 2025
Niyodo Blue – Japan’s Clearest River
The Niyodo River in central Kochi is known for its brilliant “Niyodo Blue.” In 2025, it was ranked No.1 in water quality in Japan.
This tour visits Yasui Valley, where blue streams, waterfalls, and pools shine in the sunlight. Stroll riverside paths, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the sound of flowing water.
Come and see why this “miracle clear stream” is one of Kochi’s most iconic destinations.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City
- I will pick you up by van at Kochi New Port, Kochi Airport, Kochi Station, or any hotel in Kochi City. Please let me know your preferred pickup location and time in advance.
Nagoya Low-water Bridge
Nagoya Low-water Bridge
The Nagoya Low-water Bridge, or Nagoya Chinka-bashi, is a traditional low-water bridge crossing the Niyodo River.
Unlike modern bridges, the Nagoya Low-water 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
Yasui Valley is one of the most stunning spots along the Niyodo River in central Kochi. Famous for its deep emerald-blue waters, it is considered one of the best places to experience the beauty of “Niyodo Blue.”
Crystal Basin (Suishō-buchi)&Sabō Dam (Check Dam)
Crystal Basin (Suishō-buchi)
The Crystal Basin, or Suishō-buchi, is one of the most iconic spots in Yasui Valley. Its name comes from the astonishing clarity of the water—so pure that the riverbed looks like polished crystal. The pool reflects sunlight in brilliant shades of blue and emerald, offering some of the clearest views of “Niyodo Blue.” Visitors often describe it as looking like liquid glass.
Sabō Dam (Check Dam)
Further upstream stands a sabō dam (erosion-control dam). While it was originally built for flood and sediment control, the calm water held back by the structure creates a mirror-like surface that beautifully reflects the surrounding forest. The contrast of man-made engineering with the untouched natural beauty highlights both the power and harmony of the landscape.
Ending Point
Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
English-speaking licensed guide
Private transportation by Van up to 6 people
Pick-up and drop-off
Gasoline and expressway toll fees
Parking fees
Photos by me
Meals and drinks
Personal expenses
Travel insurance (please arrange your own if needed)
Tour Important Information
*This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and stairs—comfortable shoes are recommended.
*Meals are not included in the tour price.
Important message from the supplier
I currently offer several tour options, but I can also create a fully customized itinerary based on your interests. In the photo gallery, you'll find examples of places and experiences I’ve introduced to past guests.
If there’s a specific place you’d like to visit, feel free to reach out.
For cruise ship travelers, most tours are around 6 hours, so I recommend choosing 3 to 4 spots. To make planning easier, I’ve grouped locations into Central (C), Eastern(E), and Western(W) Kochi in the gallery—please use that as a reference.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Hiroshi M.
I’m a local licensed guide based in Kochi Prefecture. I grew up by the Pacific Ocean in Kochi and spent four years each in Tokyo and the United States—giving me both deep local knowledge and a global perspective.
Although I’m new to GoWithGuide, I’ve been welcoming international guests for years through my private rental villa in Aki City and as a local guide in Kochi. Working in the travel industry, I know not only the famous landmarks but also the hidden gems of the region.
All the photos you see here were taken by me—I enjoy photography, and if you’d like, I’d be happy to capture some memorable shots for you during the tour.
Reviews
Robert B.
“Thank you Hiro-san”
We enjoyed a wonderful day with you and appreciate you sharing your knowledge of beautiful Kochi and the sites we visited. This was our first time visiting Kochi and we love it. Thank you, Robert B.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75444/7e8aad7c-cea4-43cd-8978-522bed2bb728.png)
Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much! I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed your first visit to Kochi. It was a pleasure guiding you and showing you some of the beautiful spots and local stories of this area. I hope you’ll visit Kochi again someday to explore more of the local food, sake breweries, and hidden scenic places that only locals know. Wishing you all the best, – Hiro
Mateus G.
“Great Guide”
We were with Hiroshi for our 5-day trip to Kochi. He's a wonderful person and became a great friend in this time. He managed to understand exactly what kind of spots we were interested in and made a personalized itinerary. The best part was being able to visit secret spots that only locals go to.
Hiroshi M.
Thank you so much for your warm review. It was a true pleasure spending five days with you! I really enjoyed getting to know you and your wife and tailoring each day to your interests. Hearing that the personalized tour showed you the “real” local spots — the small eateries, sake places, and neighborhood pastimes — makes me very happy. Thank you for letting me be part of your Kochi experience. Your friendship means a lot — I hope I can welcome you back to Kochi someday. Please keep in touch! Warm regards, Hiroshi M Kochi Local Licensed Guide
$266/ per group
More tours by Hiroshi M.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19490/fc6493c8-d145-4b79-97d4-8875c9835a14.jpg)
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Explore Kochi’s top highlights in one day with a local licensed guide! Visit Kochi Castle, Chikurinji Temple, and Okawasuji Samurai Residence or Makino Botanical Garden, and enjoy local food at Hirome Market. The tour is flexible—we can visit other spots based on your interests. All photos were taken by me, and I’m happy to take photos of you during the tour and share them afterward as a free souvenir. Perfect for first-time visitors who want a personalized and memorable experience in Kochi.
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19586/0583715c-7cf1-47be-b958-39b51f0d0054.JPG)
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater / Ocean Views with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Discover Kochi’s culture and scenery on this 6-hour private tour with a licensed guide. Visit a samurai house, the birthplace of Mitsubishi’s founder and a museum of bold theatrical art. If available, we’ll also explore Bentenza, a traditional kabuki theater (no show), where you can step on stage. If not available, we’ll visit Katsurahama Beach, known for ocean views and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma a beloved historical figure. Private car included. Please check the itinerary for more details.
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater / Ocean Views with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19999/9d45e0d4-88a7-4997-a5dd-c61cca2a3761.jpeg)
Discover the World of Figures and Dioramas w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Discover the fascinating world of figures and dioramas at the KAIYODO Hobby Museum in Shimanto Town. This museum displays more than 10,000 works, from dinosaurs and animals to robots, anime, and movie characters. Visitors can admire giant dioramas, detailed miniatures, and learn the story of Japan’s leading figure maker. Optional workshops allow you to paint or build a small figure, making a personal souvenir. A must for families, collectors, and pop-culture fans.
Discover the World of Figures and Dioramas w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kochi
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Explore Kochi’s top highlights in one day with a local licensed guide! Visit Kochi Castle, Chikurinji Temple, and Okawasuji Samurai Residence or Makino Botanical Garden, and enjoy local food at Hirome Market. The tour is flexible—we can visit other spots based on your interests. All photos were taken by me, and I’m happy to take photos of you during the tour and share them afterward as a free souvenir. Perfect for first-time visitors who want a personalized and memorable experience in Kochi.
Kochi Highlights Tour with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater / Ocean Views with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Discover Kochi’s culture and scenery on this 6-hour private tour with a licensed guide. Visit a samurai house, the birthplace of Mitsubishi’s founder and a museum of bold theatrical art. If available, we’ll also explore Bentenza, a traditional kabuki theater (no show), where you can step on stage. If not available, we’ll visit Katsurahama Beach, known for ocean views and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma a beloved historical figure. Private car included. Please check the itinerary for more details.
Historic Town, Bold Art and Kabuki Theater / Ocean Views with Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Discover the World of Figures and Dioramas w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up
Discover the fascinating world of figures and dioramas at the KAIYODO Hobby Museum in Shimanto Town. This museum displays more than 10,000 works, from dinosaurs and animals to robots, anime, and movie characters. Visitors can admire giant dioramas, detailed miniatures, and learn the story of Japan’s leading figure maker. Optional workshops allow you to paint or build a small figure, making a personal souvenir. A must for families, collectors, and pop-culture fans.
Discover the World of Figures and Dioramas w/ Licensed Guide and Private Car Pick-Up