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Kochi Private Tour - Yasui Valley
Yasui Valley
Kochi Private Tour - Crystal Basin (Suishō-buchi)
Crystal Basin (Suishō-buchi)
Kochi Private Tour - N Kochi - Nagoya Low-water Bridge
N Kochi - Nagoya Low-water Bridge
Kochi Private Tour - Sabō Dam (Check Dam)
Sabō Dam (Check Dam)
Kochi Private Tour - Crystal Basin (Suishō-buchi)
Crystal Basin (Suishō-buchi)
Kochi Private Tour - Toyota Alphard
Toyota Alphard

Explore Niyodo Blue: Japan’s Most Beautiful River with Licensed Local Guide & Premium Minivan

Car Tour (driving guide)
Kochi Tour Guide - Hiroshi M.

Joined 2025

Hiroshi M.
5.00 / 5
(11 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Kochi
English
6 hours
Private tour (only you and Hiroshi M.)
Up to 6 people

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!

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City

- Kochi New Port, Airport, Kochi Station, or Any Hotel in Kochi City - I offer a convenient door-to-door meet-up service using a luxury Toyota Alphard. I can meet you at any of the following locations: Kochi New Port (Cruise Ship Terminal) Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ) JR Kochi Train Station Any hotel or accommodation within Kochi City Please inform me of your preferred meet-up location and time in advance. I will be there to welcome you and start our Kochi adventure in comfort.

08:50 AM

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.

09:30 AM

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.”

10:30 AM

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

What‘s included

Local English-speaking licensed guide service (Regional license holder)



Door-to-door escort by Toyota Alphard (Luxury Minivan) (Comfortable seating for up to 6 guests)



Hotel meet-up and drop-off (Within Kochi city area)



All vehicle-related expenses (Includes gasoline, expressway tolls, and parking fees)



Complimentary photos taken by your guide (I will capture your memories during the tour and share the data with you)

What‘s not included

Meals and beverages (Lunch, snacks, and drinks during the tour)



Personal expenses (Shopping, souvenirs, and incidental costs)



Personal travel insurance (Please ensure you have your own coverage before the tour)

Tour Important Information

Tour Notes & Information



Physical Requirements: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and stairs. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.



Dietary Needs: Please inform me in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.



Expenses: Meals and entrance fees are not included in the tour price.


Important Note regarding Transportation



My primary service is providing high-quality guiding as a licensed guide. For your comfort and to ensure an efficient itinerary, I provide my private vehicle as a courtesy support.



Please understand the following:



This is not a taxi or commercial transportation service.



The price difference from the "Walking Tour" option is dedicated solely to covering actual vehicle expenses, including fuel, highway tolls, parking fees, and specialized insurance.



For guests who prefer to use only public transportation or taxis, I recommend booking my "Walking Tour" option.

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
Kochi Tour Guide - Hiroshi M.

Joined 2025

Hiroshi M.
5.00 / 5
(11 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Wonderful day with Hiroshi

We enjoyed a wonderful day with Hiroshi, while we were in Kochi Japan. He met us with a very luxurious van that could easily accommodate for guest and my wife, and I had it all to ourselves. Begin the day with a tour of the botanical garden, which was outstanding. If you're visiting Japan in the spring, you want to visit discard. Just magnificent (and I'm not a flower guy). Spectacular views looking at the city. He then took us to an original samurai house, which is definitely off the beaten path and a place where tour buses do not go. He even brought along his samurai sword, allowing us to take pictures with different poses. we then visited Kochi Castle. My knees are not so good, so he took us on the sloping path, rather than attempt the stairs. He could not have been more accommodating all day. Highly recommend choosing Hiroshi for any of his tours.

Joe D.

Hiroshi M.

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It means a lot to me that you enjoyed the day. The botanical garden was especially beautiful that morning — the south garden had just reopened after a renovation, and we were there on the very first day. Perfect timing. The samurai house is one of those places I always love to include. It is quiet, it is real, and it is the kind of experience you simply cannot find on a group bus tour. For guests with knee concerns or mobility needs, I always plan the route carefully. Kochi Castle has both stairs and a slope, and I make sure we choose the right path from the start. Everyone deserves to enjoy the castle comfortably. I design every tour around my guests — their pace, their interests, and what makes the day feel special for them. That is what private guiding is all about. To be honest, I had a wonderful time too. You were such warm and kind people, and days like this remind me how much I love my work. I hope to welcome you back to Kochi someday. Hiroshi

The Perfect Guide!

We had a great day at Kochi with Hiroshi. He made sure we got a well balanced itinerary even for a short time - we got nature, food and culture! He is very accommodating and a drives safely. And the bonus part was he is a great photographer. He took amazing photos documenting our trip well. We are highly recommending him for a great day at Kochi!

Grace P.

Hiroshi M.

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really happy to hear that you enjoyed the day — nature, food, and culture in just one day is always my goal for cruise guests with limited time. It was a pleasure spending the day with your group. I hope the photos bring back good memories of Kochi! I look forward to welcoming you back someday. Hiroshi

Want to Personalize?

$315/ per group

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