Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture
A Summer Visit to Yasui Gorge At Suishōbuchi, I wanted to look all the way down to the rocks on the riverbed
At Suishōbuchi in Yasui Gorge, the water’s colour changes with the season and time of day. I visited at midday in August, and the water was so clear I could see the rocks below. For a while, I was speechless. It made me want to keep looking at the water, right down to the rocks beneath.
I visited Suishōbuchi at midday in August and watched the water from the riverbank. I could see light shifting over the rocks, and I was so caught up in it that I stood there with my hands clasped at my chest.
SummerMidday in August
Rocks and shifting light beneath the clear water
The moment I reached Suishōbuchi in Yasui Gorge around midday in August, I stopped in my tracks. I could see the rocks on the riverbed, with light wavering over them. I’d come hoping to see clear water, but I hadn’t expected to see so far below the surface. For a while, I was speechless.
The breeze caught the sleeves of my oversized white T-shirt, and tree shadows fell across the water. With my hands clasped at my chest, I kept comparing the bright patches with the shadows. It was more fun to watch the light shifting right in front of me than to think about the Niyodo Blue I’d seen in photos, so I didn’t reach for my camera right away.
I’d heard that the water at Suishōbuchi changes between blue and green with the season and time of day. The water in front of me wasn’t one fixed shade, either. Each time a ripple passed, the light on the rocks narrowed, then spread out again. I was looking at the same rock, but somehow it seemed new each time.
From the riverbank, the large rocks beneath the water looked close enough to touch. I couldn’t tell whether they were near or far just by looking, and found myself tilting my head a little. So that’s what clear water does: it isn’t just beautiful; it makes you curious about the shapes below, too.
Apparently, Hiryū Falls is also in Yasui Gorge. I’ve already spent ages at Suishōbuchi, so when I explore the gorge on foot, I’ll want to take my time. But first, one more look at the water right in front of me. Even after lowering my hands, I still couldn’t tear my eyes away from the light moving over the riverbed.
On my way back, I got curious about the tea-field pudding at Ikegawa Chaen, also in Niyodogawa Town. Just imagining something sweet after a walk through the gorge gave me one more thing to look forward to. I think I’ll still remember the light moving over the rocks at Suishōbuchi long after I get home. I never expected to fall for a summer river just by looking at it.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local food to try
Ikegawa Chaen’s tea-field pudding
Tea-field pudding is popular at Ikegawa Chaen in Niyodogawa Town. You can enjoy sweets while looking out over the Niyodo River and tea fields. After a walk through the gorge, I found myself wanting to go there for something sweet, too.
Highlights
Suishōbuchi: See All the Way to the Riverbed
The clear water at Suishōbuchi in Yasui Gorge is a beautiful sight. Its colour shifts with the season and time of day. I could see light moving over the rocks below and found myself clasping my hands at my chest.
A gorge walk leading to Hiryū Falls
Hiryū Falls is the largest waterfall in Yasui Gorge, and Hōrai-sō is presented as a base for exploring the gorge. I spent so long gazing at Suishōbuchi that I’d love to make time for a walk through the gorge next time.
The drive
Prefectural Route 362
The mountain road leading to Yasui Gorge. After I arrived and got out of the car, I took my time looking at the water at Suishōbuchi.
Once you reach the gorge, there’s more to enjoy on foot. I stopped at Suishōbuchi and watched the light move over the rocks on the riverbed.
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