plan your trip
How to Get to Niyodo Adventure
Niyodo Adventure is located in Niyodogawa, Kochi Prefecture, in the Shikoku region of Japan.
This area is famous for the Niyodo Blue River, known as one of the clearest rivers in Japan.
Our meeting point is accessible by car or public transportation or shuttles.
Do you need a car?
Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the Niyodo River area, as public transportation is limited in rural Kochi.
However, Niyodo Adventure offers shuttle pickup for guests.
We can arrange pickup from locations such as:
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JR Sakawa Station
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Nearby accommodations
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Designated meeting points in the Niyodo and Kochi area
Please contact us in advance to arrange shuttle service, as availability may depend on your tour schedule.
From Tokyo
Option 1 (Recommended): Flight + Car
Fastest and easiest option for most international travelers.
Route
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Fly from Tokyo Haneda Airport → Kochi Ryoma Airport
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Flight time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
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Drive from Kochi Airport to Niyodo Adventure: ~60–90 minutes
Total travel time: ~3–4 hours
This is the best option for convenience and reliability.
Option 2: Shinkansen + Limited Express Train
Best for rail pass travelers.
Route
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Tokyo → Okayama (Shinkansen): ~3 hr 20 min
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Okayama → Kochi (Limited Express Nanpu): ~2 hr 30 min
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Kochi → Niyodo Adventure (car): ~60–90 min
Total travel time: ~6–7 hours
This route is scenic but long.
From Osaka
Option 1 (Recommended): Train via Okayama
Very popular route for travelers visiting Shikoku.
Route
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Shin-Osaka → Okayama (Shinkansen): ~45 minutes
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Okayama → Kochi (Limited Express Nanpu): ~2 hr 30 min
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Kochi → Niyodo Adventure (car): ~60–90 min
Total travel time: ~4–5 hours
Option 2: Drive
Driving gives the most flexibility once in Kochi.
Osaka → Niyodo area
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~4–5 hours via expressway
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Scenic bridge crossing into Shikoku
Many guests rent a car in:
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Osaka
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Okayama
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Takamatsu
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Kochi
From Hiroshima
Route
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Hiroshima → Okayama (Shinkansen): ~40 minutes
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Okayama → Kochi (Limited Express): ~2 hr 30 min
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Kochi → Niyodo Adventure (car): ~60–90 min
Total travel time: ~4–5 hours
From Kochi City
Kochi City is the main gateway to the Niyodo River region.
Driving from Kochi City:
~60–90 minutes depending on activity location
Public transportation exists but is limited in rural areas.
Please reach out for pick ups from Sakawa station or Tosa osaki station.
Cruise Ship Visitors
If you are visiting Kochi as part of a cruise itinerary, Niyodo Adventure may be able to arrange pickup from the cruise terminal.
Because cruise schedules are time-sensitive, shuttle service for cruise passengers is offered only when our schedule allows.
We recommend contacting us in advance with your ship name, arrival time, departure time, and group size so we can confirm whether a tour and shuttle arrangement is possible.
We’ll do our best to help you experience the Niyodo Blue River during your visit to Kochi.
Around Niyodogawacho
Niyodogawa Town is a quiet mountain community in Kochi Prefecture, known for its beautiful forests, traditional rural landscapes, and the famous Niyodo Blue River, often described as one of the clearest rivers in Japan. Visitors come to the area to experience nature, escape busy cities, and discover a slower pace of life in the Japanese countryside. Popular activities include visiting scenic river viewpoints, exploring Nakatsu Gorge and Yasui Valley, hiking in the surrounding mountains, and enjoying outdoor adventures on the Niyodo River. Niyodogawa offers travelers a chance to experience an authentic side of Japan that many tourists never see.
Things to Do Around Kochi and Shikoku
Niyodo Blue Scenic Locations
The Niyodo River area is famous for its crystal-clear blue water and peaceful mountain scenery. Visitors often explore nearby natural spots such as Nakatsu Gorge, Yasui Valley, and Niko-buchi, where the color of the water can be especially vivid on sunny days. These locations are perfect for short walks, photography, and relaxing by the river.
Other outdoor activities in the area include :
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Niyodogawa outdoor centre
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Yuki Koyo
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Niyo Fly
Shimanto River Area
The Shimanto River in western Kochi is known as one of Japan’s last free-flowing rivers and offers a completely different atmosphere from the Niyodo area.
Visitors can:
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Cycle along the river
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Visit traditional low-water bridges (chinka-bashi)
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Explore quiet countryside villages
Unique local experiences include:
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Hata Surf Dojo, where visitors can try surfing on Kochi’s Pacific coast
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Kurogane Knife Making Workshop, where you can learn traditional blacksmithing techniques and create your own knife
This region is ideal for travelers who enjoy hands-on cultural experiences.
Kochi City
Kochi City blends history, food culture, and coastal scenery.
Popular stops include:
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Kochi Castle
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Hirome Market
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Katsurahama Beach
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Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum
Hirome Market is especially popular for trying katsuo no tataki, Kochi’s famous seared bonito dish.
Mount Ishizuchi (Ehime Prefecture)
Mount Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan, is one of Shikoku’s most iconic natural landmarks. The hike to the summit includes chains and steep sections, but easier walking routes and ropeway access allow many visitors to enjoy the mountain’s scenery. In autumn, the area is known for spectacular foliage.
Dogo Onsen (Matsuyama)
Dogo Onsen, located in Matsuyama City, is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring baths. The historic wooden bathhouse is a symbol of traditional Japanese bathing culture and makes a relaxing stop after outdoor activities or hiking in Shikoku.
Shikoku Pilgrimage Culture
Shikoku is home to the famous 88-Temple Pilgrimage, a spiritual walking route that circles the island. Even visiting a single temple offers insight into local traditions and the slower rhythm of rural Japan.
Scenic Mountain Villages and Drives
One of the best ways to experience Shikoku is simply by exploring its mountain roads and small towns. Travelers often discover:
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Quiet farming villages
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Forested valleys
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Suspension bridges
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Roadside viewpoints
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Small local restaurants
These unexpected moments are often highlights of visiting Shikoku.