state guide

The best waterfalls in Kochi Prefecture

A hand-picked guide to 1 of the most stunning waterfalls in Kochi Prefecture. Each entry below has our personal notes, photos, driving directions and the practical detail you need to plan a visit — from parking and hike lengths to swimming rules and the best time of year to go.

#1 · 10 m drop

Nikobuchi Waterfall

Ino Town · Kochi Prefecture · Japan

Nikobuchi Waterfall — heroNikobuchi Waterfall — photo 2

I hadn't heard of Niko Buchi until a friend mentioned it, almost as an afterthought, and even then it took some digging to find it. It's on the Edagawa, a small tributary that feeds into the Niyodo River, up in the mountains around Ino Town.

I'll admit I went in expecting the photos to be exaggerated. They're not. The water really is that blue, and locals say a water god, a serpent, lives in the pool. Standing there, I got why that story has stuck around this long.

Getting there

Waterfall canyon
Safety first

Stay safe at every waterfall

Wet rocks, hidden currents and fast-changing weather catch out experienced hikers every year. Read our quick safety guide before you head out.

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