Enjoy local food in a traditional house by the Niyodo River

Just along the Doi River, a tributary of the crystal clear Niyodo River, sits Yama no Megumisha (“mountain's blessings”), an over 80-year-old traditional Japanese-style house renovated into a cafe

Here, you can enjoy seasonal vegetables and ingredients gathered from the lush mountains of Niyodogawa Town, located just over an hour drive from Kochi City

Akiko Furuki, the owner of the cafe, moved to the serene town of Niyodogawa in 2013 after years of working in Tokyo as an administrator, surviving the fast-paced city life and jam-packed trains every morning. Over the course of several visits, she fell in love with Niyodogawa Town after meeting friendly locals, and experiencing Kochi’s incredible nature and food 

The cafe’s specialty is Ikegawa konnyaku (devil’s tongue), which is a beloved local comfort food made by hand using traditional, slow-cooking methods passed on for generations

Perhaps after hiking the glorious Yasui Gorge (20 minutes away by car), come visit Yama no Megumisha for a truly nourishing meal

Open Saturdays and Sundays, reservations required at least three days in advance
Call ahead for any food preferences or allergies 

Yama no Megumisha: https://www.yamanomegumi-ikegawa.net/

Hiking trails along the Niyodo River: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/niyodoriver