Why is the river called Niyodo?

Last month, we covered several quick facts you may not have known about the Niyodo River. For example, the pristine river runs 124 kilometers from the deep mountains to the Pacific Ocean and is often called “Japan’s most beautiful river” or the “miracle stream”. But today, we’d like to introduce two theories on the origins of its name

More than 1000 years ago when Imperial Prince Shinno Takaoka (799 - 865) visited Tosa (present-day Kochi), it is believed he named the river Niyodo because it resembled the Yodo River in Yamashiro Province (southern part of modern Kyoto). The kanji for ‘ni’ of ‘Niyodo’ is thought to have originally been the character that means ‘similar to’. 

During the reign of Emperor Daigo (885 - 930), sweetfish from the Niyodo River were brought as offerings to the niedono, which was the Imperial Court’s kitchen. As the source of this delicious offering, the theory goes that the river took on the name of Niedono River, which eventually became Niyodo.  

This is a powerful reminder that the Niyodo River has been an integral part of the community for centuries!

Time for a quick tip! Niyodo River House Yananose is a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese home from the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) facing the miracle stream. You’ll find free Wi-Fi, a kitchen stocked with the basics, furnace, indoor hammock, tatami-floored room, and an array of amenities that make it perfect for a short or long stay. Come bring your friends or family and experience what it’s like to wake up next to Japan’s most beautiful river every day!

Niyodo River House Yananose on Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/26486990?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=c4d3fbd4-15e0-486e-a222-fdb6f4426759
Learn more about the Niyodo River: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/niyodoriver