Sweet winter blues along the Niyodo River

The crystal blue water of Kochi’s Niyodo River is so stunning that a special term was coined to describe it—Niyodo Blue. Did you know that winter is a great time to get out and enjoy the river? During the warmer months of the year, people flock to the river to enjoy swimming, kayaking, standup paddleboarding (SUP), and, as summer gives way to autumn, the vibrant fall foliage. In winter, however, you can experience a whole new side of the river, serene and peaceful, with the shining azure waters contrasting with the stark beauty of the winter landscape. You might be lucky enough to even have a little slice of winter wonderland all to yourself

Another wonderful way to enjoy Niyodo Blue in winter is sitting in a cafe with a cup of something hot (and ideally, something delicious to eat too)! Here are two great riverside cafes where you can warm up on a chilly day. Both are located in Niyodogawa Town, and feature luscious Japanese-style matcha (green tea) sweets made with locally-grown tea

Just over an hour from Kochi City by car, CHA CAFE ASUNARO serves a wide range of drinks and green tea sweets, along with waffles, hot sandwiches, udon noodles and a daily lunch plate. Just another 20-minute drive up the Niyodo River, Ikegawa Chaen is another great place to try a variety of treats made from tea, including puddings, cakes and dumplings

Learn more about the Niyodo River: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/niyodoriver