Finding beauty and good fortune at Nakatsu Gorge

This hidden gorge–300 million years in the making–is one of the best places to immerse yourself in Kochi’s beautiful nature. The contrast between the fiery autumn leaves and the cool blue water channeling into the crystal-clear Niyodo River, makes autumn a particularly appealing time to visit

Every twist and turn of the 2.3-kilometer hiking path is sure to elicit oohs and aahs of delight. While you’re taking in the surroundings, I encourage you to keep an eye out for the stone statues of the shichifukujin (Seven Gods of Fortune). If you’ve been in Japan for some time, you might even recognize one of them! Ebisu is holding a fish with a beaming smile, who also appears on the logo for one of Japan’s most famous beer brands!

Speaking of, there is also a restaurant called Ebisu Chaya, located at the entrance of Nakatsu Gorge. There’s nothing like a bowl of udon noodles to warm you up after a stunning autumn hike

Nakatsu Gorge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X9zWDvhtgfVrJJGeA
https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10014
About an hour and 10 minutes from Kochi City by car

Ebisu Chaya
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MginTwXznE3rRytq9
https://niyodoblue.jp/en/gourmet/detail.php?id=GO130&lang=en
Open most days 9AM to 5PM (until 4PM from December to March)
Check the Instagram account for updates: https://www.instagram.com/ebisuchaya.456/