Crystal-clear rivers and…yummy mushrooms!

The 124-kilometer Niyodo River is often ranked as one of Japan’s most beautiful river, and it’s easy to understand why as soon as you witness not only its purity, but also, dazzling cobalt blue color. Whether you visit in the middle of summer when the fresh greenery shimmers all around, or autumn as the cozy-colored foliage rustles in the crisp breeze, the Niyodo River is sure to impress

In addition to offering breathtaking views, the local community has relied on the clear water of the Niyodo River to grow all different kinds of foods to sustain their livelihood for many generations, such as tea, miso, tofu, and mushrooms! There is even a brand called Niyodo Mushroom that uses the river’s pristine water in every step of the farming process

Fun fact! Did you know that mushrooms are made of 90% water? That’s why using water as pure as that drawn from the Niyodo River makes such a difference to the taste and overall quality of the mushrooms

The area around the Yoshino River–known as Japan’s wildest river and hence, paradise for rafting enthusiasts–is also tied to another kind of mushroom…the wild ones! Instagram user @akimrn participated in a group event last year to forage the nameko variety, which is beloved for its earthy flavor and slippery texture. As you can see from the photos on the right hand side, the autumn foliage was vibrant, making it the perfect activity to enjoy not only the flavors but the sceneries of the season. I recommend keeping an eye on the Ino Tourist Association website (linked below) for any future seasonal events

Learn more about the Niyodo River: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/highlights/niyodoriver
Ino Tourist Association website: https://www.inofan.jp/

Thank you @高知県 仁淀ブルー観光協議会 for the first photo and Instagram user @akimrn for the stunning autumn shots!

@akimrn: https://www.instagram.com/akimrn/