In May 2016, I went back to Japan for two weeks. It was the first time for me to go back in two years so I was very excited! To maximize time with my family I spent the entire two weeks in my beautiful hometown, Kochi.
Not many overseas travelers know about Kochi, but this place actually has so much to offer and so many things to like. I would like to share two of my favorite places in Kochi through my experiences during this trip.
– Yasui Valley
Niyodo River, a 124km-long river running through Kochi is known for its beautiful clear water. Its transparent water is often described as ’Niyodo blue’ and Yasui valley is without doubt the best place to see the most beautiful shades of ‘Niyodo blue’. I went there by car and the scenery along the river from the lower stream all the way to the top was just so pleasant. All surrounding mountains were covered in fresh green leaves and multiple waterfalls on the way were seriously impressive.
When we arrived at Yasui valley I was truly amazed to see such beautiful clear water. Further, although we travelled during a long weekend in Japan, there was no one else there! We took advantage of this silence and embraced this peaceful and refreshing moment by listening to the sounds of water and birds.
This valley is known for its fiery red leaves during autumn, but according to a local person he told us that he thinks May is the most beautiful time of the year in this valley because of the combination of clear water and fresh green foliage. More information: http://niyodogawa-kanko-eng.net/attractions.htm
– Monet’s Garden (Marmottan) in Kitagawa Village
Claude Monet is one of the most well-known French painters from the Impressionism era. His pieces are much loved throughout Japan and in Kochi there is a place called Monet’s Garden which replicates his artwork with nature as the subject matter.
Even though I visited the garden on a quiet rainy day, the flowers and greenery looked very healthy and lively. In particular, the waterlily pond looked as though it just came out of Monet’s painting! More information: http://www.kjmonet.jp/english.html
