Niko-buchi
にこ淵
Niko-buchi is the plunge pool of a short but powerful waterfall on the upper Niyodo River in Ino Town, Kochi. It is famous for its clear "Niyodo Blue" water, which looks bluest around midday when the sun shines straight down. The spot is remote, and a metal staircase leads down to the rocks beside the pool. Local people consider it a sacred place.
Visitor information
- Getting there
About 1 hour by car from Ino IC on the Kochi Expressway.
About a 20-minute walk from Hodono Iriguchi bus stop (Tosaden Kotsu Bus).
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- A metal staircase leads down to the rocky area by the pool.
- Swimming in the pool is not allowed. Local residents regard the spot as sacred.
- Wear suitable shoes and clothing for safety.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- Local people consider Niko-buchi a sacred place, so swimming in the pool is not allowed.
- A metal staircase leads down to the rocks by the pool. Wear suitable shoes and clothing.
- The blue colour is strongest around midday, which is close to Dhuhr time.
- Natural sites may have few facilities. Bring water, a travel prayer mat and a qibla app, and check the weather; mountains and lakes can be much colder than the city.
- Restrooms for wudu can be far apart on trails. Many Muslim travellers carry a small water bottle for wudu.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kochi and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Kochi
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:54
- Sunrise06:28
- Dhuhr11:51
- Asr14:49
- Maghrib17:11
- Isha18:35
Times are calculated for Kochi City. Times may differ elsewhere in Kochi.
Places to pray near Niko-buchi
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Niko-buchi
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: Dokudami, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): visitkochijapan.com