The Big Kochi Prefecture Adventure - Nakatsu Gorge

 On this day of our Kochi adventure we are visiting Nakatsu Gorge. 

We started at the Kochi city main train station. We took this train to get to Sakawa station and from there we rode a bus to get to the gorge.  

From the Nakatsu Gorge bus stop it was a long walk uphill to get to the gorge nature trail. When we arrived at the nature trail I could tell from my first glance the long journey to get here was well worth it! 

We start the walk full of excitement not knowing for sure what we will see. Or, how difficult the trail may be. This is an adventure!

I'm surprised that we're the only people on the trail.

The trail goes up and down, mostly up, lots of stairs... we press on! 

The scenery is impressive. These boulders are huge.

I'm all smiles - this is fun!

The trail follows the Nakatsu river.

I'm stopping this gigantic boulder from rolling over so that Emi can pass by safely. 

The trail crosses back and forth over the Nakatsu river. We're heading for the Uryu no Taki waterfall.

We finally encounter one other person on the trail. 

We have arrived at the Uryu no Taki waterfall observation point.

Emi took my picture.

The waterfall is 20 meters tall but it is extremally difficult to photograph. It's one of those things that one has to see in person to get appreciate it.

From the water fall there are two options. (1) go back the way we came, or (2) continue on and enjoy the full length of the nature trail. Of course we continued on, how hard could it be?

Man! this trail is getting harder faster! 

Passing by another waterfall. 

The trail keeps going up.

...and up...

...and, up some more!

Okay, it seems to have leveled off and now we're heading back down.

I'm starting feel like Indiana Jones!

These are the famous "Stone Pillars". It's another one of those things that one has to see in person to appreciate.

Pressing on; the moss is thick and the trail is wet and muddy. We don't care, we're tough!  

Thankfully we have reached the end of the trail and it's all down hill from here.  

Now all we have to do is follow this road to get to the bus stop.

We walk down the road in peaceful silence enjoying all the green trees around us. 

Looking down at the Nakatsu Valley Yunomori Onsen facility. That's where the nature trail started.

At the end of the road we caught our bus and returned to Sakawa train station. 

And, here comes our train to take us back to Kochi city.

The end.

All the best,

Mike