にこ淵, Stream pool in Ino Town, Japan.
Niko-buchi is a deep pool formed in a mountain stream with exceptionally clear water and a distinctive blue-gray color. The transparency allows visitors to see the rocky streambed and individual stones on the bottom.
The site has been considered sacred for centuries, with local legends describing a water deity in serpent form inhabiting its depths. These folk beliefs have shaped how people regard and approach the location over generations.
The location represents the origin of the term 'Niyodo Blue,' named by nature photographer Nobuyuki Takahashi to describe the specific shade of blue water.
Reaching the pool requires climbing roughly 100 steep steps, which demands some physical effort. Activities like swimming, eating, and using restrooms are prohibited at the site.
The location is where the term 'Niyodo Blue' was born, coined by nature photographer Nobuyuki Takahashi to describe the water's distinctive shade. This name is now used to refer to similar water colors found throughout the region.
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