Doro-kyo Gorge

Landmark

Prefecture

Wakayama

Type

Landmark

N/A

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About This Destination

A steep-walled gorge on the Kitayama River in Yoshino-Kumano National Park, spanning the borders of Wakayama, Nara and Mie, visited by traditional riverboat cruises.

Doro-kyo is a gorge along the upper Kitayama River, a tributary of the Kumano River, within Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Its most scenic section, Doro-hatcho, marks the point where Wakayama, Nara and Mie prefectures meet and is lined with tall cliffs, large rocks and clear green water. The area is a nationally designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. For many years a water-jet boat ran from Shiko into the gorge, but that service ended in April 2025. Traditional wooden riverboat cruises now operate roughly from March to November, carrying visitors along the water below the cliffs. The gorge is remote and is reached by car or bus from the Shingu area.

Location

Prefecture: Wakayama

Address: Shingu, Wakayama, Japan

Nearest Station: Shingu Station

Best time to visit: Spring through autumn, with fresh greenery in early summer and foliage in November; boat cruises run roughly March to November

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