Mitarai Valley

Mitarai Valley is a gorge in Tenkawa village where a clear stream runs between giant boulders, forming waterfalls and green pools. A walking trail follows the river, and suspension bridges let visitors look down on the falls from above. The full route runs about 7.4 kilometres and takes roughly two hours, linking Tenkawa Kawai, the gorge, the Kannonmine trailhead and Dorogawa Onsen. The autumn foliage here is regarded as among the finest in the Kinki region, best from late October to mid-November, though weekends are very crowded. Fresh green and clear water also make early summer a popular time to visit.