Oyasu Gorge and its hot spring 小安峡
An icy-burning gem in the Akita Mountains not to be missed
Impressive cliffs, beautiful blue-green waters, and springs gushing at almost 100° in the forest like a corner of hell, this is the setting of the Oyasu Gorge, but above all a small paradise in the Akita mountains...
Northern Japan is off the beaten track
In the mountains in the south of the Akita department, the Oyasu Gorge is a small preserved jewel, only known to the inhabitants of the region. To get there, you have to make a long journey to Yuzawa, the nearest town, then go to the foot of Mount Kurikoma. Oyasu Gorge was formed over millennia by the erosion of the Minase River in Kurikoma Quasi-National Park.
- Read also: The quasi-national park of Mount Tsurugi
In all seasons, you will be treated to a splendid natural spectacle. Oyasu Gorge is adorned with green flowers in spring, as the waters of the river flow hard following the melting snow. The blue of the sky echoes the green of the turbulent waters and summer passes in a pleasant freshness.
Autumn is surely the most beautiful of the seasons in Oyasu because the kôyô colors invade all the trees of the forest which cover the sides of the surrounding mountains. It is then an explosion of colors, yellow, orange, red, green, brown, and the blue of the waters always at your feet!
Winter invites you to discover the places under thick layers of ice, from the banks of the river to the partly frozen waterfalls, all sprinkled with good snow as it falls in droves in the region.
A walk arranged to admire the gorges
To discover the Oyasu gorges as closely as possible, an 800-meter walking path has been laid out with a long staircase of 200 steps and the gorges are 60 meters below the road.
A large red bridge spans the Oyasu Gorge. You will have a magnificent panoramic view of all the gorges.
Along this landscaped promenade, you will gaze into the blue-green waters of the Minase River, its meanders, and several waterfalls that feed it.
Particularly impressive because springs gush out at 98°, the daifuntô are right by the wayside. You cannot stay long in these burning vapors which form a great cloud; you will quickly pass your way unless you have fun crossing it then going back through it several times like a game. For those with the cold, the spot is particularly recommended.
In the Oyasu Gorge
Jerome Laborde
Things not to miss in Oyasu
In order not to come here and leave so quickly, take the time to enjoy it in one of the thermal establishments of Oyasukyo onsen. A dozen ryokan welcome you to combine the discovery of nature and extreme relaxation in the hot springs baths that will surely invigorate you.
Less expensive and very nice in the summer, camping in the forest at Tokoton Yama, with onsen available and the possibility of a barbecue.
Kurikoma Foods is a small cooperative of mountain milk producers. When it's hot, Kurikoma Kogen milk ice cream is on sale. Don't hesitate to come and try it, it's divine!
Agurikan is a small market of local producers, whose specialty is fresh and very tasty vegetables.
- Read also: The village of Higashinaruse
One of the most beautiful hikes in Akita
A little further, and to re-expend your newly accumulated calories with tasty specialties, a hike on Mount Kurikoma is essential. Several hours of walking to find yourself in the middle of three departments at once, Akita, Iwate, and Miyagi.
Even sportier but superbly captivating, the valley of the underworld of Kawarage. Accessible in 30 min by car/taxi, a descent of large steps that never ends in the middle of a lunar setting made of white rocks and fumaroles here and there.
The end of the path which winds through the forest stops at the foot of a hot waterfall under which the most intrepid can bathe. New sensations guaranteed! A bit like taking a giant shower in the middle of nature.
On the way back, the long climb will have you cursing all the milk ice cream swallowed earlier, but don't forget to say a prayer at Zento-ji temple, founded in the year 807, which was forbidden to women for a long time. This is a sacred place, like Mount Osore in Aomori.
- Read also: Hiking in Japan
Kawarage Hot Waterfall
Jerome Laborde
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
By Akita Shinkansen to JR Omagari Station, then JR line to Yuzawa. Take a bus to Oyasukyo Onsen (55 min journey).
