Walks in the Dakigaeri Gorge 抱返り渓谷
Hike in one of the most beautiful gorges in Japan
Located in Akita, Dakigaeri Gorge is a beautiful place to take a stroll. Between the forests covering the mountains, the turquoise blue or emerald green waters, and the refreshing waterfalls... you will not be disappointed!
Beautiful hikes in all seasons
Very close to the beautiful tourist city of Kakunodate and easily accessible by the Akita Shinkansen line, the Dakigaeri gorge is open to visitors eager for preserved natural areas. Primary forests cover the surrounding mountains, while a large plateau welcomes you at the start of a path that will take you along a river with blue-green waters, from turquoise to emerald straight out of a tropical paradise.
In summer, the multiple waterfalls refresh the body and the spirit. And in autumn, it is the colors of the koyo that delight the eyes, as much as the soft green of the trees in the spring.
A romantic walk - Kiss on the way!
The Dakigaeri Gorge extends for 10km following the curves of the Tama River (not the same as north of Tokyo), which rises on Mount Obuka to join the Omono River via Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate where we are.
The path that we suggest you follow is a 1.5km walk for a good hour of walking there and back.
It is not possible to follow the river all along the gorge because of the landslides which have blocked it. The route follows an old torokko forest road fitted out to transport wood but closed in 1963.
This path is very narrow, which is why it is called "dakigaeri" which means that you cannot meet there without kissing.
And it's true that even today, it's better to all go in the same direction than to constantly come across those who come back
From the path, the blue-green waters of the Tama River
Jerome Laborde
Hike the Dakigaeri Gorge
To begin, a passage through the Dakigaeri sanctuary is essential to benefit from the protection of the gods, as it should be. This small Shinto temple dedicated to the water kami and protected by tall Japanese cypresses will ensure you a hike in the best conditions.
A large red suspension bridge 80 meters long will mark the start of the path. Known as the oldest bridge in Akita Prefecture, it was built in 1926 and offers a beautiful view of the entire valley far into the gorge.
The walk takes place with your eyes in the blue-green colors of the waters of the gorges, coming from Tamagawa-onsen, which come from the most acidic waters in all of Japan (ph 1.2).
To compensate for the collapse of part of the path, a new bridge has been built, and that's a good thing because it offers a very beautiful point of view halfway through.
You will then pass three tunnels dug by hand by man.
The end of the path is the high point because it is there that you will appreciate the great Kaiko no taki waterfall in front of which you keep turning around as it dazzles with its wild beauty, this is the meaning of the term 'kaiko'.
It is refreshing in summer, beautiful in all seasons, and especially magnified by the colors of Japanese autumn.
- Read also: The seven waterfalls of Kawazu
Kaiko no taki waterfall at the end of the path
Jerome Laborde
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
From Kakunodate, 15min. by taxi/car, or with a shuttle during the koyo period.
