To-no-Hetsuri (River Gorge)

To-no-Hetsuri (lit., “cliff towers alongside the river”) is a 200-meter-long gorge overlooking Okawa River. It features a number of impressive rock formations that have been carved by the wind, rain, and currents over some 28 million years. The tower-like forms have names such as Eagle Tower and Elephant Tower, named after their shapes.

A suspension bridge leads to a small cave with a shrine inside. It is possible to explore some of the cliffside, but the paths can be challenging as the steps are narrow and steep. To-no-Hetsuri is especially spectacular when the foliage turns in the autumn, although the fresh green of early spring, the blooming wisteria that cover the cliffs, and stark beauty of snow-covered rocks in winter make the gorge a memorable sight at any time of year. Visitors can get a good panorama of the cliff faces and the river from the center of the suspension bridge.

To-no-Hetsuri is a popular tourist attraction, and there is a cluster of restaurants and souvenir shops by the bridge.

To-no-Hetsuri is part of Okawa Hatori Prefectural Park. It became an official Natural Monument in 1943. 

This English language text was created by the Japan Tourism Agency.

この英語解説文は観光庁の地域資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。