The event has ended】Drive in Akita's autumn foliage spots for the year 2024! Hiking in Akita's Autumn Foliage Focal Points!

  • Akita
  • Sightseeing
Hodogari Gorge, famous for its fresh greenery and autumn foliage, is a 10-km-long gorge that runs along the middle reaches of the Tamagawa River, which flows through Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate. The canyon is open to traffic until the Iimura Boy's Monument, and there are many spots along the way! Here are some recommendations for a 40-minute hike.

Visit Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, before going to Hukagari Canyon!

If you want to drive, the area around Lake Tazawa is recommended.

Lake Tazawa is approximately 20 km in circumference and can be circled by car in about 30 to 40 minutes. There are various stores around Lake Tazawa, where you can take a break and enjoy yourself. The north and south sides of the lake offer different views of Lake Tazawa, so it is a good idea to drive around while looking for your favorite spot!
The contrast between the blue of the lake and the red and yellow of the autumn leaves is eye-catching

Hiking in Hodogari Canyon, famous for its autumn foliage

Named after the narrow and steep mountain road

Hodogari Valley is a 10-km-long valley that runs along the middle reaches of the Tamagawa River, which flows through Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate, and is known as the "Yabakei of Tohoku" and is famous for its fresh green leaves and autumn foliage. The name "Hagori-gatari" comes from the fact that the mountain path was so narrow and steep that people had to hold each other back when passing each other to get through.
Stone monument of Hogareri Valley

A huge rock with an anecdote

At the far right of the monument, there is a huge rock with a pine tree growing out of it called "Miko-ishi," which means "maiden stone. It is said that a long time ago, when a miko (maiden) on a pilgrimage to Yakushi was unable to cross the river due to rising water, Myojin-sama saved her, and she was so grateful that she turned the rock into a giant rock out of reverence.

Start of the hike!

Paved path
Mikoishi (maiden maiden stone) can be seen on the right
The path, which used to be very narrow, is now paved for hiking. There are few ups and downs along the way, but comfortable walking clothes and sneakers are recommended. When you turn left at the stone monument of Hagari Gorge, you will find the entrance to the trail.

Kami no iwa-bashi (God's rock bridge)

After a 6-minute walk from there, you will see a red suspension bridge. The 80-meter-long red suspension bridge is called "Kami no iwa-bashi (God's rock bridge)" and was built in 1926 for the forest track. It is the oldest suspension bridge in Akita Prefecture and offers a spectacular view of the valley and blue water.
The red bridge shining in the autumn leaves
After crossing the suspension bridge, you will cross the "rush mat stone," a smooth stone wide enough to lay several rush mats, and the "Seigan-ji Temple and Seigan Bridge," named after the bubbles that appear when the water flows into the deep pool, which resembles the way smoke drifts and dances when incense is burned at the temple.

Kaikou-no-taki waterfall

Mikaerinotaki Falls is one of the most famous spots in the Hokaeri Valley. The waterfall, with its seasonal expressions, is so beautiful that you will find yourself looking back again and again, hence its name.
After passing the Kaiken-no-taki Waterfall, it is a 40-minute hiking course to the Iimura Boy's Monument. Hagarari Gorge, which shows different expressions from season to season, is looking forward to seeing what it looks like when the leaves turn red. The best time to view the leaves is usually from late October to early November, so be sure to tour around Lake Tazawa and Hutaretsu Canyon to find your favorite spot!

From October 10, the Hodogari Valley Autumn Foliage Festival will be held.

From October 10, the Hodogari Valley Autumn Foliage Festival will be held. Various events will be prepared, so be sure to check it out! Also, from October 12, the "Hodogari-go" will run from Tazawako Station! Please note that reservations are required. For more information, please visit the website of the Tazawako Tourist Association.
Tazawako/Kakunodate Tourist Association HP

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

You can create your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, which allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! We also offer day-trip plans! Enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + inn "Akita Area" reservations, please visit [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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