A thrilling cliff power spot! Tonohetsuri (Tower of Happiness) in Shimogo Town, Fukushima Prefecture

  • Fukushima
  • Experience Gifu
Tou no Hetsuri
This spring, you want to visit a power spot surrounded by nature! I would like to recommend Tonohetsuri in Minamiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture, a scenic spot of natural beauty with a series of oddly shaped rocks that have been eroded and weathered over the course of a million years. This time, we would like to introduce you to Tonohetsuri, a place filled with overwhelming tranquility and energy that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hetsuri" is a dialect of Aizu

Hetsuri" is a dialect word from the Aizu region meaning "a precipitous or steep cliff approaching a river. This is a group of oddly shaped rocks, about 70 m high and 100 m wide, created by erosion and weathering of the Agano River. As the name suggests, they form a mysterious landscape that resembles a row of giant towers, and in 1943 they were designated a national natural monument and one of Fukushima's representative scenic spots.

The rocks have been given a variety of names based on their unique shapes. They include "Byobu Iwa," "Eboshi-iwa," "Shishito-iwa," "Washito-iwa," and "Butaii-iwa. Please check them out at the site.
Names of rocks found at Tonohetsuri

Thrilling suspension bridge walk in the air

Fujimibashi Bridge, a suspension bridge leading from the entrance to a sheer rock wall, is a spot you cannot miss if you visit this area. The suspension bridge, which sways comfortably with each step, offers a thrill and sense of freedom that you cannot experience in everyday life.
When you reach the center of the bridge, be sure to stop and look around. The contrast between the mysterious emerald green surface of the river and the powerful, towering rock faces is a fascinating sight to behold. The scenery changes with the seasons, especially in the spring season, when wisteria flowers and vivid fresh greenery add color to the landscape.
Fujimi Bridge
Wisteria flowers

Feel the rock face and experience the mystery of walking

After crossing the Fujimi Bridge, visitors can enjoy a bit of adventure through a passageway carved out of the rock. The time spent getting up close to the rugged rock surfaces and directly feeling the energy of the earth on your skin is sure to be the most refreshing! The rocky terrain can be slippery, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.
Rock surface

By train or car! Smooth access is also an attraction!

Access to Tonohetsuri is also very convenient. By train, transfer from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to the Aizu Railway for about 45 minutes and get off at Tonohetsuri Station. It is a 5-minute walk from the station. The time spent swaying on the retro local train and enjoying the scenery from the train window is a blissful moment.
By car, it takes about 50 minutes from the Shirakawa IC of the Tohoku Expressway via Route 289. The scenery near the Koshi Tunnel along the way is also spectacular, so it is recommended for those who like to drive. Parking is available at stores in the area.
Emerald green river surface

We recommend a stroll around Ouchi-juku at the end of your trip!

A 15-minute drive from To no Hetsuri or a bus ride from Yunoue Onsen Station, one stop away on the Aizu Railway, will take you to Ouchi-juku, an old inn town from the Edo period. Visitors can enjoy the famous negi soba (green onion soba) or take a break at an old private house café. You can get the power of nature at To-no-hetsuri and soak up the historical atmosphere at Ouchi-juku. We hope you will visit Fukushima to discover the mysteries of nature!

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package" is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, which allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and apply for them at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, 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 one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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