Dorokyo Gorge 瀞峡

The Kitayama River and Dorokyo Gorge is a magnificent stretch of natural landscape that is part of the vast Yoshino-Kumano National Park .

The gorge features 31 kilometers of jagged ravines, towering above the aquamarine waters of the Kitayama River. Powerful erosion throughout the centuries has sculpted this otherworldly natural corridor into the place of natural beauty it is today.

Public transport access to the gorge is via a 60-minute local bus ride departing from JR Shingu Station to the local town of Kitayama. Shingu Station is a four-hour train journey from Shin-Osaka Station. The gorge itself is split into three sections, Kami-Doro (upper), Shimo-Doro (lower), and Oku-Doro (deep).

If you are looking for a thrilling experience, try ikada kudari, traditional log rafting. From May to September, Kitayama Village offers the experience to try it, and be swept along on the current of the Kitayama River.