- Activity
- Nara
Dorokyo Gorge
A vast gorge unchanged since ancient times displays the scenic beauty created by nature
Found within the Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Dorokyo Gorge is situated upstream of the Kitayama River, which flows along the borders of Nara, Mie and Wakayama prefectures. The stunning scenery of bluffs and strange-shaped rocks is designated as both the country's Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. Upstream of the Kitayama River, Dorokyo is divided into the Oku-Doro and Shimo-Doro areas. The lower Shimo-Doro, also called Doro-Haccho, is a renowned scenic spot full of massive and unusual rocks.
Touring the Dorokyo Gorge
Enjoy an approximately two-hour cruise around Dorokyo Gorge on a tourist jet boat leaving from the Riverside Station Shiko Boat Dock in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. Also, you can reach Dorokyo by land from Totsukawa Village using the Dorokyo Tunnel. From Totsukawa Village's Tado area, you can also take a relaxing cruise around Dorokyo on a quaint riverboat guided by a boatman. The serene, deep waters of Dorokyo are tinted with a mysterious, clear cobalt blue, and the stark contrast with the surrounding jagged bluffs and massive rocks creates a strangely calming atmosphere.
The beauty of Doro-Haccho
The Shimo-Doro area is referred to as Doro-Haccho, implying how all scenery from the waters to the mountains and rocks are entirely beautiful. When touring Dorokyo Gorge, you won't be able to take your eyes off of the many sheer cliffs and the unusual rocks constantly coming into view, each aptly named such as Kameiwa (turtle rock), Kansenkutsu (cold waterhole cave) and Tsuirakuiwa (crashed rock). Even more beautiful are the serene and clear cobalt blue waters. During early mornings and moonlit nights, many photographers come to capture the fantastic scenery of Dorokyo enveloped in river fog.
Location
| Name | Dorokyo Gorge |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/A00544/ |
| Address | 405 Koka, Totsukawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara |
| Access | Approximately 50 minutes by taxi from Kii-Ichigi Station on the JR Kisei Main Line Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes' drive from the Gojo IC on the Keinawa Expressway |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0746-63-0200 |