Just like Mt. Hyōno, Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷), also in the Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park (氷ノ山後山那岐山国定公園) has such stunning scenery that it was chosen to be one of Japan’s Top 100 Hidden Scenic Spots! The mountain trail in Torokawa Valley is more suitable for those more experienced in mountain trekking. There are several places where you must cross the mountain stream with no proper bridges built (i.e. it can just be some stepping stones in the shallow river).
Trekking Through Torokawa Valley
To reach the end goal of Torokawa Valley, the magnificent Torokawa Falls (瀞川滝), most people park around Torokawa Inari Shrine (瀞川稲荷). From Torokawa Inari Shrine, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes to Torokawa Falls. To cut the hiking time even more, park your car closer to Sōmi no Taki Falls (双身の滝). The road is very narrow, so only one car can pass through.
HERE is a map of Torokawa Valley. It is in Japanese, so please use the Japanese characters we specified previously to read.
Torokawa Inari Shrine (瀞川稲荷) and Sōmi no Taki Falls (双身の滝)
Although people usually go to an Inari Shrine to pray for their businesses, praying for a safe hiking trip at Torokawa Inari Shrine wouldn’t hurt. Probably because it is situated in rich nature, the shrine’s precinct feels more sacred than the shrines in big cities.
Trekking from Torokawa Inari Shrine, you should arrive at Sōmi no Taki Falls in 15 minutes. While it might not seem to be the case in the photos below, Sōmi no Taki Falls has a height of 10 meters, much taller than you and me (´▽｀*). On the way, there is also a 400-year-old Katsura tree that grows alone in the cedar forest.
Keen to check it out? When you see the directory sign of Sōmi no Taki Falls, please head in the opposite direction (yes, it is a bit of a detour).
The trail from Sōmi no Taki Falls to Torokawa Falls is more challenging than the first half of the trip. With limited directory signs, the 20 minutes journey can take much longer if you miss the red tape tied on the trees. On top of that, you may find the foothold along the way unstable and/or slippery.
Along the way, you will meet the 13 stone Buddha statues that can also be a good road sign (^_-)-☆.
Torokawa Falls (瀞川滝)
Torokawa Falls, also known as Torokawa Fudō Falls (瀞川不動滝), is in the same location as the 13th Buddha statue – Fudōmyōō (不動明王). Looking up at the waterfall that is more than 55 meters tall, we are sure you will be glad you spent the effort to get there (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Ensure you get enough rest at Torokawa Falls because the journey back can be even more challenging! While it is easier to go downstairs, this definitely isn’t the case when hiking down Torokawa Valley.
Thanks to the moss growing on the surface of pretty much everything you walk on, it can be really hard not to slip. So be really careful and trek slowly!
Discover the Natural Wonders in Yabu City
Yabu City, where Akenobe Mine is located, isn’t just about mining. It is actually a destination filled with the beauty of nature.
If you love to be surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, check out our article on Yabu City!
