Namesawa Gorge

Namesawa Gorge

SCENIC WALK

Namesawa Gorge is a short nature walk (roughly 30 minutes) along the river. In summer the river flows crystal clear and in Autumn the trees glow a stunning red from the maple leaves. At the end of the walk sits the Amagi Tarosugi, a giant old cypress tree registered as a natural monument. The area is park of the Izu Geopark and there are signs along the route in both Japanese and what I assume is google translated English to explain about the volcanic rock formations.

The area was also the setting for Yasushi Inoue’s novel, “Hunting Gun”.

There isn’t any parking at the gorge itself, however, you are able to park at the Michi-no-Eki and take the nature trail along to the gorge. It’s about a 10 minute walk from there.

Review

Namesawa Gorge is a nice scenic walk if you’re looking to get out for a short amount of time and you’re in the area. As it only takes around 30 minutes (maybe up to an hour depending on your speed), I would recommend planning in other things in your itinerary.

The path through the gorge runs along the Kanogawa river, home to many of the local wasabi fields. You can actually see some of the fields in this area and if you’re lucky maybe even the local farmer working. There are also numerous small waterfalls along the route for you to enjoy. They aren’t very high but they are pretty amongst the surrounding trees.

The walk to the cypress tree is slightly uphill and the gravel ground can be a little unsteady at times so getting to it is harder than heading back. Technically a car can drive along the path, although there is no parking at the other end so don’t risk driving down it. You may however see cars driving down that you’ll have to get out of the way for, although I don’t think this is very common.

ADDRESS

Namesawa Gorge,
Yugashima
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3206

+81 558-85-1056 (Japanese only)
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp/form1.html?pid=2511 (Google translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Namesawa Gorge is easiest to get to by car however you are able to take the train to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line and then switch to the Kawazu (河津) bus. Make sure to get off at the Michi-no-Eki.