☆ Explore Japan's clearest Miyagawa River, Yamato Valley, and Osugidani!

掲載日:2012.11.01

The headwaters of the Miyagawa River, a clear stream that has been awarded the best water quality in Japan many times, is Osugidani, which is considered one of Japan's three major valleys. This time, we covered Yamatodani Valley, Osugidani Valley, and the entrance where you can enjoy autumn leaves viewing (October 2012)

Before going to Osugidani, first we need to get some food. Exit the Kise Expressway at the Omiya Odai IC, turn left, and drive a short distance on National Route 42 to Michi-no-eki Okuise Odai. Loaded with local specialties, agricultural products, and side dishes. I bought rice balls and the famous "Naishomochi".

The good thing about this Michi-no-eki is that OdaiTown Tourism Association is right next door! You can get all kinds of tourist information about OdaiTown.


*Access to OdaiTown
・By car: Ise Expressway → Kise Expressway/Omiya Odai IC → National Route 42 → Prefectural Route 31 or 424 → National Route 422
・Train: JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station → Mie Kotsu/Nanki Express Bus to Michi-no-eki Okuise Odai → S-Pearl Kotsu/Osugi Keikoku Climbing Bus (reservation required/minimum of 3 people)
・Mie Kotsu:
http://www.sanco.co.jp/
・S-Pearl Transportation:
http://www.ma.mctv.ne.jp/~s-pearl/

* Michi-no-eki Okuise Odai (663-1 OdaiTown Odai-cho) Phone: 0598-84-1010
           
http://www.ma.mctv.ne.jp/~okuise-o/

* OdaiTown Tourism Association 8:30-17:15 (Closed during New Year holidays) Phone: 0598-84-1050
            http://web-odai.info
   

Along the Miyagawa River towards Osugidani. Along the way, you will pass through points such as Furusato Plaza Momijikan and Seiryu Chaya before continuing upstream. When I looked at Miyagawa River, I saw that the leaves were starting to turn red all over the mountain.

By the way, the clear stream Miyagawa, which originates from Odaigahara, flows into Ise Bay through IseCity where IseJingu Shrine is located. It is said that in the past, worshipers used to purify themselves in the Miyagawa River, so the name ``Toyoukegu Shrine (Geku) Misogi River'' was shortened and came to be called ``Miyagawa''. In addition, in 2025, the ShikinenSengu will be held, and the white stone used in the ``Oshiroishi Mochi Gyoki'' event, in which a white stone is laid on the site where the new main hall will be built, is a stone from Miyagawa.

If you see a large weir, that is Miyagawa Dam. To reach Yamatodani Valley, cross this dam and proceed along the narrow road. After walking for a while, you will see a small space in front of the bridge, so start walking from there.

After walking for a while, you will see a Japanese serow jumping up and down! saw it for the first time. Then, you will cross a large suspension bridge called Ginbashi that spans the dam lake. It's quite expensive, but once you get used to it, the view is pleasant. ☆ Keep walking along the forest road while looking at the Yamatani River on your right.

When you come to a place where you can see the water pipes of the Yamatodani Power Plant, your field of vision suddenly opens up. The steep valley on the other side of the river was beginning to change color. The best time to see them is usually from mid-November to late November, and I'm sure they'll be colorful and vibrant.
The video taken on this day (10/30) is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpaMLUU5j0Q&feature=youtube_gdata&rel=0

From here, walk a little further until you see the 1.5 km signboard to Mitaki and Ryoishi Iwaya, which is the end point. It's about 3.6km so far. It's a road that doesn't have much difference in elevation and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

There, we turned around, got into the car, and headed back across the dam toward Osugidani. After walking for a while, you will see the climbing center. Although we were closed on this day, you can get the latest valuable information about Osugidani and mountain climbing here. If you are going to climb the mountain, please stop by!

*Osugitani Climbing Center Before Golden Week to November 23rd (same as climbing period) 8:30-17:00 (Closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and during heavy rain)
) Phone: 0598-78-3338
http://oosugidani.jp/

Continue upstream through the Shin-Osugitani Bridge, commonly known as the Red Bridge. A little further into the mountain from the parking lot, Rokusho Falls, which is said to have gotten its name from the fact that it appeared to be 60 fathoms (approximately 90 meters) tall, was cascading down with spray. . You can see it up close! On this day, there was a lot of water, probably because it had rained the day before, so it was very impressive. It was very beautiful to see from above.

Next is Osugidani. As you go up the road, you will arrive at the trailhead and the trailhead in front of the power plant. I parked my car in a parking lot about 500m from there and had lunch.

After filling our bellies, we finally set out. First, submit your climbing notification at the mailbox next to the trailhead. Immediately after entering, you walk step by step along a path about 1 meter wide carved into the side of a large rock facing the river, holding onto a chain. A little thrilling.

After a short distance, we reached a mountain path where we met two climbers who were descending the mountain. If you're going to climb a mountain, you'll definitely need some serious equipment. That's cool. A snap shot with Miyagawa in the background.

<Request>
This time, I was guided by someone I knew very well, and I only had a short look at the entrance, but not only those who are going to climb the mountain, but also those who are planning to enter Osugidani even for a short time, must submit a climbing notification. Please give it to me. Also, please wear clothes suitable for walking in the valley, especially shoes. please.

As you walk along the river while listening to the murmuring sound, you will find that there are many maple trees in the open area. The leaves haven't changed color yet, but I think they'll be quite beautiful as they turn autumn. Recommended.

The riverbed was open, so I veered off the mountain trail. I was slightly sweaty, so the wind that touched my cheeks felt good, and above all, the sound of a clear stream, the valley starting to change color in places, the chirping of birds, and the wide blue sky... Being surrounded by the majestic and beautiful nature of Osugidani is truly soothing to the soul. I feel like I don't want to go home, I want to stay here forever.

Odaigahara is a region with heavy rainfall of over 4,500mm per year, and can sometimes be harsh. I think that's why such wonderful nature remains. I also felt that this place is only possible because of the people who protect and love the mountains, including Mr. N, who guided us this time. I am deeply grateful to the nature of Osugidani and the people involved in Osugidani. I want to cherish it forever.

On my way back from Osugidani, I stopped at Okuise Forest Pier, a resort facility surrounded by clear streams and forests. The purpose is a natural hot spring. There is also a medicinal herb hot spring that changes every month. I took it slow and relaxed and was healed here as well.

Forest Pier has lodges and cottages, as well as experiences such as bread making and pottery, tennis and fishing, as well as events such as mountain climbing and walking in Osugi Valley, and firefly viewing tours in the summer. Perfect for a base. Please use all means.

Finally, we watched the sunset over the Miyagawa River and headed back home (see photo in the list). It was beautiful.

*Okuise Forest Pier (993 OdaiTown Odaicho) Phone: 0120-017137/0598-76-1200
            
http://okuiseforestpia.com/
*The information posted is as of October 2012.
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