A clear stream that rises on Mt. Kaikoma in the Southern Alps, one of Japan’s 100 finest waters. White granite and emerald pools line the gorge.
Beyond Sengafuchi the path is a mountain trail. The route beyond Fudo Falls is closed for now after a landslide. The gorge trail cannot be used for part of the winter (usually mid-December to mid-April).
How to enjoy it
On a first visit, make Sengafuchi, about 15 minutes from the car park, your goal. Ringed by white rock, the pool changes colour with the angle and the light. Stay out of the water and enjoy the colour from the bank.
The Ojiragawa rises on Mt. Kaikoma in the Southern Alps. Legend says a sacred horse with a white tail lived in the Hakushu mountains, and the river flowing from that holy place was named Ojiragawa, “white-tail river”. Its basin is rich in fine groundwater, and it is listed as “Hakushu Ojiragawa” among Japan’s 100 finest waters.
The gorge begins at Chiku Komagatake Shrine, about 5 minutes on foot from the car park. Cross the suspension bridge beyond the shrine and the riverside gorge trail begins.
About 15 minutes’ walk from the car park you reach Sengafuchi, an emerald-green pool. The path this far is fine with children.
Beyond Sengafuchi come Jinja Falls, dropping in three steps through rock basins, and Fudo Falls, deep in the gorge. The loop from the car park to Fudo Falls and back takes about 3 hours.
Beyond Sengafuchi the path is a real mountain trail with a risk of falls. Wear hiking boots and proper gear. People with little hiking experience, children and anyone unsure of their fitness should not go further. The trail is narrow, so go up by the gorge path and come back by the ridge path.
The gorge changes with the seasons, from fresh green in spring to blazing leaves in autumn. Autumn colour usually peaks from late October to mid-November upstream (around Fudo and Jinja Falls) and from early to late November downstream (around the suspension bridge).
Hours
Open all day
Closed
Open all year, but the gorge trail is usually closed mid-Dec to mid-Apr, and beyond Fudo Falls it is closed for now after a landslide
NotesThe gorge trail is usually closed in winter, from mid-December to mid-April.
Contact
0551-42-1351
Hokuto City Tourism Division
place-8017-hero.webpDrink · Hakushu
Tour and tasting at a small valley distillery.
Tip
Being small, the whole process from mashing to filling casks is visible in one building. The tasting lines up the same spirit at different ages, so you can follow what the cask does. Drivers get a non-alcoholic malt soda instead.
place-8012-hero.webpExperience · Hakushu
Matcha with spring water in a pine-grove tea room.
Tip
You rinse your hands and mouth at the stone basin before entering. Each step of etiquette is shown to you, so there is nothing to memorise. Ask why the bowl is turned before drinking; the answer opens up the thinking behind tea.
place-8018-hero.webpStay · Hakushu
A restored Meiji-era merchant house in the post town, rented whole. One group a day, up to 6.
Tip
Kuraya keeps the bones of the merchant house it once was. Look up at the beams over the earthen-floored entrance and at the lattice of the old counting room. Walk the post-town street once in the evening and once in the morning to see its quieter side.
place-8015-hero.webpSee · Hakushu
Spring water to take away, a farm shop and a café.
Tip
Anyone can use the water tap at Meisui-no-Sato for free. Bring empty bottles and you have drinking water for the trip. The farm shop and café share one building, so you can rest after shopping.
