Mitarai Valley
Mitarai Valley
4.5
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4.5
76 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
30
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
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Kimitaka S
Taichung, Taiwan15,336 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I hiked along the clear stream for about 8 km from Tenkawa Kawai to Dorogawa Onsen. The promenade is well-maintained, so it's easy even for beginners, but there are quite a few ups and downs. The waterfalls along the way are quite impressive.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edwina P
Sydney55 contributions
Nov 2017
The Mitarai Gorge is a spectacular landscape nestled in the mountains in the Nara Prefecture. We started our walk from the very pretty village of Dorogawa. Even though we had rain and light snow during our walk the dramatic nature of the gorge with the water rushing between the rocks all framed with a beautiful array of autumn colours. It is worth the trip to this isolated area to do the walk. Stay in a comfortable traditional style inn in Dorogawa for the night. You won't be disappointed.
Written 5 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clarissachou
malaysia273 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
From Nara, we took three trains (totaling 60") and a bus (80") to reach Tenkawa Kawai, then walk the trail to reach Mitarai Valley. But it was worth the time and effort. The place is scenic and breathtaking, with beautiful autumn colours. The walking trail follows the river, so there are also nice scenes throughout.
Written 22 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Felix Balthasar R
7 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
It's tough to get there from Nara but if you're Not scared of taking 3 trains/ busses after each other, you are rewarded with fresh air, no foreign tourists and Dorogawa Onsen Town.
Also - best Tofu ever and a wonderful hiking trail with bathing Options.
Also - best Tofu ever and a wonderful hiking trail with bathing Options.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dominoking
Singapore, Singapore275 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Thought this would be the highlight of trip to south of Nara prefecture.It was a long drive from hotel in Kashihara to Tenkawakawai busstop where there was supposed to be a tourist info office from which there is a trailhead nearby. However on arrival we could not see any tourist office. Kind of like ghost town with shops shuttered. Instead had to go inside some kind of agriculture office to ask for help. The staff was kind enough to direct us to the tourist office down the road. Upon arrival we found it was closed ! Tried looking for the trailhead but could not see any signages. Decided then to drive to Dorogawa onsen on the other end of the valley thinking it would be more populated. Got lost but met a kind old man who inspite of language barrier managed to direct us the onsen town. The tourist centre was opened and a English speaking staff gave us a map and instructions to the trailhead. Mind you , the map is very basic and not to scale. Again we got lost as there were no signage of the road to help. Once again with the help of several kind locals we finally found the trailhead tucked away from the road. The walk started pretty well enough through the woods along the river. About 45mins into it the trail broke off and there was no marking to indicate whether to take the paved road or go into some other trails that lead up the hills. We were sure that we had to go down and not up. So again had to go to the road to ask for help. Even the Japanese people we asked were not sure of the way. Finally after 20 mins of asking around we found 1 person who was able to put us back on track. The valley was nice with rocks and waterfalls. But not spectacular. We did not see any other person on the trail to and back. When we got back to Dorogawa Onsen ,it was 4 hours later. We were hungry and looking forward to a nice lunch. However the shops and restaurants were shuttered. Hardly anyone on the road. Maybe it was not peak season. Then we chanced upon a lady outside a shop and gestured to her that we would like to eat. She led us inside and there were several old ladies having lunch round a big table. Seemed like we stumbled on a private gathering. Nevertheless the ownesr were kind enough to serve us food. So the highlight of the hike turned out to be all the kind people who saved our day!
Written 15 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, does anyone know the timetable for the bus from Shimoichiguchi Station to Dorogawa Onsen return?
Written 15 June 2019
Hi Edwina are there many walking tracks here? We want to do some day hikes, but it's hard finding information about hiking in this area and any others nearby
thanks Lynette
Written 8 July 2018
I'm not sure I'm afraid we just did the main walk through the gorge which was spectacular. There seemed to be different starting points. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Written 12 July 2018
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