Surround yourself with nature in a secluded area that includes breathtaking geysers and 100-meter-high ravines colored with autumn leaves. Ride an amphibious vehicle for a tour of Yunishigawa Dam and its reservoir, and top the day off with a soak in a healing hot spring.
By bus
75 minutes on a bus bound for Meotobuchi. Get off at the Kawamata-Heikeduka bus stop and walk 30 minutes.
Located upstream of the Kinugawa River, Setoaikyo Canyon is 100 meters deep with sheer cliffs extending for two kilometers. The breathtaking scenery is especially popular as the leaves change color from the middle of October to the beginning of November.
On Foot
30-minute walk
Surrounded by mountains, Lake Kawamata is a dammed lake of the Kinugawa River. At the lake’s eastern end is a suspension bridge, offering views of the dam from one side, and Setoaikyo Canyon from the other. The blue of the lake is particularly vivid against the colors of the autumn leaves in October and November.
By bus
15 minutes from Kawamatako-onsen Minshukumura bus stop to Kanketsusen bus stop
Hot water and steam erupting from the geyser reaches a height of up to 30 meters. The spectacular sight can be enjoyed from an observatory platform, where there is also a footbath facility.
Due to damage from a 2019 typhoon, the geyser currently only emits a small amount of vapor.
After passing the spectacular Setoaikyo Canyon and the south edge of Lake Kawamata, you will arrive at Kawamata Onsen. In addition to steam rising from the hot water, you’ll see a dramatic geyser or two alongside the river. The hotels and ryokans of this hot spring resort are dotted along the valley and lakeside, and have relaxing open-air baths from which you can enjoy the dramatic lake and mountain scenery.
Other
60 minutes from the Kanketsusen bus stop to Kawaji-Yumoto Station. Ride 5 minutes on a train to Yunishigawa-Onsen Station.
Tour the Yunishigawa dam and lake by amphibious bus, which drives from land straight into the water. The course includes a tour of the dam facility.
By train
15 minutes from Yunishigawa-Onsen Station to Kamimiyori-Shiobaraonsenguchi Station, then walk 10 minutes
Visit the upper Ojikagawa River between mid-October and early November to see autumn leaves along the riverside and ravines.
By train
15 minutes from Kamimiyori-Shiobaraonsenguchi Station to Yunishigawa-Onsen Station
This comprehensive tourist facility will help with area and road info. Visitors can also use the footbath and enjoy Japanese curry rice served in a novel way that resembles the dam and its reservoir.
On Foot
10-minute walk
Placid Lake Ikari is a reservoir on the Ojikagawa River, downstream of Yunishigawa Dam. The brilliant autumn leaves of the surrounding mountainsides are at their best from mid-October to early November.
On Foot
10-minute walk
