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Mitarai Valley
Be immersed in the majestic landscape of a sparkling emerald green river and gigantic rocks in the Mitarai Valley
The Mitarai Valley can be found along the Sanjo River that flows from Mount Omine in the village of Tenkawa in Nara Prefecture. The sparkling emerald green waters flowing through waterfalls and gigantic rocks give the valley a spectacular landscape known to be one of the most scenic spots in the Kansai region. There is a path set up along the river so you can enjoy hiking in the natural surroundings. The unspoiled valley offers gorgeous views in all four seasons.
Ryusen-ji Temple
Ryusen-ji Temple stands at the end of the path along the river leading to Dorogawa Onsen hot spring town. This important temple of the Daigo branch of the Shingon mission is said to have been built around the 7th century, when En-no-Gyoja, the founder of the Shugendo sect, discovered water gushing out from a spring among the rocks at the foot of Mount Omine and used it to practice water purification rituals. Ryusen-ji Temple, which literally means "dragon spring," derives its name from the spring called a "dragon mouth." The pond in the temple is filled with clear waters flowing from the spring, still serving as the main ground in Mount Omine for water purification rituals.
Goyomatsu Limestone Cave
Goyomatsu Limestone Cave can be reached via a tiny trolley train that departs from Gorogoro Chaya, a teahouse located at the edge of the Dorogawa Onsen hot spring town. It is named after Goyomatsu Akai who discovered the cave in 1929. Inside the more than 80-meter-deep limestone cave grows a number of interesting features including stone pillars and stalagmites, making the entire cave a natural work of art. Faintly lit, the cave creates a truly mystical atmosphere. The stalagmites are around 20 to 30 centimeters in size, and the larger ones are three to four meters tall. The cave's largest stone pillar, "Okoganebashira," is a mighty 8 meters tall.
Location
| Name | Mitarai Valley |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/A00538/ |
| Address | Kitosumi, Tenkawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara |
| Access | From Shimoichiguchi Station on the Kintetsu Railway Yoshino Line, take Nara Kotsu Bus bound for Dorogawa Onsen or Nakaiosumi for about 60 minutes and get off at the Tenkawakawai bus stop and walk for approximately 40 minutes. |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0747-63-0999 (Tenkawa Village Information Center) |