Akamizu (Red Water) Gorge

Participated in the Nature Society's water trekking event on July 13th. There are forests that are nice in the summer, and there is good water. The long Namedaki Valley, which is rare even in Japan, is very beautiful. I am walking in the valley while drinking water. No wonder it's called Heaven's Walkway! It takes about 1 hour to walk 3km through the forest, and 3.5km through the valley. Approximately 14km round trip. I also went to Momodo Falls from the fork on the way. I want to come back in autumn too. It's better to have a hole so you can measure the depth of the water. It's easy to slip, so it's better to have safe equipment. I went with marine shoes, but the guide pointed out that if you wear military boots over your marine shoes, it will be the most slip-resistant.

The valley is generally calm compared to Momodosawa and Nakanomatasawa. The only waterfall that stands out is Usagi Falls. The water clarity is high upstream beyond the waterfall. Overall, there are many flat areas with little sliminess. You will need to be accompanied by an experienced person, but if you have a helmet and shoes, this is a recommended place for your first experience walking in the river. There are potholes scattered about, although not as many as Momodozawa. On sunny days, the water's surface reflects reflections, making it easy for beginners to miss the view, so it's helpful to have polarized glasses. If you are descending on the loop route from Momodosawa or Nakanomatasawa, you should bring a harness and rope for rappelling down Usagi Falls.

In summer, it is essential to prevent mosquitoes and black flies. It also attacks from above the spats lol The felt-soled Sawa shoes were comfortable. The water is clean and shallow, so it's not too cold and you can walk comfortably. You hardly ever meet people, it's quiet and you only hear the sounds of nature as you walk in the water. A truly heavenly walk. A strange feeling. Many people have never seen such a wonderful place. Nature is amazing.

Park your car in the parking lot of the Wildlife Conservation Center and walk. It's extremely deep in the mountains and out of reach. In the summer, there are insects, so long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Once you enter the mountain stream, the insects disappear. As long as the water is not swollen due to rain, you can walk along the river fairly safely. Just be careful not to fall into the pothole.

If you want to go to Usagi Falls with boots, you will need spiked boots as it can be slippery. There are some places where the water is deep, but there is always a mountain path that goes around those places. You should proceed carefully while looking for the red tape. Normally, if you have the equipment for Sawanobori, you won't have any problems even if you get wet, so I recommend that. There are flies and mosquitoes in the summer, so don't forget to take precautions against them. (If you are wearing rain boots, there is a red tape on both the top and bottom where you first go down to the stream. If you go down, you might fall into the depths. You should go up. Remember this place on the way back.)