Hananuki Gorge

Beautiful place. The gorge itself was very quiet when we went. A nice place to relax and enjoy some down time. Lots of rocks to walk around on and the water pool would be nice to swim in during summer. The small wooden suspension bridge that passes over the gorge is nice and the acers there will be a nice view during autumn.

Autumn gets really packed especially with the autumn light up event! They have started to hold the annually autumn event where there are stalls and light up. The evening during the autumn light up is extremely crowded. Cars would be queuing right out to the main road outside. The lines would start even in the morning before 10 am. Use a bus or get there really early to reach the main parking spot. Otherwise, you will have to park your car at other parking areas far away. Walking might not really a problem because the area is certainly scenic but it is a hilly area. However, do not expect postcard scenic unless you are a really good photographer. For 19 Nov 2022, the bridge area have started to lose its leaves but some are still green. There are still many trees still in magnificent autumn foliage though. Area wise it is a nature reserve with hiking paths and camping sites. It is definitely a nice place to walk about and explore nature. Met a cat at the waterfall/campsite area. Hope it is doing fine. Since the area is very close to other autumn spots like Fukuroda Falls and the Ryujin Ohashi, it is worth spending a day in the area. There are also several apple orchards nearby.

Long drive to get to a small gorge bridge - I guess it would have been nice in Autumn. Taken in late May. It’s alright. Better time to come in Autumn, else can give it miss.

This is a well preserved place that has not been flooded with concrete, like Japanese love to do. There is a free large parking 800 meters away from the gorge so you can have a walk and enjoy the scenery while walking to your destination. Once arrived at the suspended bridge (strangely much smaller than it appears on the touristic brochure) you can swim in the river. It was not very crowded when I went there during the obon but I've heard it was hell during the koyo season in October.

Nothing so special, only a small short bridge. But the climate is cool and there was a small stream that u can play with water. Msybe it will be more beautiful in autumn.