Mitarai Gorge, in the mountain village of Tenkawa deep in southern Nara, is one of the prefecture’s most beautiful natural landscapes: a river ravine of astonishingly clear, emerald-green water tumbling over falls and gathering in jewel-like pools between forested cliffs. A well-built riverside trail follows the gorge, crossing swaying suspension bridges and passing viewpoints over the vivid water, cool and shaded even in high summer. Rated among Japan’s most beautiful walking spots and part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park, it rewards hikers with fresh green in early summer and spectacular maple colour in autumn.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Tenkawa, southern Nara |
| Hours | Daytime hiking (weather permitting) |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours round trip |
| Best time | Fresh green early summer; autumn foliage |
What to See
- Astonishing emerald-green pools and clear river water.
- Waterfalls and swaying suspension bridges along the trail.
- A cool, shaded riverside walk even in high summer.
- Spectacular autumn maples in the Yoshino-Kumano National Park.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Tenkawa village shrine and onsen nearby.
- Pair with Mount Odaigahara in the southern mountains.
- Read our Nara overview .
Getting There
- By bus: from Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi Station, buses reach the Tenkawa/Mitarai area.
- By car: the most practical way to reach this remote mountain gorge.
Tips
Mitarai is deep in the southern mountains and best reached by car, so treat it as a dedicated nature day rather than a quick stop — the reward is some of the clearest, most beautiful river water in Japan. Wear proper walking shoes for the riverside trail and its steps and bridges, go in early-summer green or autumn colour for the finest scenery, and pair it with Tenkawa’s rural shrine and hot springs.
