Atera Valley

An incredible river gorge with pools where you can safely swim

We parked at the bottom and walked up as far as we could manage on a very hot day, which was as far as the parking lot just beyond Tarugasawa Falls, about 3.5km from the bottom. Thank goodness there i...

beautiful day out in secluded valley

Atera valley is a nature jem. 6 km on narrow paved road, with some beautiful spots along the way. Some walk it, and some drive through it. Short nature trails in the forest are also nice. Very enjoyab...

Nice, easy hike

We hiked up the road alongside the valley in the late afternoon, up to Okuwa village, which is more of a deserted outpost. It was a nice walk, but much of the same. If you have a car, it's probably be...

Beautiful water

Better to drive to campground than walk the whole length (>10km one way). Can stop on the way for various sites. Water is really green and fresh!

The river is clear green

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I feel negative ions in the clear green of the river. It was late August, so I could drive to the vicinity. General cars are prohibited from entering the peak in summer. There are surprisingly rough roads, so be sure to wear your feet!