Tame the Torrents at Scenic Dorokyo Gorge

A 600-year-old Japanese tradition amid the wonders of nature that still enthralls today

Come to Kitayama, a historic village tucked away in the mountains of the Kii peninsula, and hop aboard a log raft for a whitewater ride rooted in history.

Part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Dorokyo Gorge is the ancestral home of the river runners—loggers who learned to navigate the rapids long before roads were paved.

Your guides will ferry you downstream using the same techniques employed by their ancestors. The gorge is a breathtaking slice of unspoiled nature, with emerald waters, sheer cliffs, and verdant foliage on every side. In autumn, the leaves turn red and gold, creating even more spectacular scenes. 

For an even more unforgettable experience, arrive the evening before and spend the night at the rustic Okutoro Onsen hot spring resort to prepare for your adventure.

Access: Drive from Shin-Osaka station (about 3 hours 15 minutes).

Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau