Volcano Valley: Oyasukyo Gorge & Kawarage Hike

Embark on a private walking tour with a local guide to discover Yuzawa's incredible volcanic landscapes and nature, home to some of the prefecture's best hot springs. The tour highlights Oyasukyo Gorge, where a steaming river flows through luscious mountainous forests, and Kawarage Jigoku, one of Japan’s most sacred natural wonders. This desolate mountain, covered in grey-white lava rock with steaming earth and eerie formations, is said to evoke the impression of hell in Japanese folklore due to its strong sulphur smell. Itinerary overview: • Meet at your accommodation; guided in a separate vehicle. • Walk through Oyasukyo Gorge and its Great Hot Springs (approx. 1 hour), experiencing steam from rock faces and flowing hot water. • Lunch (packed or at a local restaurant). • Drive to Kawarage Jigoku (30 minutes) to enjoy its desolate landscape (note sulphur cautions; option to drive closer to Oyutaki waterfall if physical strength is a concern). • Walk to Kawarage Oyutaki Waterfall (approx. 40 minutes, 15 minutes from car park) to enjoy the natural hot spring waterfall and shallow basin. Swimwear is permitted, and changing rooms are available. Full-body swimming is recommended in summer, while touching/viewing is possible from June to mid-October. • Return to Kawarage Hell parking lot (approx. 50 minutes). In case of rain or for those with limited physical strength, an alternative plan includes: viewing Oyasukyo Gorge from the bridge, visiting Kawarage Hell from near the car park, a trip to Doroyu Hot Spring Village, and one-day hot spring bathing. Key sights: • Oyasukyo Great Hot Springs: A powerful gush of 98°C hot water and steam, requiring a descent of 303 steps to the ravine bottom. Offers stunning fresh greenery in spring, autumn leaves, and large icicles in winter. • Kawarage Jigoku: Considered one of Japan's three most sacred places, with grey, grassless mountainsides, billowing steam, and the pervasive smell of sulphur. • Kawarage Oyutaki Waterfall: A unique hot spring waterfall where the falling water itself is a hot spring. Hot spring water flows dynamically from a height of 20m, forming natural open-air baths in the waterfall basin and mountain stream. Best for bathing from early July to mid-September. Bilingual guides, like Masashi Komatsu (a Yuzawa native familiar with history, myths, and religions), are available to provide deep insights into the local culture and landscape. Recommended for primary school age and above with good physical fitness.