Hananuki Gorge

Hananuki Valley is a richly natural gorge located in Takahagi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, stretching along the middle reaches of the Hananuki River. It is known for its beautiful scenery from Hananuki Dam to Namerigafuchi and the Kotakizawa Campground. In particular, its autumn foliage is famous, attracting many visitors as one of the best fall foliage spots in Ibaraki Prefecture.

🍁 Highlights
Shiomitaki Suspension Bridge
This 60-meter-long suspension bridge is one of the symbols of Hananuki Valley. From the bridge, visitors can look down on the powerful Shiomitaki Waterfall and the clear waters of the Hananuki River flowing through the rocks.
Especially in autumn, the trees along the river turn red and yellow, and their branches extend from both sides of the suspension bridge, creating a tunnel-like landscape of autumn leaves. Its beauty is breathtaking, and during foliage season many people cross the bridge while enjoying the spectacular view.

🌸 Seasonal Appeal
Hananuki Valley offers different kinds of natural beauty throughout the year.
• Spring to early summer: Fresh greenery shines, and the trees along the Hananuki River create a landscape full of vitality.
• Autumn: Maples and other trees vividly color the entire valley, with the best viewing period for the foliage from mid- to late November.
• Winter: When it snows, the valley is covered in white, allowing visitors to enjoy a quiet and fantastical scenery.
In this way, no matter when you visit, you can feel the changing seasons of nature.

🚶‍♀️ Hiking and Strolling
Hiking trails and walking paths are well maintained along the valley, making it easy for beginners to explore with peace of mind.
The route from Hananuki Dam through Namerigafuchi and Kotakizawa Campground to the Shiomitaki Suspension Bridge is especially popular, allowing visitors to enjoy a forest bath while listening to the murmur of the river and the songs of small birds.
On clear days, the observation deck at the summit of Mt. Tsuchidake offers a view of Mt. Fuji, and it has been selected as one of the “100 Famous Fuji Views in Kanto.”

🎉 Hananuki Valley Autumn Foliage Festival
Every November, the “Hananuki Valley Autumn Foliage Festival” is held. During the event, stalls and food trucks line Hananuki Parking Lot, where visitors can enjoy local specialties and light meals.
In addition, the Shiomitaki Suspension Bridge is illuminated, allowing visitors to admire the foliage beautifully lit from sunset until 7:00 p.m. The romantic atmosphere, different from the daytime scenery, is very popular.
*Parking is charged only during the festival period; at other times, free parking is available.*

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🏕 Nearby Facilities and Access
• Kotakizawa Campground: Located along the valley, it offers camping and barbecues in nature.
• Hananuki Dam: Known as one of the rare “dams with a view of the sea” in Japan, where the Pacific Ocean can be seen from behind the reservoir.
• Access: About 35 minutes by Ibaraki Kotsu bus from JR Takahagi Station, then about a 20-minute walk after getting off at “Hananuki Dam Entrance.” By car, it is about 20 minutes from the Takahagi IC on the Joban Expressway. It is also an ideal route for a drive.

Hananuki Valley is a relaxing destination where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons.
Especially during the autumn foliage season, the red and yellow tunnel seen from the Shiomitaki Suspension Bridge is breathtaking, and the illuminated night view is also a must-see.
While hiking and enjoying a forest bath, you can spend a peaceful time accompanied by the clear flow of the Hananuki River.
Hananuki Valley, which reveals a new expression each time you visit, is truly a stage of spectacular scenery woven by nature.