Narukokyo

Naruko Gorge is a large canyon about 100 meters deep, formed by the erosion of the Oya River in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. It has been designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and is included in Kurikoma Quasi-National Park. Steep cliffs continue for about 2.5 kilometers, and the white rock faces, strange rock formations, and the trees growing there create a magnificent landscape. From spring to summer, the fresh greenery is beautiful, and in autumn it is known as one of the best places in Tohoku for viewing fall foliage. Every year from mid-October to mid-November, maples, beeches, and oak trees turn red and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the evergreen greenery. Because the best viewing time varies depending on the weather, it is recommended to check the latest information before visiting.

One of the most iconic scenic spots is Oofukasawa Bridge, which forms a beautiful arch. From the bridge, you can take in a sweeping view of the cliffs extending down to the valley floor, and if you are lucky, you may even see a JR Rikuu East Line train passing through the tunnel. Naruko Gorge Rest House also has an observation deck and viewing platform, and meals and souvenirs are available there. During the autumn foliage season, it is crowded with many visitors as a popular photography spot.

If you want to experience nature more fully, the approximately 2.2-kilometer Oofukasawa Walking Trail is highly recommended. The paved path is easy to walk and has little elevation change, so you can complete the loop in about 50 minutes while enjoying the beauty of the gorge up close, along with the sound of the river and the clear air. However, please note that it is closed during the winter. There is also the Naruko Gorge Walking Trail, from which you can see unusual rock formations such as Saru no Teokake Iwa and Byobu Iwa along the Oya River. In recent years, however, some sections have been closed due to rockfalls and disaster-related damage, so a divided route is the basic way to walk it. Please check the traffic and closure status in advance before visiting.

To access the area, transfer from JR Furukawa Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen to the Rikuu East Line and get off at either Naruko-Onsen Station or Nakayamadaira-Onsen Station. Nakayamadaira-Onsen Station is convenient for the Rest House and the Oofukasawa Walking Trail, while Naruko-Onsen Station is the nearest station for the Naruko Entrance Walking Trail.

Naruko Gorge shows different expressions in each season, but especially during the autumn foliage season, it attracts many tourists from all over Japan, offering scenery that combines both power and beauty.