Yoro Valley

Yoro Valley is a deep gorge created by the Yoro River, stretching approximately 6 kilometers from Asaohara in Ichihara City to Awamata in Otaki Town, located nearly in the center of Chiba Prefecture's Boso Peninsula. It is renowned as one of the largest tourist areas in Boso, where rich nature remains, featuring waterfalls, beautiful valleys, and hot springs. Also referred to as the "hidden retreat of Boso," it is one of the top power spots in the prefecture, attracting travelers seeking healing throughout the year.

🍃 Seasonal Beauty of the Valley
■ Spring to Summer: Fresh Green Season
The fresh green that spreads along the valley is lush, and the trees reflecting on the water surface sparkle. The gorge remains relatively cool in temperature, making it a popular summer retreat. Walking in the dappled sunlight, visitors can experience the rich abundance of nature surrounded by clear streams and birdsong.
■ Autumn: Famous for Late Fall Foliage in Kanto
Typically, the autumn foliage reaches its peak from late November to early December, dyeing the valley in vivid colors. The particularly popular spots include:
• Awamata Falls
• Kekkai Seki
• Umegase Valley
• Nakase Promenade
• Hot Spring Town Area
During the foliage period, illuminations take place at locations such as Awamata Falls, Kannon Bridge, and Nakase Entrance, creating a fantastical world distinct from the daytime.

💧 Waterfall Tour, a Symbol of Yoro Valley
Yoro Valley is dotted with various sized waterfalls, making waterfall tours a popular activity.
■ Awamata Falls (Yoro Falls)
Known as one of the largest waterfalls in Chiba Prefecture, it features the smooth rock surface cascading down over approximately 100 meters, showcasing a “slip waterfall.” The drop is around 30 meters, and it is possible to walk close to the foot of the waterfall, creating a beautiful scenery harmonizing with the fresh greens of spring and the autumn leaves.
■ Chiyo Falls
Located downstream from Awamata Falls, it has a delicate and refreshing flow with a drop of about 8 meters.
■ Bandai Falls
A beautiful waterfall with a drop of about 10 meters that cascades down a fan-shaped rock surface, a perfect spot to soak up negative ions.
■ Shoryu Falls
An impressive waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters flowing down a rock surface at an angle resembling a rising dragon.
■ Kanjin Falls
This waterfall boasts the highest drop in Yoro Valley at around 35 meters, accessible conveniently from the parking lot, making it a hidden gem.

🚶 Hiking Trail Attractions
Yoro Valley is also known as a "mecca for hiking," offering routes suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced hikers.
● Waterfall Tour Course (approximately 4 km)
This representative course takes you around five waterfalls, with gentle ups and downs, making it recommended for first-time visitors.
● Nakase Promenade
A route that runs close to the water surface, allowing you to feel the valley's nature more intimately.
● Daifuku Mountain Observatory
A spectacular viewpoint where you can enjoy sweeping views of the mountainous landscape adorned by autumn leaves.
*As of October 2025, some sections of the promenade are closed to traffic.

🕳 Historical Landmarks
■ Kobundou Ruins
A tunnel dug about 140 years ago with the purpose of rerouting a river for agricultural development. After a collapse in 1979, it formed a unique landscape in harmony with nature and remains a popular spot today.
■ Mukaiyama & Kyoei Tunnel
A rare cut tunnel with an upper and lower layer structure, which became a "two-story" tunnel because the old exit was not filled in during the construction of the new lower tunnel. The green walls inside are due to the light source, making it a photogenic spot popular among visitors.

🛕 Cultural Heritage and Temples
■ Suigetsu-ji
Founded in 1384, this Zen temple is famous for its rhododendrons that bloom in spring. The main statue of Nyoirin Kannon is said to have been made at the time of the temple's founding.
■ Rikoku-ji (Shusse Kannon)
A temple located just over Kannon Bridge, which enshrines the “Shusse Kannon,” believed to fulfill the prays for rebirth made by Minamoto no Yoritomo.
■ Tsutsumori Shrine
This historical shrine enshrines Princess Takachiho, known as the deity of safe childbirth, and is associated with the legends of the Jinshin War.
■ Myougan-ji
Founded in 1382, it prospered as a Shugendo training ground, and valuable historical documents remain, noting that Satomi Yoshiyori donated land within the temple grounds.

🌡 Appeal of Yoro Valley Onsen
Yoro Valley is one of the largest hot spring areas in Boso, characterized by amber-colored black hot springs. The viscous water is known for its high heat-retaining effect and is cherished as a "beauty skin spring."
• Plenty of day-use hot spring facilities
• Foot baths available at Yoro Valley Station
• Ample outdoor baths offering views of seasonal nature
It's the perfect environment to relieve fatigue from hiking or strolling.

🚴 Cycling Through Yoro Valley
Once, rental bicycles were available in front of Yoro Valley Station (currently on hold), and cycling to Mukaiyama & Kyoei Tunnel or the hot spring town was popular. With electric-assist e-bikes, even hilly areas can be comfortably navigated while experiencing the valley's breeze and nature up close as you visit various landmarks.

🌉 Kannon Bridge
Positioned at the entrance of the Yoro Valley hot spring town, this vermilion-colored drum bridge is also popular as a photo spot. Crossing the bridge leads to the approach to Rikoku-ji, serving as a beloved symbol of the hot spring town.

🍁 Autumn Foliage Illumination (typically from late November to early December)
During the foliage season, illuminations are held at several locations within the valley.
• Awamata Falls
• Kannon Bridge
• Hot Spring Town
• Nakase Entrance
• Kekkai Seki
The night valley is enveloped in fantastical lights, bustling with many tourists.

Yoro Valley is one of Chiba Prefecture's top tourist spots, condensed with diverse attractions such as rich nature, fresh greens and autumn foliage, hot springs, waterfall tours, historic temples and shrines, and photogenic scenic locations. It shows different faces with each season and offers new discoveries with every visit. It is an ideal valley for those who wish to enjoy a healing journey away from the hustle and bustle of the city, quietly connecting with nature.