Nakatsugawa Valley

Nakatsugawa Valley

Nakatsugawa Valley is famous for its beautiful fall foliage. The Nakatsugawa River is a clear stream flowing down from Bandai Kogen (Bandai Highland) to Lake Akimoto. In autumn, the leaves of the many trees, such as maples, alders, and wild cherry trees, turn brilliant and bold colors. The valley can be reached via the lakeside cycling road or by following the trail from the Nakatsugawa Valley Rest House Lake Line Parking Area. Take a relaxing stroll along the ravine while breathing in the mountain air full of healthy negative ions.

Many people park on the road closest to the bridge, but for most people it's easier to park at the Rest House and walk the short trail (less than 5 minutes) down to the bridge. There is also a shop and a canteen-style restaurant at the Rest House.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://www.urabandai-inf.com/en/?page_id=24984
Contact

Urabandai Tourist Association

(+81) 241-32-2349

Best Season
  • Autumn
ParkingAvailable (Park your car in the parking lot at Nakatsugawa Rest House which is on Bandai Azuma Lake Line.)
Access Details
Access2998-47 Azumayama, Wakamiya, Inawashiro-machi, Yama District, Fukushima Pref., 969-2701
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 40 min from Inawashiro I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway (via Route 459). Park at Nakatsugawa Valley Rest House (Address and location shown above)

By Train: 35 min taxi ride from Inawashiro Station (JR Ban-etsu West Line)

Nearby

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Nature & Scenery

Urabandai Highlands

The Urabandai highlands of northern Fukushima Prefecture, are situated at an altitude of 800 meters and surrounded by Mt. Bandai, Mt. Adatara, and Mt. Azuma. The highlands were created by Mt. Bandai erupting in 1888. Urabandai is part of Bandai Asahi National Park and offers a variety of seasonal attractions. Cool weather in summer and deep snow in winter make Urabandai a perfect place for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment. About 300 lakes and ponds, including the Goshiki-numa Ponds and Lake Hibara, are scattered across Urabandai. The harmonious beauty of nature created by the abundant woodlands and lakes will certainly touch the hearts of all visitors.

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History & Culture

Yunokami Onsen Station

Yunokami Onsen Station is one of only 2 train stations with a thatched roof in Japan. The station is known for its great location as a cherry blossom viewing spot with a unique atmosphere. There is an irori (sunken fireplace) where tourists can warm themselves up in winter, and a foot bath sourced from natural hot spring water just next to the station. Yunokami Onsen town is a popular place to stay the night for those visiting destinations such as Ouchi-juku and To-no-hetsuri are located in the same area.There is a small cafe and shop inside Yunokami Onsen Station selling lunch sets for 500 yen.
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History & Culture

Mitsuya District Warehouses & Climbing Kiln

Be transported back to the elegant Taisho Period at Kitakata’s Mitsuya District. Kitakata is famous as being a town of charming red brick kura (Japanese warehouses). The rich texture and distinctive color of the warehouse bricks are an integral part of Kitakata’s townscape. In the year Meiji 23 (1890), the connecting kilns of Mitsuya District were opened. As well as roof tiles, bricks made here were also painted a deep red color, giving the area a unique atmosphere and classic scenery. The area was registered as an Industrial Modernization Heritage Site by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The large red brick climbing kiln, located inside the Wakana Family's home, is truly a sight to behold. This district has even been written about on the Michelin Travel website.

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