Dakigaeri Gorge: A Hidden Senboku Power Spot of Emerald Streams and the Kami-no-iwabashi Bridge

Dakigaeri Gorge in Senboku City stretches along the middle reaches of the Tamagawa River between Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate, and is known for the beautiful scenery woven by its emerald-green stream and a vermilion suspension bridge. Its name is said to come from a time when the path was so narrow and steep that people passing each other had to embrace and turn back. Near the entrance of the gorge hangs a suspension bridge called Kami-no-iwabashi, where the contrast of the deep green water and the vermilion bridge is splendid. Beyond hand-dug tunnels lies the Mikaeri Falls, and famed for fresh green and autumn leaves, the gorge has charmed many visitors.

Highlights

• The beautiful scenery of a clear stream glowing emerald green
• The vermilion suspension bridge Kami-no-iwabashi near the gorge entrance
• The Mikaeri Falls reached beyond hand-dug tunnels
• The once narrow and steep gorge path that gave the place its name

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of fresh green the contrast of young leaves and the emerald stream is lush, making it perfect for a walk. In summer many visit seeking coolness, and in autumn the whole gorge turns to crimson, spreading a superb view of the vermilion bridge and the colored trees. In winter deep snow closes the trail, so the best time to visit is from fresh green through the autumn leaves.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Sotta, Tazawako, Senboku City, Akita
• Car: About fifteen minutes from JR Tazawako Line Kakunodate Station, or about five minutes from Jindai Station. Parking available
• The trail is normally closed by snow from late November until around late April
• Kami-no-iwabashi is a few minutes on foot from Dakigaeri Shrine at the entrance, and Mikaeri Falls is about thirty minutes one way
• Wear comfortable shoes to walk the trail

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The fresh green of May to June and the autumn leaves of mid-October to early November are especially beautiful. The autumn-leaf season is crowded, so early morning is the best aim
• Time needed: About thirty minutes round trip from the entrance to Kami-no-iwabashi, or roughly an hour and a half round trip continuing to Mikaeri Falls
• Avoiding crowds: At the peak of the autumn leaves the parking area fills easily, so an early morning arrival is recommended
• Safety notes: The trail has falling rocks and rough footing in places, and the hand-dug tunnels are dark, so walking in a group rather than alone is recommended. A small light for the tunnels is reassuring
• Nearby real spots: Pair your trip with Lake Tazawa, the samurai residence street of Kakunodate, and the Nyuto hot spring villages
• Budget sense: Walking the gorge is free. For surrounding sightseeing, allow for transport, admission fees, and hot spring charges

A Quick Tip

The trail along the gorge is full of variety and shows a different face at every turn. It is best to walk slowly in comfortable shoes, taking your time. As the tunnels are dark with rough footing in places, walking in a group and bringing a light is reassuring. The autumn-leaf season is especially crowded, so an early time of day is the best aim.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Semboku city and the Tazawako and Kakunodate tourism associations. The notices for the Kami-no-Iwahashi bridge, the Mikaeri Falls, and the gorge footpath and hand-dug tunnel are also useful references. Because footpath conditions and parking and access during the autumn foliage may change, please confirm the latest details with Semboku city or the tourism association before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 30 minutes round trip from the entrance to the Kami-no-Iwahashi bridge, or about 1.5 hours round trip if you continue to the Mikaeri Falls.
• What to bring: The footpath has rockfall and rough footing, and the hand-dug tunnel is dark, so walk in a group rather than alone. A small light for the tunnel is reassuring. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Suggested route: View the emerald-green stream from the vermilion suspension bridge Kami-no-Iwahashi near the entrance, pass through the hand-dug tunnel to the Mikaeri Falls, and combine the trip with Lake Tazawa, the Kakunodate samurai street, and the Nyuto hot springs.