Yukawa Gorge is a beautiful valley located in the upper reaches of the Yukawa River, a tributary of the Arida River in Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, the gorge is known for its clear flowing water, unusual rock formations, and impressive waterfalls.
The scenery changes with the seasons, making Yukawa Gorge an attractive destination for travelers who enjoy hiking, photography, fishing, and experiencing the peaceful beauty of the Japanese countryside.
Several waterfalls of different sizes can be found throughout Yukawa Gorge, including Choshi Falls, Sagari Falls, and Godan Falls. Each waterfall has its own character and adds to the dramatic scenery of the valley.
Among them, Sagari Falls is one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the gorge. It has a drop of approximately 25 meters and is divided into three main sections as the water flows down the rocks.
Because the waterfall can be viewed relatively close up, visitors can experience the power of the rushing water, the sound of the falls, and the refreshing spray in the air. It is a memorable spot for anyone who wants to experience the raw beauty of a Japanese mountain landscape.
Sagari Falls, Godan Falls, and Choshi Falls are collectively known as the “Three Waterfalls of Yukawa.” Together, they form some of the most representative sights of the gorge.
Sagari Falls is fed by clear water flowing from a natural beech forest in the upper mountains. The surrounding forest and cool mist from the waterfall create a peaceful atmosphere that makes it an ideal place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Godan Falls is characterized by its series of cascading drops. The successive sections of the waterfall emphasize the depth and rugged character of the gorge, while Choshi Falls provides another scenic point along the mountain stream.
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Yukawa Gorge. The surrounding trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the clear water and dark rocks of the valley.
From around early to mid-November, the gorge becomes a particularly beautiful destination for enjoying Japan’s traditional autumn foliage. Waterfalls flowing through brightly colored forests create spectacular scenery that is especially appealing to photographers.
The appeal of Yukawa Gorge is not limited to autumn. From spring through early summer, fresh green foliage covers the mountains, while the cool mountain air makes walking through the forest particularly refreshing.
During summer, the clear stream and shaded forest provide a welcome escape from the heat of the cities. The area is also known for Amago trout fishing, giving visitors another opportunity to enjoy the natural environment.
Each season offers a different atmosphere, from the fresh greenery of spring to the colorful forests of autumn and the quiet mountain scenery of winter.
Yukawa Gorge is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Fujinami Station. It is also about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from the Arida Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway, via National Route 480.
Because the gorge is located in a mountainous area, visitors should take care when traveling to and around the site. Some roads are narrow or unpaved, and some routes leading toward the waterfalls may not be fully developed.
Visitors are therefore advised to drive carefully and allow plenty of time for their journey. When walking in the gorge, sturdy, comfortable shoes and practical outdoor clothing are recommended.
Yukawa Gorge is a beautiful natural attraction where clear mountain streams, waterfalls, unusual rocks, and forests come together to create a dramatic yet peaceful landscape.
The sound of rushing water and the quiet atmosphere of the surrounding mountains offer a refreshing break from everyday life. Whether you visit for the autumn foliage, a walk beside the stream, fishing, or simply to enjoy the scenery, Yukawa Gorge provides an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Wakayama at its most peaceful and powerful.
W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace is an outdoor leisure facility located in Shimizu, Aridagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated next to Michi-no-Eki Shimizu, it combines glamping, camping, barbecue facilities, accommodation, and outdoor activities in a beautiful riverside setting.
The facility stands beside the clear Arida River, whose headwaters are in the Mount Koya area. Surrounded by mountains and seasonal greenery, it offers visitors the opportunity to relax in nature while enjoying a comfortable range of modern facilities.
The name “W.A.S.” comes from the initials of Wakayama, Aridagawa, and Shimizu, expressing the facility’s connection with the local area and its aim of introducing the region’s attractions to visitors.
One of the main advantages of W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace is its all-weather outdoor environment. The camping areas, glamping domes, and barbecue spaces are equipped with roofs or dome structures, allowing guests to enjoy outdoor activities even when the weather is less than perfect.
The spacious barbecue area can accommodate up to 100 people, making it suitable for families, groups, and larger gatherings. Guests can bring their own ingredients, or, with advance reservations, food can be prepared by the facility.
Day-use barbecue plans are also available, making it possible to enjoy an outdoor meal without staying overnight. This flexibility makes the facility appealing to both families and travelers looking for a relaxed outdoor experience.
W.A.S offers several different accommodation styles, including glamping domes and cottages. Guests can choose a comfortable stay that suits their travel style while still enjoying the surrounding natural environment.
The Hoshifuru Terrace Cottage, meaning “Starlit Terrace Cottage,” offers a particularly relaxing experience, with a private terrace and open-air bath where guests can unwind while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
There are also accommodations where guests can stay with their dogs. Some facilities include dedicated dog-run areas, making W.A.S a convenient choice for travelers who want to enjoy a nature getaway with their pets.
For visitors who prefer a more traditional camping experience, campsites are also available. Options include sites with wooden decks and all-weather dome-style areas, catering to both beginners and experienced campers.
W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace offers more than accommodation and food. The facility includes a variety of activities designed to make a stay enjoyable for visitors of different ages.
During summer, guests can enjoy a seasonal swimming pool with a water slide. There is also a pedal-cart circuit and playground equipment for children, providing plenty of opportunities for active outdoor fun.
Sports facilities such as tennis courts and a miniature golf course are also available, making the site a good choice for travelers who want to stay active during their visit.
Visitors can also take part in cultural experiences connected with Aridagawa Town, including traditional papermaking and woodworking workshops.
These hands-on activities allow travelers to experience local craftsmanship rather than simply viewing traditional products in a shop. They can also provide a memorable souvenir of time spent in rural Wakayama.
Food is another important part of the W.A.S experience. The restaurant and barbecue facilities offer dishes that make use of ingredients from Wakayama.
Local specialties include dishes featuring Budou Sansho Japanese pepper, as well as Kinokuni Mikan chicken and Kumano beef. These ingredients allow visitors to discover the distinctive flavors of Wakayama while enjoying the peaceful riverside surroundings.
For something a little different, visitors can try creative dishes such as sansho curry and sansho soft-serve ice cream.
The use of Budou Sansho gives these dishes a distinctive local character and offers travelers a chance to discover how a traditional regional ingredient can be incorporated into modern cuisine.
The on-site shop also sells a selection of souvenirs, including Japanese pepper products, traditional Wakayama crafts, and Yasuda Washi paper products.
These items are ideal for travelers looking for gifts or keepsakes that reflect the culture and natural resources of Aridagawa Town.
W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace and Michi-no-Eki Shimizu are located along National Route 480, making the area a convenient stop during a road trip through the mountains of Wakayama.
Nearby attractions include Shimizu Onsen, Futagawa Dam Lake, and Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park. The famous Koya-Ryujin Skyline, known for its beautiful mountain scenery, is also within the wider surrounding area.
The landscape changes throughout the year, with fresh greenery in spring, lush forests in summer, brilliant autumn colors, and peaceful winter scenery. This makes the area attractive for scenic drives as well as outdoor activities.
By car, W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace is approximately 50 minutes from the Arida Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway. Visitors traveling from JR Fujinami Station can reach the area by car or bus.
Although the facility is surrounded by mountains and forests, its location along National Route 480 makes it a convenient base for exploring the natural attractions of Aridagawa Town.
W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace brings together the four elements of playing, staying, experiencing, and eating in one destination.
Guests can stay in a glamping dome or cottage, enjoy a barbecue beside the river, try local crafts, play sports, swim in the summer pool, and taste Wakayama specialties—all while surrounded by the beautiful nature of Aridagawa.
For families, groups of friends, couples, and travelers with dogs, it offers an easy way to enjoy the Japanese countryside without giving up comfort and convenience.
Combined with nearby attractions such as Yukawa Gorge, Aragi-jima, Shimizu Onsen, and the mountain roads around Aridagawa, W.A.S Riverside Nature Terrace is an excellent base for discovering the natural beauty and local culture of Wakayama.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend in nature or an active outdoor adventure, a stay beside the clear Arida River can become one of the most memorable parts of your journey through rural Japan.