Dorokyo Gorge: National Special Scenic Beauty, Emerald Green Valley

Dorokyo Gorge, located at the tri-prefecture border of Wakayama, Mie, and Nara, is a magnificent gorge formed by the erosion of the Kitayama River. Designated as a National Special Scenic Beauty and Special Natural Monument, its landscape of transparent emerald green water surface and white large rock walls is known as one of Japan's finest gorge scenery.

Touring Dorokyo by Water Jet Boat

The star of Dorokyo tourism is cruising by "water jet boat." The jet boat departing from Kawayu Onsen ventures deep into the gorge with engines roaring. Sheer rock walls soaring on both banks, deep blue pools, the sound of babbling water — everything transports visitors to an extraordinary world.

Spectacular View Cafe at Doro Hotel

The "Doro Hotel" located at the heart of Dorokyo Gorge is a cafe renovated from a historic building that has stood since the Taisho era. Visitors can enjoy sweets and drinks using local ingredients while viewing the spectacular Dorokyo scenery from terrace seats facing the river.

Experiencing the River by Canoe and SUP

In recent years, activities paddling through Dorokyo Gorge by canoe or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) have become popular. The gorge scenery viewed from a water-level perspective is truly special.

Access

Go by bus from JR Kii-Katsuura Station or Shingu Station to Kawayu Onsen or Kumano City, then to the water jet boat boarding area.