Nishizawa Gorge
Shall we go to a Forest therapy base?
When most people think of Yamanashi as Mt. Fiji, The five lakes, and wineries.
However, the best place for one-day hike trails is Nishizawa Gorge.
It takes a couple of hours from Tokyo. You may feel the healing power of nature.
I'm sure you will never forget the special experience in Nishizawa Gorge.
This place was authorized as a Forest therapy base in 2007.
What is a“Forest Therapy Base”
A “Forest Therapy Base” is an area in a forest where the relaxing effects have been observed based on scientific analysis conducted by a forest medical expert. Moreover, it is an area where nature merges with society, permitting people to come together and partake in some social activity surrounded by a natural environment. At each “Forest Therapy Base,” various other forest therapy programs are available to visitors to promote and encourage relaxation rather than forest walking.
To be certified as a “Forest Therapy Base,” an appropriate forest location must be adequately maintained so visitors can effectively receive “Forest Therapy” and enjoy the physiological and psychological benefits. Also, a certified “Forest Therapy Base” needs to have more than two “Forest Therapy Roads,” which will be discussed further.
Source: http://www.fo-society.jp/quarter/cn49/62forest_across_japan.html
https://youtu.be/wixyvQMCFj4
Nishizawa Gorge is one of the most beautiful Gorges in the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, which covers more than 1250 square kilometers of forested mountains, hills, gorges, and some rural towns in the prefectures of Yamanashi, Saitama, Nagano, and Tokyo.
Given the hike's popularity, many of the emerald waterfalls and rock formations are given fitting names, such as Kaeru Ishi (frog rock), Fugu Ishi (blow-fish rock), and Botai-Buchi ( Maternal hall Rock).
(Frog Rock)
(Blow-Fish Rock)
(Maternal Hall Rock)
(Emerald Waterfalls)
Do you realize the people hiking trails in this picture?
The Nishizawa Gorge is significant compared with them.
The appealing point of Nisizawa Gorge is an emerald waterfall, a vast and breathtaking scenery.
Warning
The hiking trail is well maintained and relatively walker-friendly, but nature constantly changes the situation poorly.
There are so many narrow trails and very slippy rock trails. It's hazardous, especially for kids.
You will be staring at a beautiful landscape, but watch your step anytime.
(Map for Nshizawa Grge)
You may enjoy several types of bridges.
The Nanatsugama-Godan-no-Taki ( Nishizawa Gorge Waterfall of five steps of seven pots)
This spot is always crowded with photographers trying to get good photos.
Several types of trails
Nishizawa Gorge is incredible during the autumn leaves season, which usually peaks in late October and early November.
Nishizawa Gorge trail is closed between December and April, so please beware when you visit.
Map
Yamanashi, Yamanashi Prefecture 404-0206, Japan
Information: Nishizawa Gorge
The round-trip hike from the parking lot (or bus stop) is about 12 kilometers and takes about four hours.
You'll come to the Nanatsugama-Godan-no-Taki (Nishizawa Gorge Waterfall of five steps and seven pots), approximately 90 minutes from the entrance of Nishizawa Gorge.
Near here is a vast space for taking a break and a toilet; it's the only one on the round trip.
By car: Take the Chuo Expressway from Tokyo to the Katsunuma exit. Follow Route 20 west to Highway Route 140. Go north to Nishizawa Keikoku (roughly 2.5 hours from Tokyo).
By train: Take the JR Chuo Line to Yamanashi-shi Station. You can take a taxi (about 30 minutes) or a Yamanashi Sangaku bus (about an hour).
Stay
I highly recommend Ymagatakan (Hot-spring Inn) if you want to stay around this area.
It has six types of hot springs and open-air spas.
Yamagatakan takes about 15 minutes from the Nisizawa Gorge parking lot by car or bike.
Entrance of Yamagatakan.
Brochure of Yamagatakan
Tel, 0553-39-21111
Fax, 0553-39-2114
For more information, refer to: Yamagatakan
Souvenir
Michi no-eki mitomi (Road Station Mitomi)
There are so many local foods selling in here.
Inside of Mitino-Eki Mitomi
It takes about 5minuites from the Nishizawa Gorge parking lot by car or bike.