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Epic Adventures in Southern Nara
Adventure travel is about connecting with the local culture and environment through activities that can include adrenaline-pumping sports and relaxing outdoor experiences like camping and wildlife watching. Southern Nara is the ideal destination for adventure travel thanks to its abundant wilderness, mountainous terrain, and historical towns.
- Tanize Suspension Bridge
- Walk on air 54 meters over the Totsukawa River on one of the longest (297 meters) suspension bridges in Japan. Connecting the villages of Uenochi and Tanize, it is a testament to the strong community bond of the people who came together to fund the bridge after their wooden one washed away in 1954. The narrow metal structure sways as you cross, providing an easy dose of adrenaline in addition to its spectacular views. Activities & Experiences Totsukawa
- Yaen
- The yaen (wild monkey) is a small, one-person, hand-operated cable car that used to be vital for crossing rivers and deep valleys. You can try this fun, traditional transport at Hotel Subaru in Totsukawa Onsen. The hotel is popular for its hot springs set in quiet natural surroundings and is located near one of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Activities & Experiences Totsukawa
- Sasanotaki Falls
- Near the Taki River in Totsukawa the sound of water cascading from a height of 32 meters draws adventurous hikers. Accessed by a forest trail and a rock tunnel, the falling white waters are a spectacular sight, especially during the autumn’s vibrant foliage. Though only a 10-minute walk from the parking area, the path can be slippery. Nature & The Outdoors Totsukawa
- Doro Hotel
- Perched on a cliffside overlooking Dorokyo Gorge, this hotel offers spectacular views of the deep emerald waters below. First established in 1919 as an inn for rafters transporting lumber down the river, it has since been renovated and reopened as a café, withrooms that can be rented for “day use” relaxing. Doro Hotel staff can organize activities such as canoeing, fishing, SUP, and cycling. Japanese Cafes Totsukawa
- Forest Inn Dorogawa Campsite
- Get your fill of fresh air at this large riverside campsite in Dorogawa through activities like hiking, forest bathing, fishing, or simply sitting around a campfire, gazing up at the endless stars. Tents and other camping equipment can be rented onsite, making it perfect for a hassle-free, overnight outdoor experience. Nature & The Outdoors Dorogawa Onsen
- Odaigahara Plateau
- Located in Yoshino-Kumano National Park, Odaigahara Plateau is known for its abundant rainfall The frequent precipitation has eroded the landscape into a majestic collection of valleys, gorges, and waterfalls and created vast forests that serve as important habitats for animals including Asian black bears, sika deer, and Odaigahara salamander. Climb Mt Hinodegatake, the area’s highest peak (1,695m). There are hiking courses in the area to suit all levels, and views from the summit extend to the sea in good weather. Nature & The Outdoors Odaigahara Plateau
