Otaki Gorge

Matsudaira-Area

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Otaki Gorge

Otaki Gorge is a tranquil hiking spot located between the city of Toyota and Matsudaira-go. The 1.8-kilometer gorge is 148 meters deep and was made by the swift flow of the Nio River into the Tomoe River further downstream. The western end of the gorge is near Myoshoji Temple. On either side of the river is an observation deck: the Fudosan Observatory on one side and the Fukuroga Castle Observatory on the other. Both have sweeping views of the valley below. Walking trails follow the river, leading further up the gorge to the east to the secluded Utaishi Park and Otaki Lake.

The dense tree cover in the gorge keeps the area near the river shady and cool, somewhat like a rainforest. Along with the running water, it creates the ideal conditions for moss to grow on tree trunks, rocks, and the bridges over the river. Even the large old rocks in the river are covered with moss, which flourishes in the undisturbed, moist environment.

A round-trip walk from the entrance of the gorge up to Otaki Lake and back takes roughly three hours. Near the lake is a large park with a barbecue area and the striking red Otaki Lake Bridge. The gorge is noted for its beauty throughout the year, but is particularly popular in autumn for its brilliant maple foliage and in spring for its plum and cherry blossoms.

Otaki Lake Park

Otaki Lake Park is located at the eastern end of Otaki Gorge, between the city of Toyota and Matsudaira-go. Otaki Lake is an artificial lake created by damming the Nio River that flows through Otaki Gorge. The walk to the park from the entrance to the gorge takes roughly an hour, but there are also parking lots within a 10-minute walk of the lake.

In contrast to the western (lower) end of the gorge, which has narrow paths covered by trees, the Otaki Lake area is brighter and more open. The park is a favorite spot for outdoor barbecues, especially in autumn when the leaves on the surrounding maple trees turn bright orange and red. From winter through spring, Japanese camellias, plum trees, and cherry trees are in bloom.

Otaki Lake Bridge is a 90-meter red arched bridge leading to the park and offers a clear view of the dam and the river beyond it. Further north of the lake is a smaller bridge leading to the Nio River rapids and the Miyagawa walking trail. The path gives an up-close view of the rushing water and the towering rocks in the river. Floating through the rapids is possible if wearing appropriate swimming and safety gear.

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Address	〒444-2206 Otaki-cho, Toyota City
Cost	Free Barbeque sites: ¥1,500 per grill
Parking	Available
Closed	Barbeque sites open weekends and holidays from April to November, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Directions by public transportation	[Directions from Nagoya] ・From Nagoya Station on the Higashiyama subway line, go to Fushimi Station and transfer to the Tsurumai subway line (which connects to the Meitetsu Toyota Line from Akaike). Get off at Meitetsu Toyotashi Station. ・From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line to Chiryu Station. Transfer trains and get off at Meitetsu Toyotashi Station. ・From JR Nagoya Station, take the JR Chuo Main Line to Kozoji Station. Transfer to the Aichi Loop Line and get off at Shin-Toyota Station. Click here to check transportation directions and fares in Toyota. http://michinavitoyota.jp/portal/map_en.html*

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Otaki Gorge

Otaki Gorge

Otaki Lake Park

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