<p>A bridge leads into a short tunnel on the trail through Dakigaeri Gorge</p>

A bridge leads into a short tunnel on the trail through Dakigaeri Gorge (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Dakigaeri Gorge

Easy hiking in a stunning valley

Mandy Bartok Aug 11, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>A bridge leads into a short tunnel on the trail through Dakigaeri Gorge</p>

<p>The river here was once too acidic for any sort of wildlife to live in it</p>

<p>Despite the abnormal color, the water is now treated and can support some forms of life</p>

<p>Thirty minutes into the hike, you'll come across the Mikaeri Falls</p>

<p>Be sure to get a close-up look as the waterfall is actually three tiers</p>

<p>The path used to continue along the river but is now blocked by a recent landslide</p>

<p>The entrance to Dakgaeri Gorge</p>

It takes a 15-minute taxi ride (or free shuttle bus during the fall foliage season) from Kakunodate station to reach the majestic scenery of Dakigaeri Gorge but the effort and expense is well worth it. Follow the old logging trail through tunnels and across bridges as it hugs the cliffs edge, high above an iridescent blue river. A recent landslide has made it impossible to through-hike the entire 8-kilometer stretch but the trail's current terminus is the impressive Mikaeri Waterfall, a hidden cascade you'll be happy you took the time to track down. Autumn is the busiest season but the rest of the warmer-weather months provide fantastic views with very few crowds.

Things to Do in Akita

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.