Wooden boats awaiting adventurous tourists (Photo: Cathy Cawood)

Nagatoro Iwadatami

Layered rock formations at a beautiful gorge in Saitama

Cathy Cawood   - 1 min read

Layered rock formations at a beautiful gorge along the Arakawa river reminded ancient Japanese of stacked tatami mats, so they named this place Iwadatami (rock tatami mat). Only a few minutes walk from Nagatoro Station, Iwadatami is designated a Natural Park of Saitama. You can enjoy a pleasant walk along the bank. The flat rock layers make natural paths and steps. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can ride one of the wooden boats through the river rapids.

Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

 I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...