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Prefectural Natural Park Futakuchi Gorge
The beauty of a gorge painted in red and yellow, an autumn miracle that colors even your heart.
A gorge located deep in the mountains of Miyagi Prefecture, beyond Akiu Onsen. It is known as a scenic spot where you can experience the changing beauty of nature throughout the year, with terrain shaped by a mountain stream and steep rock walls.
It is especially famous during the fall foliage season, which usually peaks from mid to late October. The scenery, where the clear river flowing through the gorge and steep rock walls are joined by trees turning red and yellow, looks just like a painting. The vivid colors created by Japanese maples and konara oak trees are reflected on the calm water's surface, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
Also not to be missed is the beauty created by the harmony of silence and color, brought together by the famous scenic spot Banji and the autumn leaves, where massive vertical rock walls rising 80–150m high stretch for 3km.
You can also enjoy the dynamic scenery of waterfalls of many sizes scattered throughout the area, including Akiu Otaki Falls, which was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, and may also have the chance to encounter the many plants and animals that live here. It is a place where you can fully experience the appeal of great nature, with autumn scenery unique to Japan.
Highlights
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Rich natural scenery unfolds through all four seasons.
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Best viewed from mid to late October, with a picture-perfect landscape created by the mountain stream and autumn leaves.
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The colors of Japanese maples and konara oak trees reflect on the water’s surface, creating a dreamy and peaceful atmosphere.
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Be moved by both power and beauty! The collaboration of the massive rock walls of the scenic spot Banji and autumn leaves is unforgettable.
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Look forward to waterfalls including Akiu Otaki Falls, as well as encounters with diverse plants and animals.
Photos
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If you plan to enter the mountains, be sure to fill out a hiker registration card at Akiu Visitor Center
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Nature-rich scenery in every season
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The scenic Banjiiwa rock walls, where massive vertical cliffs stretch for as much as 3km
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The best time to see the fall colors is from mid to late October
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes, inside Akiu Visitor Center.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
You can use the restrooms at Akiu Visitor Center.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
No.
Q
Are there any sightseeing spots nearby?
A
Yes, there is Sister Falls.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 県立 自然公園 二口峡谷
- Postal Code
- 982-0244
- Address
- Baba, Akiu-machi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
- Phone
- 022-399-2324 (Akiu Visitor Center / Closed on Tuesdays)
- Closed on
- Closed for the winter from early November (For information on access to the Futakuchi Forest Road, please check the Miyagi Prefecture website.)
- Access
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Approx. 30–45 minutes on foot from the Sendai City Bus stop “Futakuchi” (varies by location)
※Service to the “Futakuchi” bus stop:
Operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays from April 1 to November 30
No service from December 1 to March 31 - Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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