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.
- 1 min read
Nagatoro Iwadatami
Layered rock formations at a beautiful gorge in Saitama
![Cathy Cawood Cathy Cawood](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1713/240x240!/61d020bdef751f611f5e3c02.jpg)
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
![Wooden boats awaiting adventurous tourists](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154213/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154213.jpg)
Wooden boats awaiting adventurous tourists
![The layered rocks make interesting sh](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154205/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154205.jpg)
The layered rocks make interesting sh
![Some of the edges are roped off for safety](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154206/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154206.jpg)
Some of the edges are roped off for safety
![The gorge from a rest pavilion](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154207/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154207.jpg)
The gorge from a rest pavilion
![A natural path of stepping stones](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154208/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154208.jpg)
A natural path of stepping stones
![A map of the gorge](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154209/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154209.jpg)
A map of the gorge
![Looking along the gorge](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154210/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154210.jpg)
Looking along the gorge
![Bullrushes growing in a small wetland](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154211/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154211.jpg)
Bullrushes growing in a small wetland
![Reflections on a pond near the river](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154212/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154212.jpg)
Reflections on a pond near the river
![Where the river widened, the water was very still](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154215/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154215.jpg)
Where the river widened, the water was very still
![Prices for tourist boats](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30678-154217/1000/saitama-nagatoro-iwadatami-154217.jpg)
Prices for tourist boats
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Join the discussion
Preethu
8 years ago
Awesome!! Want to ride that boat. Love your pics, esp. the first one.
Thank you!
Elena Lisina
8 years ago
We have the same rocks in the region where I live - the Ural Mountains!
Actually, there are some in NZ too, named 'Pancake Rocks'.
Elena Lisina
8 years ago
OH! New Zealand for me sounds as fantastic as Moon! )))
5 comments in total
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