Aug 11, 2015 - 1 min read

Dakigaeri Gorge

Easy hiking in a stunning valley

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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A bridge leads into a short tunnel on the trail through Dakigaeri Gorge

A bridge leads into a short tunnel on the trail through Dakigaeri Gorge

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

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

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

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

Thirty minutes into the hike, you'll come across the Mikaeri Falls

Thirty minutes into the hike, you'll come across the Mikaeri Falls

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

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

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

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

The entrance to Dakgaeri Gorge

The entrance to Dakgaeri Gorge

A bridge leads into a short tunnel on the trail through Dakigaeri Gorge

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

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

Thirty minutes into the hike, you'll come across the Mikaeri Falls

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

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

The entrance to Dakgaeri Gorge

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.

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Mandy Bartok

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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Angela Bickell 6 years ago

We will dock in Akita Japan in August and would like to know how to get to the Gorge from the cruise ship terminal.

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Bonson Lam

Bonson Lam 10 years ago

Love the stunning aquamarine colors of the lake!

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Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok Photographer 10 years ago

I have to say, Bonson, this is arguably one of the prettiest places I have ever been in Japan.

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