Dakigaeri Gorge, Akita

A gorge running about 10 km along the Tama River between Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate. Clear blue water, cliffs and falls; an easy walk in spring green or autumn.

Red Kami-no-Iwahashi suspension bridge over Dakigaeri Gorge among autumn trees — Photo: Hige-hige-Japan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mikaeri Falls seen from a distance through red and orange autumn leaves — Photo: 掬茶, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The gorge called "the Yabakei of Tohoku"

Dakigaeri Gorge stretches for about 10 km along the middle reaches of the Tama River, which flows between Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate in Semboku city, Akita Prefecture. Virgin forest and sheer rock walls line both banks, and it is also called "the Yabakei of Tohoku", after Yabakei, a famous scenic gorge in Kyushu.

According to Semboku city, the name Dakigaeri (roughly "embracing as you pass") is said to come from the old mountain path, which was so narrow and steep that people passing each other had to almost hug to get by.

The suspension bridge and Mikaeri Falls

At the entrance to the gorge is Kami-no-Iwahashi, a red suspension bridge 80 metres long, with a view over the blue river and the gorge.

Walk the well-kept path from the entrance and rapids, strangely shaped rocks and waterfalls large and small appear one after another. The highlight is Mikaeri Falls, "the look-back falls", said to be named because it is so beautiful you keep turning round to look again after passing it. The path continues as far as the Iimura Shonen-hi, a memorial stone, and the walk takes about 40 minutes.

Seasons and getting there

Spring greenery and autumn colours are especially popular, and many people come in the autumn leaf season. Semboku city also holds the Dakigaeri Autumn Leaves Festival at that time.

By car it is about 15 minutes from JR Kakunodate Station, about 20 minutes from JR Tazawako Station and about 5 minutes from JR Jindai Station. From Kakunodate you can also use an on-demand shared ride that you book in advance. Entry is free.

Watch out for bears and the weather

There have been repeated bear sightings in Semboku city. Metal pipes have been set up at five points along the path for you to bang, letting bears know people are around. Visitors are asked never to walk alone, always to go in groups of two or more, to make noise as they walk and to carry bear spray.

After heavy rain, parts of the path may be closed (in September 2025 it was temporarily closed after heavy rain and reopened once it had been checked for safety). Check the latest conditions on Semboku city's tourism information before you go.

Tips

To stay safe from bears, carry bear spray, make noise as you go and walk in a group of at least two. When you see a metal pipe along the path, bang it to make a noise.
It is about 15 minutes by car from JR Kakunodate Station, so it combines easily with a walk around Kakunodate.

Sources

Updated 30 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.

Dakigaeri Gorge