A. START：ITOIGAWA STATION

40min. by car

B. Mt. Myojo’s South Face

　Park near the observation deck, enjoy the exquisite view as you walk toward the observation deck. From here, enjoy the majestic rock face of Mt. Myojo, which 300 million years ago was a coral reef which was lifted here by tectonic forces.

10 min. by car

B. Jade Gorge Walkway and Revetment

　Before the revetment was constructed along the river, this portion of the Kotakigawa suffered from a number of landslides and collapses which threatened to bury the gorge and dam up the river. Work on the current revetment began in the 1970s and included a system to divert water from a nearby spring. This resulted in the creation of Magatama Pond.

1 min. by walk

C. Kotakigawa River and Jade Gorge

　The difference between the Kotakigawa River and the Himekawa River is almost immediately recognizable. The much smaller Kotakigawa River flows very clearly with a number of white-colored stones in its bed. It also has a much gentler flow than its parent river.

　WARNING!　The Jade Gorge and its surrounding environs have been designated as a National Natural Monument. The damage or removal of stones, plants, wildlife, etc. from the area is strictly prohibited. Please help us preserve this natural wonder.

20 min. by car

D. Takanami-no-ike Pond

　This pond was formed as the result of a landslide off nearby Mt. Akahageyama (1158m). It was once much larger, but now is about 300m long, 125m wide, and with 13m deep. Legend tells of two massive fish, Namitaro and Midori, who live in these waters. Their species are unknown.

5 min. by walk

Jade Gorge Viewing Platform

　On the far side of Takanami-no-ike Pond is a viewing platform that offers a beautiful view of the pond and Mt. Myojo. On days with particularly fair weather, the mountain is reflected perfectly in the pond.

40 min. by car

E. Goal: Itoigawa Station