Japan’s Most Beautiful Village - Tour Kami Town Ojiro & Kusube Valley Falls｜Hiking / Cycling｜Things to Do

Kusube Valley (Kusube-keikoki) is part of Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park and it’s also a treasure trove of primeval forests and waterfalls. Listen to the murmuring stream of Kusube River as you take a therapeutic stroll through the forest. Even cool in the summer, you can refresh your body and soul in the negative ions from the waterfalls and valleys.

Kaname-no-Taki Falls & Monument

Takimi Tei Restaurant

3 Step Falls

Route map

Route directions and land marks

1) Ojiro Ski Area’s Gondola Station: Start at “Ojiro Ski Area’s Gondola Station” and cross the nearby bridge, just before “Fureai Onsen Ojiron (ふれあい温泉おじろん)” turn left and walk along the river for about 3 minutes till you reach “Kusube River Slide”. Here the riverfloor, formed with tuff (consolidated volcanic ash) is very smooth creating a natural water slide and is recommended for icing tired feet.

2) Fork in the Road: Walk about another 3 minutes from Kusube River Slide along the river’s walking path back to the wide road past the parking lot. Walk for about 10 minutes along the river to the small village then after 5 more minutes the road will split in two.

3) Kusube Abandoned Mine: Taking the road that runs along the river you will soon arrive at “Kusube Abandoned Mine”. Here deep in the thick of Kusube Valley’s nature you can try mountain stream fishing for Yamane (salmon type) or Amago(trout type) fish. Gold was mined at Kusube Mine until around the 1930s, waterwheels used to generate power still remain near the waterfall to this day.

4) Takimi Tei Restaurant: Directly to the left of Kusube Abandoned Mine “Suzutaki Falls” can be seen. Walk for about 3 minutes to the bridge and cross, here is “Takimi Tei” restaurant that serves up dishes featuring river rish. You can eat and rest here, although reservations should be made in advance just in case, you can contact the restaurant by phone at 0796-97-2330(No English)

5) Kaname-no-Taki Falls: Cross the bridge located about 1 minute from Takimi Tei to “Kaname-no-Taki Falls” and the “3-Step Falls”. The Kusube River flows at the foot of Hotokeno (1227m) and Kaname-no-Taki Falls is said to have a height of 10m. It is named because the water spreads like a [folding]fan.

6) Kusube Valley Gardens: Take the path next to “Kaname-no-Taki Falls”, but watch your footing as the spray from the fall has made the path slippery.

7) Oyamazumi Shrine: As you walk up the path you will soon pass through “Kusube Valley Gardens”, cross the bridge and continue for about 5 minutes until you reach “Oyamazumi Shrine (大山祇神社)”

8) Road Back: Walk down about 5 minutes from Oyamazumi Shrine and you should reach the original road you came on, take this back to where you first started out.

Route: Ojiro Ski Area’s Gondola Station > Kusube Valley > Kaname-no-Taki & 3-Step Falls > Oyamazumi Shrine > Ojiro Ski Area’s Gondola Station

Difficulty: ★☆☆

Route Category: Mountain and riverside

Type of Activity

★☆☆　Flat course（Elevation gain less than 100m）or less than 5km.
★★☆　Slightly undulating course（Elevation gain less than 500m）or less than 10ｋｍ.
★★★　Rugged course（Elevation gain more than 500m）or 11ｋｍ.

Distance	About 4km
Required Time	Walking time of about 1 hour.
Starting Point	Start / End point: Ojiro Ski Area’s Gondola Station
Getting Here	By Train & Bus: From JR Yoka Station take a Zentan Bus to Ojiro Otani (小代大谷) bus stop and get off here. By Car: Go to Ojiro Ski Area’s Gondola Station
Road Conditions	Asphalt, dirt
Resting Place	Public restroom: Ojiro Ski Area’s Gondola Station Rest Areas: Takimi Tei Restaurant (for customer's with reservations)
Signpost Presence	Not Present
Guide Availability	Available Contact: Kami Town Ojiro Tourist Association (Ojiro Guide Club) Phone: 0796-97-2250 Fee: Inquire about fees
Notes	Parts or all of this path is impassable during winter.
Contact	Contact: Kasumi Town Ojiro Tourist Association Phone: 0796-97-2250

Things to Do

Japan’s Most Beautiful Village - Tour Kami Town Ojiro & Kusube Valley Falls 日本で最も美しい村～香美町小代～久須部渓谷滝めぐり

Japan’s Most Beautiful Village - Tour Kami Town Ojiro & Kusube Valley Falls

日本で最も美しい村～香美町小代～久須部渓谷滝めぐり