Hike along a dramatic boulder-strewn creek towards a cat-shaped cave, and a natural arch with a breathtakingview.
- Chiiwa Valley is a hidden gem much loved by those who know about it. The popular hiking route takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, starting and finishing at the trail entrance. The trail begins with a walk along a solid rock creek bed, before entering lush forest along the creek. As you walk, enjoy the sound of crystal clear water bubbling between giant boulders.
- As the forest opens and the dramatic cliffs appear, see incredible virgin forest on your way to the cat-shaped cave and archway. On your way back, take a dip in the creek in the pool near the trail entrance.
Chiiwa’s unique geology and dramatic sights have attracted visitors for centuries, including Yamabushi (mountain monks) that traveled through the area and installed Buddhist statues inside the area’s caves.
- The standard trail uses very steep metal steps, please take care as these may be unstable – alternatively do not use the loop but hike directly towards the archway. Parking is not available at the trail entrance, so please be careful about GPS directions. A recommended alternative is to park at Yuyaonsen, or take the Iida line to Yuyaonsen, and rent a bicycle to ride to the trail entrance.
Data
- Address
-
〒441-1601
Kawai Chiiwa, Shinshiro-shi, Aichi-ken
- Restroom
- Infront of the trail entrance
- Phone Number
- 0536-21-0015 (Tourism Association of Shinshiro)
- Parking
- No parkings available
Access
Get directions on Google Maps
By Public Transport
- From Toyohashi Station (about 80 minutes from Tokyo Station, about 2 hours from Shin-Osaka Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen), take the Iida (spelled i-i-d-a) line to Mikawa-Kawai Station. From there the hiking trail entrance is roughly 30 minutes away on foot.
By Car
- If coming by car, park at Yuyaonsen, then take the train from Yuyaonsen to Mikawa-Kawai Station, and walk from there. Alternatively, you can borrow a bicycle from the ryokan inn at Yuyaonsen and bike to the trailhead.
