Venture Down the River of the Rising Dragon

The mighty Tenryu River flows from its source at Lake Suwa in the center of Nagano south to the Pacific Ocean, carving out the rugged Tenryu Gorge along the way. From its unusual rock formations and sheer cliffs to the running water of the Tenryu and surrounding foliage, the two-kilometer-long gorge is replete with natural splendor.

The gorge’s scenery impresses from both below and above. Walk along the 2-kilometer gorge trail from Tenryukyo Station or take in the view on the train ride down the JR Iida Line. You can also get a closer look at the Tenryu Gorge’s jagged cliffs and imposing rock formations from the water on a Tenryu Rhine Kudari boat ride. The most notable natural stone outcropping is in the shape of a dragon rising to heaven. Known as “Ryukakuho”, it is the origin of the Tenryu River’s name (“Ten” meaning heaven, and “Ryu” being dragon).

While it is quite remote and takes effort to access, the rewards are dramatic views and memorable experiences. And while delightful any time of year, in early November the gorge turns brilliant shades of yellow and red with the autumn leaves reflecting in the rippling river, making fall perhaps the most popular season.

Take a Scenic Walk on the Gorge Trail

From Tenryukyo Station a pleasant 2-kilometer-long walk offers breathtaking views overlooking the gorge. It follows the top of the cliff, crossing the river on a daunting suspension bridge, and leads to a lookout gazebo before returning to the station. Along the way is a viewpoint for the Ryukakuho rock.

A Timeless Boat Ride Through the Gorge

The Tenryu Rhine Kudari is an exciting ride through the Tenryu Gorge in a classic wooden boat with an oarsman and guide dressed in traditional garb. Riding the boat is a great way to enjoy water-level views of the imposing rock formations carved by the river over time. The oarsman occasionally stops to demonstrate casting a fishing net in the ancient tradition. Besides the natural beauty of the gorge, the boat ride gives a sense of the local culture and traditional lifestyle.

See the Tenryu Gorge from the Sky – Sorasanpo Sky Walk

Located 1 kilometer (15 minutes on foot) from Tenryukyo Station is the Sorasanpo “Sky Walk” crossing. Pedestrians can walk across the lower deck of the 280-meter-long expressway bridge for a birds-eye view 80 meters above the Tenryu River. In contrast to the timeless feel of the gorge and the classic wooden boats, the Sorasanpo is a miracle of modern engineering. From the bridge the Rhine Kudari boat and JR Iida Line trains can be seen passing below.

Access

By train: Tenryukyo Station is a leisurely 2 hours and 40 minutes on the JR Iida Line from Okaya which is a transit point for express trains from Tokyo (Shinjuku) and Matsumoto.
By expressway bus: from Nagoya (2 hours) or Shinjuku (Tokyo – 4 hours 15 minutes) to Iida Station then JR Iida Line to Tenryukyo station or taxi (30 minutes).
By car: from Iida-Yamamoto Interchange on the Chuo Expressway it is 10 minutes (via E69 to Tenryukyo Interchange and Route 474).

External Link

・Tenryu Rhine Kudari boat

Reservations recommended via website form or phone call (Japanese language only).