To-no-hetsuri Crags
Let your jaw drop at the sight of these magnificent stone towers
Over one million years, these riveting rock formations have been shaped into a thing of beauty.
Overview
Along the Okawa Line in Okawa Hatori Prefectural Park lies the “To-no-hetsuri Crags,” a scenic spot of stone-formed splendor. The term hetsuri, from a local Aizu dialect, refers to the steep slopes that hang over the river. Their beauty and historical million-year-long formation have designated these cliffs as a National Natural Monument.
The Beauty of Each Season
With the cliffs overlooking the Okawa River, visitors can view the changing colors of the fabulous foliage all around them from a suspension bridge that spans the river. The diverse types and multi-layers of rock have allowed several types of trees to grow between the cliffs, thus boasting beautiful views all year round. From clusters of wisteria in the early summer to the opulent oranges and reds of the autumnal leaves, the changing of the seasons seems to bring these stunning rock formations to life.
Geographical Features
The alternating rock types have not only ensured that To-no-hetsuri is a spot of national beauty, but also one of great curiosity, as the 200-meter-long formation also features some relatively soft strata, which is sedimentary rock and/or moss that forms over a very long period of time . Owing to this, the cliffs have changed shape as the years have gone by, with wind and rain erosion sculpting distinctive dips and curves within the rock itself.
Highlights
These unique time and weather-crafted formations have resulted in a rock face that now resembles a garrison of towers, each with its own name. As mentioned, these towers and the stupendous scenery that envelops them can (and should) be viewed from the suspension bridge, but they can also be witnessed from the neighboring observatory, from which the entirety of To-no-hetsuri can be captured.
Phone number
+81-241-69-1144
Contact
Shimogo Town Tourism Association
Business hours
All year
MAP
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