Ase Valley (Hyogo Prefecture) Complete Guide｜Spectacular Views of 48 Waterfalls and Detailed Explanation of Hiking Courses
Located in Hidaka Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Ase Valley is a scenic gorge that spreads across the uppermost reaches of the Ase River, which originates from Kanayama Pass and is full of natural beauty. Large and small waterfalls collectively known as “Ase 48 Falls” are scattered over approximately 3 kilometers, and the valley has been selected for “Hyogo Forest Bathing Spots 50” and “Hyogo Scenery 100,” making it a representative tourist destination in Hyogo Prefecture.
This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting, including the charm of Ase Valley, highlights, access methods, hiking courses, best seasons, and nearby facilities.
What is Ase Valley｜A Hidden Gem in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Ase Valley (Ase Keikoku) is a gorge formed in the upper reaches of the Ase River, which originates from Kanayama Pass at an elevation of 760 meters. The landscape created by a clear stream flowing through a steeply sloped valley and countless waterfalls is spectacular, and the area is also designated as part of the Hyogo Sanin Kaigan National Government Park.
Primeval broadleaf forests spread throughout the gorge, with lush forests of horse chestnuts, Mongolian oak, beech, and Japanese zelkova displaying different appearances throughout the four seasons. Particularly during the new green season and fall foliage period, the site is a popular tourist destination visited by many sightseers and hiking enthusiasts.
History and Origins of Ase Valley
The name of Ase Valley derives from the Ase River that flows through this area. Long cherished by the local people, this gorge has been known as a scenic spot representing the Tajima region due to its abundant water resources and beautiful natural landscape.
In recent years, efforts have been made to both protect nature and promote tourism, with developments such as improvements to walking trails and the opening of campgrounds, creating an environment where more people can safely enjoy the natural surroundings.
Ase 48 Falls｜The Valley’s Greatest Attraction
The greatest charm of Ase Valley is undoubtedly the numerous waterfalls called “Ase 48 Falls.” In reality, the number 48 is a symbolic expression, with large and small waterfalls scattered throughout approximately 3 kilometers of gorge.
Ase Five Waterfalls｜Five Must-See Spectacular Falls
Among the Ase 48 Falls, five waterfalls in particular are known as the “Ase Five Waterfalls” for their impressive views.
1. Imoji Falls
Located near the gorge entrance, it is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls. It features abundant water volume, and the deep blue color of the waterfall pool is impressive.
2. Gentayu Falls
A waterfall with considerable height where water flows gracefully down the rock surface. The harmony with surrounding greenery is wonderful.
3. Osore Falls
As its name suggests, this waterfall is characterized by a powerful water flow. After rain in particular, the increased water volume makes it live up to its fearsome name.
4. Dragon King Falls
A waterfall with a mystical atmosphere that has long been an object of local faith.
5. Fudo Falls
Located in the innermost reaches of the Ase Five Waterfalls, this sacred place is enveloped in silence with only the sound of the waterfall echoing.
Each of these waterfalls possesses distinct character and captivates visitors. Walking trails have been developed, making it relatively safe to view them.
Hiking Courses in Ase Valley
Multiple hiking courses adapted to different fitness levels and time availability are developed in Ase Valley.
Short Course (approximately 1 hour)
A recommended course for beginners and families. You can experience the beauty of the gorge easily by visiting the main waterfalls from the parking area.
- Distance: Approximately 2km (round trip)
- Time required: Approximately 1 hour
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Highlights: Imoji Falls, Gentayu Falls, and some of the Ase Five Waterfalls
The walking trail is relatively well-maintained, but there are rocky areas and stairs, so visiting in comfortable walking shoes is recommended.
Long Course (approximately 3 hours)
A course that ventures deep into the gorge to view more waterfalls. It is suited for experienced hikers or those who want to enjoy more serious hiking.
- Distance: Approximately 5km (round trip)
- Time required: Approximately 3 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: All five of the Ase Five Waterfalls, primeval forests in the innermost valley
At the deepest part of the gorge, you can walk through untouched primeval forest and experience deeper forest bathing.
Sobud Peak Climbing Course (Advanced)
Starting from Ase Valley, there is also a serious climbing course aiming for Sobud Peak (Sobudake), which stands at 1,074 meters in elevation.
- Distance: Approximately 6km one way
- Time required: Approximately 5-6 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Highlights: 360-degree panoramic views from the summit
This course is for experienced mountaineers and requires adequate equipment and physical fitness. Attention should be paid to weather changes.
Ase Valley Through the Four Seasons｜Best Seasons and Highlights
Ase Valley displays different faces throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy different charms depending on when they visit.
Spring (April – May)｜Season of Fresh Green
A season when water volume increases due to snowmelt and the power of waterfalls increases. Newly budding green foliage brightly colors the gorge, and you can enjoy hiking in refreshingly clean air.
- Best season: Late April – late May
- Characteristics: Fresh greenery, abundant water, birdsong
Summer (June – August)｜Appeal as a Retreat
With high elevation, the gorge area is cooler than plains, making it a popular summer retreat. You can refresh yourself in this cool space full of negative ions and forget the heat.
- Best season: July – August
- Characteristics: Cool climate, deep green, clear streams
- Caution: Potential crowding during summer vacation
Autumn (October – November)｜Spectacular Fall Foliage
The fall foliage season is said to be when Ase Valley is most beautiful. Maples, Japanese maples, and Japanese chestnuts turn red and yellow, and the entire gorge becomes a landscape like a brocade picture.
- Best season: Late October – mid-November
- Characteristics: Fall foliage, foliage festival events
- Recommendation: Visit early on weekends and holidays as it can become crowded
An “Ase Valley Foliage Festival” is held in early November each year, with sales of regional specialties and various events.
Winter (December – March)｜Silent Gorge
While snow can make passage difficult, frozen waterfalls and snowy gorge landscapes possess a fantastical beauty.
- Best season: January – February (snowy landscape)
- Characteristics: Frozen falls, silence, winter birds
- Caution: Possibility of closure due to snow and ice; prior confirmation is essential
Access Information｜How to Get to Ase Valley
Car access is convenient for Ase Valley, but the road is a narrow mountain pass requiring caution.
Access by Car
From Osaka area
- Chugoku Expressway “Yoshikawa JCT” → Maizuru-Waka Expressway “Harubi JCT” → Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway “Hidaka Kanna IC” exit
- Approximately 20 minutes (approximately 12km) from Hidaka Kanna IC
From Kobe area
- Bantan Liaison Road “Wada Mountain JCT” → Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway “Hidaka Kanna IC” exit
- Approximately 20 minutes (approximately 12km) from Hidaka Kanna IC
From Kyoto area
- Kyoto Longitudinal Expressway → Sanin Kinki Expressway “Yayoi Hyonoyama IC” exit
- Approximately 40 minutes (approximately 25km) from Yayoi Hyonoyama IC
Parking Information
A free parking area is developed at Ase Valley.
- Capacity: Approximately 30 spaces
- Fee: Free
- Caution: Parking may be full during foliage season, so early arrival is recommended
The road to the parking area is a mountain pass with narrow sections. Pay attention to oncoming traffic and drive slowly.
Access by Public Transportation
Public transportation access is inconvenient, so visiting by car is strongly recommended.
Nearest station: JR Sanin Main Line “Ehara Station” or “Toyooka Station”
- Approximately 30-40 minutes by taxi from the station
- Consideration of rental car use is worthwhile
Address and Basic Information
- Address: Hasujiri, Hidaka Town, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Inquiry: Hidaka Kanna Tourism Association (TEL: 0796-45-0800)
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 24 hours (night and early morning visits are not recommended)
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Facilities
The area around Ase Valley is well-equipped with tourist attractions and facilities that can be enjoyed together with hiking.
Yunoharauto Campground
An auto campground located about 5 minutes by car from Ase Valley.
- Facilities: Auto camping sites, bungalows, cooking facilities, restrooms
- Characteristics: Quiet environment surrounded by nature
- Experiences: Campfires, barbecues
- Inquiry: Hidaka Kanna Tourism Association
A popular 1-night, 2-day model course combining gorge hiking and camping.
Kannabe Highland Hot Spring
About 15 minutes by car from Ase Valley, the Kannabe Highland area has multiple hot spring facilities.
- Recommended facilities: Blue Ridge Hotel, Kannabe Hot Spring Yutorogi
- Water quality: Simple spring water, alkaline simple spring water
- Benefits: Fatigue recovery, muscle pain, neuralgia
Relaxing tired bodies in hot springs after hiking is a standard course for Ase Valley tourism.
Kannabe Highland
A high-altitude resort area where skiing and snowboarding are enjoyed in winter, and paragliding and camping in summer.
- Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, hiking
- Distance: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Ase Valley
- Characteristics: Various experiences available throughout the year
Izushi Castle Town
A historic castle town in Toyooka City, called the “Little Kyoto of Tajima.”
- Highlights: Izushi Castle ruins, Shinko Tower, samurai residences
- Cuisine: Izushi soba (plate soba)
- Distance: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Ase Valley
A 1-day tourism plan combining nature experiences in Ase Valley with history, culture, and cuisine in Izushi is also recommended.
Tips for Enjoying Ase Valley and Important Precautions
Clothing and Items to Bring
Essential items
- Comfortable trekking shoes or sneakers
- Easy-to-move clothing (long sleeves and pants recommended)
- Beverages (no vending machines available)
- Towel, hat
- Insect repellent (summer)
Convenient to have
- Trekking poles
- Rainwear (to prepare for weather changes)
- Camera (many scenic spots)
- Binoculars (for bird watching)
Safety Precautions
- Check weather: Rainy conditions or areas after rain are slippery and dangerous. Check the forecast and avoid visits during bad weather.
- Avoid solo hiking: Travel in groups when possible and consider submitting a mountain climbing notification.
- Time management: Plan with enough time to descend before sunset.
- Wildlife: Bears and other wildlife inhabit the area. Carry noise-making items like bells or radios.
- Take out trash: Take all trash with you for nature conservation.
Winter Precautions
- Closure due to snow and ice is possible
- Check conditions with the Hidaka Kanna Tourism Association before visiting
- Winter gear (crampons, warm clothing, etc.) is necessary
Model Courses Around Ase Valley
We introduce day trip and 1-night, 2-day model courses centered on Ase Valley.
Day Trip Model Course
9:00 Arrival at Ase Valley parking area
9:15 Hiking begins (short or long course)
12:00 Return to parking area, lunch with packed meal
13:00 Travel to Kannabe Highland hot spring
13:30 Refresh in hot spring
15:00 Travel to Izushi castle town
15:30 Izushi soba lunch, castle town stroll
17:00 Begin return trip
1-Night, 2-Day Model Course
[Day 1]
13:00 Arrival at Ase Valley, hiking
16:00 Yunohara Auto Campground check-in
17:00 Tent setup, dinner preparation
19:00 Campfire
[Day 2]
8:00 Breakfast, cleanup
10:00 Activity experience at Kannabe Highland
12:00 Lunch at Kannabe Highland
13:30 Izushi castle town sightseeing
16:00 Begin return trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can beginners hike in Ase Valley?
A: Yes, beginners and families can enjoy the short course. However, the walking trail has stairs and rocky areas, so comfortable walking shoes and easy-to-move clothing are recommended.
Q2: When is the best time for fall foliage?
A: The foliage is typically best from late October to mid-November. Peak season is around early November, when the foliage festival is also held. As timing varies with weather conditions, it is recommended to check the latest information before visiting.
Q3: Can I bring pets?
A: Pets are allowed, but must be kept on a leash and consideration should be given to other visitors. Dispose of waste responsibly as the pet owner.
Q4: Are there restrooms?
A: Simple restrooms are available near the parking area. There are no restrooms within the gorge, so it is recommended to use facilities beforehand.
Q5: Can I enjoy it on rainy days?
A: Rainy conditions are slippery and dangerous, so visits are not recommended. Additionally, flooding may make walking trails impassable. Plan visits during clear weather.
Q6: Where can I eat?
A: There are no dining establishments in the immediate Ase Valley area, so it is recommended to bring a packed lunch or dine in nearby areas such as Kannabe Highland or Izushi.
Conclusion｜Experience Nature’s Healing at Ase Valley
Ase Valley is a natural treasure of which Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, can be proud. The beauty of the Ase 48 Falls, broadleaf forests, and four-season landscapes bring deep emotion and healing to all who visit.
You can enjoy refreshing forest bathing during the fresh green season, a cool retreat in summer, brocade-like fall foliage in autumn, and silent snowy landscapes in winter. The beauty during fall foliage season is particularly exceptional, making it a destination worth visiting at least once.
Car access is convenient, and the surrounding area is well-equipped with campgrounds, hot springs, and historically significant castle towns that can be combined for enjoyment. Whether for a day trip or 1-night, 2-day stay, you can have a fulfilling experience.
For those wanting to refresh yourself in nature, savor beautiful gorge views, or enjoy hiking, Ase Valley is an ideal destination. Enjoy Tajima’s abundant nature while being mindful of safety.
Why not visit Ase Valley during your next day off? It will surely become a wonderful experience to remember.
