Terihakyo (Gunma Prefecture) Complete Guide｜11 Waterfalls Named by Haiku Poet Mizuhara Shioseki and Spectacular Autumn Foliage
Terihakyo (照葉峡), located in Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, is a scenic gorge brimming with the atmosphere of a hidden gem, also called the “Oirase Gorge of the Kanto Region.” The haiku poet Mizuhara Shioseki praised it as “nowhere else has such magnificent autumn foliage” and personally named 11 large and small waterfalls scattered over approximately 5 kilometers, making it a renowned scenic spot.
This gorge, which spreads along the upper reaches of Yunokoya Stream (Kinone Stream), a tributary of the Tone River, displays beautiful seasonal changes throughout the year. However, it is particularly during the autumn foliage season from early to mid-October that a breathtaking display of colors unfolds.
History and Origin of the Name Terihakyo
Terihakyo became widely known as a name beginning in the early Showa period when haiku poet Mizuhara Shioseki visited this area. Shioseki was impressed by the beauty of the gorge and gave poetic names to each of the 11 waterfalls.
The name “Terihakyo” is said to express the appearance of autumn-colored leaves shining brilliantly. Mizuhara Shioseki was a figure who pursued natural beauty in the world of haiku, and named this gorge “Terihakyo” as an apt expression for the unique atmosphere and beauty it possesses.
The 11 Waterfalls Named by Mizuhara Shioseki
The greatest charm of Terihakyo lies in the 11 waterfalls scattered throughout a 5-kilometer section. They are arranged in the following order, progressing from downstream to upstream.
Waterfalls in the Lower Reaches (Around Senryu Waterfall)
Senryu Waterfall (潜龍の滝) is located at the entrance of Terihakyo and possesses a mystical atmosphere as if a dragon were lurking beneath. With abundant water volume, it creates a beautiful contrast with surrounding trees especially during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage.
Hisui Waterfall (翡翠の滝) is characterized by its emerald-green water surface. The water’s color changes depending on the light angle, earning its name from the brilliant radiance reminiscent of jade.
Kodama Waterfall (木精の滝) possesses a serene atmosphere as if spirits of trees dwell there. It is characterized by a landscape integrated with the surrounding primeval forest.
Waterfalls in the Middle Reaches
Tsuzumi Waterfall was named after the sound of water striking the rocks resembles the beating of a taiko drum. It is popular as a waterfall where one can also enjoy the beauty of sound.
Yamabiko Waterfall (山彦の滝) was named after the water sounds echoing through the gorge reverberate like a mountain echo.
Fudan Waterfall (不断の滝) was named because water flows continuously without ceasing throughout the year.
Shigure Waterfall (時雨の滝) is a beautiful waterfall where the water spray falls like a time rain shower.
Waterfalls in the Upper Reaches (Around Higurashi Waterfall)
Asagiri Waterfall (朝霧の滝) was named for the fantastical sight it presents when enveloped in mist upon visiting in the early morning.
Iwana Waterfall (岩魚の滝) is located in a place where char fish once inhabited abundantly.
Yuzuki Waterfall (夕月の滝) was named for the exceptional beauty at dusk when the moon rises.
Higurashi Waterfall is located at the uppermost reaches of Terihakyo and sits in a quiet environment where the cry of higurashi cicadas echoes. It is one of the waterfalls representing Terihakyo, with many tourists visiting.
Terihakyo Autumn Foliage Information
Best Time for Autumn Foliage
Terihakyo’s autumn foliage typically begins to color in early October, with early to mid-October being the most beautiful peak season. Due to its high elevation, it is known as a spot where autumn foliage can be enjoyed relatively early even within Gunma Prefecture.
The peak season may shift forward or backward depending on temperature changes and weather conditions. It is recommended to check the latest foliage information from the Minakami Town Tourism Association before visiting.
Characteristics of Autumn Foliage
The reason Terihakyo’s autumn foliage is called “Japan’s finest” lies in the richness of its colors. The gradation of red, yellow, and orange woven by diverse tree species such as beech, maple, mountain ash, and poison sumac is spectacular.
In particular, the sight of autumn foliage reflected in the clear stream, also called “water mirror,” creates a fantastical landscape where the actual foliage and its reflection in the water surface become one. The unique quality of light produced by the gorge’s terrain further enhances the beauty of the autumn foliage.
How to Enjoy the Autumn Foliage
Since Terihakyo does not have a maintained walking path, observation from vehicle windows is the basic approach. You can enjoy the performance of the 11 waterfalls and autumn foliage by slowly driving along Prefectural Route 63 (Mizukami-Katashina Line) from Yunokoya Hot Spring toward the Okutone Water Source Forest.
Photography is possible at safe stopping points along the way, but since many sections have narrow roads, careful attention to other vehicles is necessary. Especially on weekends during the autumn foliage season, congestion is expected, so visiting early in the morning or on weekdays is recommended.
During the drive, with successive sharp curves and narrow roads, it is best to travel with someone confident in driving or enjoy the scenery from the passenger or rear seat.
Access to Terihakyo
Access by Car
It takes approximately 50 minutes from the Mizukami IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway to reach the Terihakyo area.
- Exit at Mizukami IC and head north on National Route 291
- Proceed toward Yunokoya Hot Spring and onto Prefectural Route 63 (Mizukami-Katashina Line)
- Continue past Yunokoya Hot Spring further into the mountains to reach the Terihakyo area
From the Tokyo area, it is approximately 3 hours; from the Niigata area, approximately 2 hours.
During winter (typically from mid-November to late May), the prefectural road beyond Yunokoya is closed, so the visitable period is limited.
Access by Public Transportation
From JR Joetsu Line Mizukami Station, take the Kanten Bus “Yunokoya-bound” and get off at the final stop “Yunokoya,” then access by foot or taxi. However, the Terihakyo area is more than 5 kilometers from Yunokoya, making access by public transportation alone difficult.
It is recommended to consider taking a taxi or renting a car.
Parking Information
Terihakyo has no dedicated parking lot. You will need to use parking space in the Yunokoya Hot Spring area or parking facilities at accommodation facilities. Especially during the autumn foliage season, it is recommended to arrive early as congestion is expected.
There are spaces where vehicles can stop temporarily along the roadside, but care must be taken not to obstruct other vehicles.
Recommended Spots Around Terihakyo
Okutone Water Source Forest
Going further upstream from Terihakyo, you will find the Okutone Water Source Forest. Located in the source area of the Tone River, this area is a remote wilderness where primeval forest spreads. Giant beech trees, moss-covered rocks, and clear flowing water preserve untouched nature.
Walking paths are also maintained, allowing you to enjoy a forest bath full of negative ions. Visiting together with Terihakyo allows you to fully experience the richness of nature in the Okutone area.
Auto Campers Area Naramata
Auto Campers Area Naramata within Minakami Town is a campsite located along the clear waters of the Tone River. It is about 40 minutes by car from Terihakyo and is recommended for those who wish to enjoy camping in nature.
In addition to auto camp sites, bungalows and cottages are equipped, usable by everyone from beginners to advanced users. River play and fishing can also be enjoyed, making it popular with families.
Yunokoya Hot Spring
Yunokoya Hot Spring, located at the gateway to Terihakyo, is a hot spring area with the atmosphere of a hidden gem. Several hot spring inns are scattered throughout, each providing high-quality hot spring water with direct source flow.
A travel itinerary combining Terihakyo’s autumn foliage viewing with hot springs has become a standard course for autumn trips to Gunma. Some inns accept day-use bathing, allowing you to stop by during your drive.
Recommended Cuisine Around Terihakyo
Ramen Busho
Ramen Busho, a popular ramen restaurant in Minakami Town, is a favorite among locals. The combination of rich pork bone broth and homemade noodles is exquisite, making it recommended to visit before or after Terihakyo sightseeing.
Generous chashu pork and seasonal limited menus are also popular. Located near Mizukami Station, it is easily accessible.
Local Mountain Vegetable Cuisine
Accommodation facilities at Yunokoya Hot Spring offer dishes prepared with locally foraged mountain vegetables. In spring, you can enjoy fried and boiled bracken, osmunda ferns, and fatsia shoots; in autumn, mushroom dishes among seasonal flavors.
In particular, mountain vegetables such as bracken, osmunda ferns, and fatsia shoots are characterized by freshness and flavor that cannot be experienced in urban areas.
Hotel and Accommodation Information Around Terihakyo
Clear Stream Inn Tamura
Clear Stream Inn Tamura, one of the representative inns of Yunokoya Hot Spring, is a hot spring inn famous for its private open-air bath. Access to Terihakyo is convenient, and many tourists stay here during the autumn foliage season.
Direct source flow hot springs and cuisine using local ingredients are well-regarded, and the private open-air bath in particular offers views of seasonal nature.
Okutone Hot Spring Hotel Sunbird
Okutone Hot Spring Hotel Sunbird is a resort hotel located on the shores of Fujihara Lake. It is about 20 minutes by car from Terihakyo and features spacious guest rooms and well-equipped hot spring facilities.
The large bath overlooks Fujihara Lake, and particularly during the autumn foliage season, the foliage reflected in the lake creates a beautiful sight. Recommended for families and group stays.
Minakami Kogen Hotel 200
Minakami Kogen Hotel 200 is a resort hotel located on a highland at 1,000 meters elevation. Although about 40 minutes by car from Terihakyo, the vast grounds feature various activity facilities including a golf course, tennis courts, and ski slopes.
Hot spring facilities are also equipped, and it is recommended for those who wish to enjoy highland resort activities in combination with Terihakyo sightseeing. Particularly during autumn foliage season, the foliage surrounding the hotel is magnificent.
Precautions When Visiting Terihakyo
Road Conditions and Driving
Prefectural Route 63 leading to Terihakyo is a narrow mountain road with many curves. There are sections where it is difficult to pass oncoming vehicles, so careful attention is necessary while driving.
Especially on weekends during the autumn foliage season, congestion is expected, so plan with extra time. Additionally, the road surface becomes slippery in rainy conditions, so drive carefully at a reduced speed.
Clothing and Equipment
The Terihakyo area is at high elevation and has lower temperatures than lowland areas. Even during October’s autumn foliage season, mornings and evenings can be cold, so it is recommended to prepare warm clothing.
While observation from vehicles is the basic approach, warm clothes are important when getting out of the car for photography. Since the terrain along the gorge is poor in places, sneakers or trekking shoes are appropriate.
Accessible Period
The prefectural road beyond Yunokoya is typically closed during winter from mid-November to late May. The Terihakyo area cannot be accessed during the closure period, so careful attention to visitation timing is necessary.
The closure period may change depending on snow conditions, so it is recommended to check with Minakami Town Hall or the Minakami Town Tourism Association in advance.
Mobile Phone Signal
The Terihakyo area is in a remote mountainous location, so mobile phone signals may be weak in some areas. For emergencies, it is reassuring to note contact information for accommodation facilities and tourism associations in advance.
Four-Season Charm of Terihakyo
Late Spring to Early Summer (Late May to June)
When the prefectural road opens with the snowmelt, Terihakyo enters the season of fresh greenery. The budding leaves dye the gorge in bright green, and the clear stream’s water volume is abundant, increasing the waterfall’s power.
It is also the season for harvesting wild vegetables, and you can see locals visiting to gather mountain vegetables.
Summer (July to August)
Terihakyo in summer is a popular spot for those seeking coolness. Due to its high elevation, it is cooler than lowland areas, and the babbling clear stream and green trees create a sense of coolness.
You can fully experience its charm as a summer retreat in air full of negative ions.
Autumn (Early to Mid-October)
This is the season when Terihakyo shines most brilliantly. The autumn foliage that Mizuhara Shioseki called “Japan’s finest” colors the entire gorge, and the collaboration of the 11 waterfalls with autumn foliage is breathtakingly beautiful.
Many tourists visit during this period, so early morning visits are recommended. The combination of the gorge enveloped in morning mist and the autumn foliage creates a particularly fantastical atmosphere.
Photography Spots at Terihakyo
Around Senryu Waterfall
The area around Senryu Waterfall at the entrance of Terihakyo is a relatively accessible photography spot. You can capture the waterfall and surrounding trees in the same frame, and especially during the autumn foliage season, you can take photos rich in color.
Hisui Waterfall
Hisui Waterfall, characterized by its emerald-green water surface, is best photographed on clear days. Since the water’s color changes depending on the angle of light, visiting multiple times at different times allows you to capture different expressions.
Higurashi Waterfall
Higurashi Waterfall at the uppermost reaches of Terihakyo has a mystical atmosphere enveloped in silence. Visiting early in the morning when few people are around allows for more fantastical photography.
Other Tourist Attractions in Minakami Town
It is recommended to visit other tourist attractions in Minakami Town when visiting Terihakyo.
Tanigawa Mountain
Tanigawa Mountain, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, is a representative mountain of Minakami Town. You can ascend to Tenjin Plateau by ropeway, from where you can view the majestic scenery of Tanigawa Mountain.
During the autumn foliage season, the entire mountain is colored, allowing you to enjoy autumn foliage on a grander scale different from Terihakyo.
Suwa Gorge
Suwa Gorge, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Tone River gorge, has a maintained walking trail where you can enjoy a casual stroll. The view from the suspension bridge is particularly popular, and many tourists visit during the autumn foliage season.
Takara River Hot Spring
Takara River Hot Spring, known for Japan’s largest open-air bath, is a popular spot rivaling Terihakyo in Minakami Town. You can soak in the gigantic open-air bath while viewing the seasonal nature.
Model Courses for Terihakyo Sightseeing
Day Trip Course
Morning: Head from Mizukami IC to Terihakyo and view the 11 waterfalls from vehicle windows (Approximately 2 hours)
Lunch: Day-use bathing and lunch at an inn at Yunokoya Hot Spring
Afternoon: Stroll through Okutone Water Source Forest, then move to Mizukami Hot Spring area to visit Suwa Gorge
Evening: Day-use bathing at Mizukami Hot Spring, then head home
1-Night 2-Day Course
Day 1
Morning: Depart from Tokyo area, head to Terihakyo from Mizukami IC
Lunch: After viewing Terihakyo, have lunch at Yunokoya Hot Spring
Afternoon: Stroll through Okutone Water Source Forest, day-use bathing at Takara River Hot Spring
Evening: Check in at a hot spring inn at Mizukami Hot Spring or Yunokoya Hot Spring
Day 2
Morning: Ascend to Tenjin Plateau by Tanigawa Mountain ropeway
Lunch: Lunch around Mizukami Station
Afternoon: Stroll through Suwa Gorge, then head home
Conclusion
Terihakyo is a remote gorge that Gunma Prefecture Minakami Town boasts, with the 11 waterfalls named by haiku poet Mizuhara Shioseki and autumn foliage called “Japan’s finest” as its greatest charms. Also called the Oirase Gorge of the Kanto, this gorge attracts many tourists especially during the autumn foliage season from early to mid-October.
While observation from vehicle windows is the basic approach, the gorge’s beauty and the waterfall’s performance stretching over approximately 5 kilometers deliver deep emotion to all who visit. Various ways of enjoying it are possible, including combining with Yunokoya Hot Spring and touring with Okutone Water Source Forest.
Since there is a winter closure period limiting the visitable period, the natural beauty during the open season is all the more extraordinary. As a representative autumn foliage spot and a remote gorge in Gunma Prefecture, Terihakyo is truly a scenic spot worth visiting once.
With relatively good access from the Kanto region, it is ideal as a weekend getaway or autumn foliage viewing destination. Be sure to see with your own eyes the beautiful gorge scenery that Mizuhara Shioseki loved.
