Torisaki Hakkei – Scenic Beauty Guide of Mori Town, Hokkaido | Autumn Leaves, Access, Complete Explanation of Eight Scenic Spots
Torisaki Hakkei (鳥崎八景), located in Mori Town, Hokkaido, is a natural work of art woven by pristine forests and gorges spreading across the upper reaches of the Torisaki River, which flows into Uchiura Bay. Traveling inland along the Torisaki River from National Route 5, you will find a gorge that displays beautiful scenery in each season, along with eight specially selected scenic viewpoints waiting for you. In this article, we will convey the full charm of Torisaki Hakkei.
What is Torisaki Hakkei? The Complete Picture of Gorge Beauty That Mori Town is Proud Of
Torisaki Hakkei is a collective name for eight scenic spots scattered across a section of approximately 4 to 12 kilometers from the mouth of the Torisaki River. The Torisaki River, which originates from Mount Inugamidake, has carved out a gorge over many years, known as “Torisaki Gorge,” and within it, the particularly scenic locations have been named “Torisaki Gorge Eight Scenic Spots.”
Mori Town is the only municipality in Hokkaido that uses the name “machi,” and Torisaki Hakkei is beloved by local residents and tourists alike as a representative spot of this region’s rich natural environment. The gorge, surrounded by pristine forest, retains its natural state with minimal human intervention, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking healing.
Geographic Characteristics of Torisaki Hakkei
The Torisaki River is a waterway that flows into Uchiura Bay (Funka Bay). Its upper reaches are characterized by steep terrain and abundant forests. This region is blessed with warm climate and abundant rainfall in southern Hokkaido, nurturing diverse vegetation. Along the gorge, landscapes of varied topography continue—including steep cliffs, unusual rock formations, and waterfalls—never failing to captivate visitors.
Complete Guide to Eight Scenic Viewpoints
The eight scenic spots that constitute Torisaki Hakkei each possess unique charm and characteristics. Information boards are installed at each point, allowing first-time visitors to enjoy them without getting lost.
1. Tori Jigoku (Bird Hell)
Tori Jigoku, the first viewpoint of Torisaki Hakkei, is located near the entrance of the gorge. It is characterized by deep pools and rapid currents, with the name “Hell” derived from the intense swirling water flow. During the fresh green season, the scenery overflows with refreshing clarity; during autumn foliage season, the contrast between red and yellow-tinted trees and the water surface is beautiful.
2. Byobu Gake (Folding Screen Cliff)
Byobu Gake, considered the highlight of Torisaki Hakkei, is characterized by spectacular scenery of steep cliff faces reaching approximately 100 meters in height. The sight of vertical rock walls stacked like folding screens is breathtaking, allowing you to feel nature’s sculptural beauty up close. During autumn foliage season, trees covering the cliff face turn color, creating a magnificent contrast with the rock surface.
3. Niji Kakeiiwa (Rainbow-Draped Rock)
Niji Kakeiiwa received its name because rainbows appear when water spray is illuminated by sunlight. Visiting during the morning when light angles are favorable increases the chances of seeing a beautiful rainbow. The unique rock formation also makes this a popular photography spot.
4. Futami-ga-Taki (Twin Falls)
Futami-ga-Taki is a beautiful waterfall where two streams of water cascade down side by side. Water volume varies by season, but during spring snowmelt or after rain, the water increases and presents an impressive sight. High humidity around the falls reveals unique vegetation. It is also known as a healing spot where you can be thoroughly bathed in negative ions.
5. Shishi Hazama (Lion’s Gap)
Shishi Hazama is a scenic spot featuring unusual rock formations that resemble a lion’s head. The rocks, worn away by wind and rain over many years, appear as if a lion were roaring, which is how the name was derived. This is a point where you can truly appreciate the wonderful sculptural beauty created by nature.
6. Komagadake Dam
Komagadake Dam is a rare viewpoint among the eight scenic spots that includes a man-made structure. It is characterized by scenery where the dam and surrounding nature are in harmony, with the still surface of the dam lake mysteriously reflecting surrounding mountains. It is also popular as a fishing spot, attracting many stream fishing enthusiasts.
7. Shin Torisaki Ohashi (New Torisaki Grand Bridge)
Shin Torisaki Ohashi is a viewpoint where the view from looking down from the bridge spanning the gorge is excellent. From the bridge, you can look out over the entire gorge, and especially during autumn foliage season, you can enjoy a carpet-like scenery of trees in various colors. The bridge itself has a design that blends into the landscape, making it a photogenic spot.
8. Kami Ootaki (Upper Great Falls)
Kami Ootaki, located at the innermost part of Torisaki Hakkei, is the most upstream scenic spot among the eight. The sight of a waterfall with significant drop cascading forcefully is spectacular, with cool air drifting around the waterfall basin. Reaching here allows you to feel even more deeply the depth of the pristine forest, creating an atmosphere truly like a hidden frontier.
Torisaki Hakkei as a Famous Autumn Foliage Spot
Torisaki Hakkei is widely known as one of Hokkaido’s representative autumn foliage destinations. The pristine forest spreading along the gorge turns vibrant colors—red, yellow, and orange—in autumn, creating splendid scenery with the contrast of the clear blue stream and gray rock surfaces.
Peak Autumn Foliage Viewing Period
The peak autumn foliage season at Torisaki Hakkei is typically from early October to late October. Due to elevation differences, autumn colors begin from the upper reaches and gradually descend toward the lower reaches. Therefore, even during the same period, the progress of autumn colors differs by location, allowing you to enjoy foliage viewing over an extended period.
Since weather conditions can shift the peak period forward or backward, it is recommended to check the latest autumn foliage information from Mori Town’s tourism association or official website before visiting.
How to Enjoy the Autumn Foliage Season
To maximize your enjoyment of Torisaki Hakkei during autumn foliage season, the following points are helpful:
Early morning visits are recommended
The time when morning light enters the gorge is when autumn colors appear most beautifully. You can also avoid crowds, allowing you to savor the scenery leisurely.
Visit multiple viewpoints
Since each of the eight scenic spots has different appeal, visiting multiple points as time permits allows you to experience the diverse beauty of Torisaki Hakkei.
Prepare your camera
The scenery created by autumn foliage, gorges, waterfalls, and more is ideal for photography. Bringing a wide-angle lens or tripod can result in more impressive photos.
Pay attention to clothing
October in Hokkaido is cool, with particularly cold temperatures in early morning and evening. Prepare warm clothing and visit in comfortable, easy-to-walk-in shoes.
Fresh Green and Full Green Seasons Also Offer Attractions
Torisaki Hakkei displays beautiful scenery not only during autumn foliage season but also during fresh green season and summer’s full green period.
Fresh Green Season (Mid-May to June)
After winter closures are lifted in mid-May, Torisaki Hakkei enters a beautiful fresh green season. Newly sprouted young leaves shine in vivid green, and the combination with increased streamflow from snowmelt is filled with refreshment. Spring flowers begin to bloom, making this an ideal time for forest bathing.
Full Green Season (July to August)
Summer Torisaki Hakkei is covered in deep green, serving as an ideal summer retreat for those seeking coolness. Along the stream, temperatures are relatively low, allowing comfortable enjoyment even in midsummer. This period is also the stream fishing season, attracting many anglers.
Torisaki Hakkei as a Famous Fly Fishing Spot
Torisaki Hakkei is highly regarded not only for beautiful scenery but also as a famous fly fishing spot. The Torisaki River is home to stream fish such as yamame and iwana, allowing you to enjoy fishing in clear streams.
Fishing Season and Precautions
The main fly fishing season runs from May through September. When fishing, you must comply with Hokkaido’s inland fisheries adjustment regulations and purchase fishing licenses as needed. To protect the natural environment, practice leaving no trace by taking all trash with you and consider practicing catch-and-release fishing.
Access Methods and Transportation Information
Car access is the most convenient way to reach Torisaki Hakkei.
Access by Car
From Hakodate
Approximately 40 minutes via National Route 5 toward Mori Town. Enter the road along the Torisaki River from Mori town center and follow signage. Approximately 15 minutes to Torisaki Hakkei entrance.
From Sapporo
Use the Dou-oh Expressway, exit at Mori IC. Head toward Hakodate on National Route 5, then enter the road along the Torisaki River from Mori town center. Travel time is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
Access by Public Transportation
JR Hakodate Main Line “Mori Station” is the nearest station, but there is no public transportation from the station to Torisaki Hakkei, so taxi use or rental car is necessary. Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Mori Station.
Parking Information
Small parking spaces are available near each scenic viewpoint, but they may be full during peak periods such as autumn foliage season. Weekend and holiday visits are especially recommended earlier in the day.
Winter Closure and Visitable Periods
Torisaki Hakkei is closed from early November to mid-May due to snowfall and frozen road surfaces. During this period, roads are closed to traffic and access to the eight scenic spots is impossible, so attention is necessary when planning visits.
The generally visitable period is from mid-May to early November, though the opening and closing dates may vary from year to year depending on weather conditions. It is recommended to confirm with Mori Town Hall or the tourism association before visiting.
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Hot Springs
When visiting Torisaki Hakkei, you can also enjoy other tourist spots around Mori Town.
Tourist Attractions in Mori Town
Oniushi Park
Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, approximately 500 cherry trees bloom magnificently in spring. An observation deck offering views of Uchiura Bay is also available.
Nigorikawa Hot Spring
Located in the mountainous area of Mori Town, this hot spring resort offers abundant hot spring waters. It is relatively close to Torisaki Hakkei and is ideal for soothing fatigue after sightseeing.
Mount Komagadake
Active volcano Mount Komagadake is a symbolic landmark of Mori Town. Many mountain climbers visit during climbing season.
Combination with Hakodate Area
Mori Town is approximately 40 minutes by car from Hakodate, so it is also recommended to combine it with Hakodate sightseeing. A course that enjoys Hakodate’s historic buildings, night views, seafood cuisine, and then visits nature-rich Torisaki Hakkei allows you to experience the diverse charms of southern Hokkaido.
Precautions When Visiting Torisaki Hakkei
Please observe the following points to safely enjoy Torisaki Hakkei.
Safety Precautions
- Roads along the gorge have slippery sections, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip
- Near cliffs and waterfalls, stay behind barriers and enjoy the scenery from safe locations
- Weather can change suddenly, so carry rain gear
- Cell phone signal may be weak in some areas, so plan your activities in advance
Manners and Environmental Protection
- Take all trash with you to protect the natural environment
- Plant collection and animal feeding are prohibited
- Avoid entering areas other than designated locations
- Enjoy nature quietly without making noise
History of Torisaki Hakkei and Place Names
The origin of the place name “Torisaki” has various theories, but the Ainu language origin is most prominent. Indigenous Ainu people lived in this area for a long time, and their language remains in place names.
The selection of eight scenic spots as Torisaki Hakkei is relatively recent, occurring after the value as a tourist resource was recognized. To introduce the beautiful gorge loved by local residents for many years to more people, information boards were installed, resulting in the current form.
Torisaki Hakkei as a Photography Spot
Torisaki Hakkei is a fascinating photography spot for photography enthusiasts. It offers diverse subjects including gorge beauty, waterfalls, autumn foliage, and pristine forest.
Recommended Photography Spots
Byobu Gake
The contrast between vertical cliff faces and autumn foliage allows dynamic photography. Using a wide-angle lens to express scale is recommended.
Futami-ga-Taki
Using slow shutter to express waterfall flow like silk is popular. A tripod and ND filter are effective.
Shin Torisaki Ohashi
The view of the entire gorge from above the bridge is particularly excellent during autumn foliage season.
Photography Tips
- Morning and evening light create very different moods, so revisiting at different times is recommended
- On cloudy days, light is soft and gorge greenery and foliage colors appear vivid
- Water spray and moisture can fog lenses, so carry a lens cloth
Crowding Conditions and Best Visiting Times
Torisaki Hakkei is a relatively hidden gem, but can become crowded during peak autumn foliage season (mid-October weekends).
Expected Crowded Periods and Times
Crowded periods
- Mid-October weekends and holidays
- Weekends immediately following media reports of peak foliage
Relatively uncrowded times
- Weekday mornings (especially early morning)
- Late afternoon (note early sunsets)
Tips for Leisurely Enjoyment
Visiting on a weekday allows you to enjoy the scenery almost exclusively in quiet solitude. Visiting during seasons other than autumn foliage—such as fresh green or summer—also offers less crowding for peaceful walks.
About Mori Town
Mori Town, where Torisaki Hakkei is located, is the only municipality in Hokkaido that uses the name “machi” (rather than “chou”). Facing Uchiura Bay with Mount Komagadake rising behind it, it is a nature-rich town.
Mori Town is also known as the birthplace of “ikameshi” (squid-stuffed rice), and you can purchase the specialty at JR Mori Station. The town is also abundant in seafood products such as scallops and oysters, offering gourmet dining experiences.
Conclusion: Experience Hokkaido’s Primordial Nature at Torisaki Hakkei
Torisaki Hakkei is a natural treasure Mori Town is proud of. Eight individually distinctive scenic spots—including Byobu Gake, Shishi Hazama, and Futami-ga-Taki—inspire visitors. Particularly famous as an autumn foliage destination, it offers diverse ways to enjoy it year-round, including fresh green season, summer’s full green period, and stream fishing season.
Easily accessible from National Route 5 and close to Hakodate, it is a must-visit spot when traveling in southern Hokkaido. Why not spend time in the quiet gorge surrounded by pristine forest, forgetting daily life and communing with nature?
When visiting, avoid the winter closure period (early November to mid-May) and check for latest information before departure. With attention to safety and care for the natural environment, fully savor the beauty of Torisaki Hakkei.
