Overview
Konose Gorge is a ravine in Naka-cho, Naka District, Tokushima Prefecture. It lies in the headwaters of the Naka River, at Konose on the southern foot of Mount Jiro-gyu, where a majestic landscape of exposed limestone boulders spreads across the area. Renowned for its autumn foliage, it has been chosen among Japan's 100 Best Autumn Leaf Spots and the Hundred Autumn Leaf Sites of Japan, and is also listed among the 88 Scenes of Tokushima and the 50 Water Journeys of Tokushima. The gorge's beauty, woven from clear streams, great boulders, and blazing foliage, offers scenery worthy of Tokushima's deep interior.
Highlights
- ●Foliage chosen among Japan's 100 Best Autumn Leaf Spots and the Hundred Autumn Leaf Sites of Japan
- ●Clear streams and gorge scenery in the headwaters of the Naka River
- ●Majestic natural terrain of exposed limestone boulders
- ●A spot also honored among the 88 Scenes and 50 Water Journeys of Tokushima
History
Konose Gorge is a ravine carved into the headwaters of the Naka River, spreading across the Konose area at the southern foot of Mount Jiro-gyu. Its terrain of exposed limestone boulders is the result of water grinding away at rock over long ages of natural work. That it appears on several lists of scenic renown, among Japan's 100 Best Autumn Leaf Spots, the Hundred Autumn Leaf Sites of Japan, the 88 Scenes of Tokushima, and the 50 Water Journeys of Tokushima, shows how widely its scenery has been esteemed. This is a scenic place where nature itself, rather than any human structure, plays the leading role.
Access
The gorge lies deep in the mountains of Naka-cho, Naka District, Tokushima, near latitude 33.78 and longitude 134.07. Reached only by following mountain roads up along the Naka River, it is difficult to visit by public transport, so access by private car or rental car is essential. As it takes considerable time from the Tokushima direction, plan a relaxed schedule. Please check the condition of the mountain roads and any traffic controls during the foliage season in advance through the official information of Naka-cho or the tourism association.
Best season
The finest season is unquestionably autumn, when the whole gorge turns red and gold, generally around November. The coloring, worthy of selection among Japan's 100 Best Autumn Leaf Spots, is breathtaking. In early summer the contrast of clear streams and fresh green is lovely, and summer suits a stroll in search of cool air. As it lies deep in the mountains, however, winter brings the risk of snow and ice, so choose the timing of a visit carefully.
Map
33.7886, 134.0790 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head from Naka-cho up the mountain road along the Naka River to Konose Gorge
- 2Stroll the ravine woven from limestone boulders and clear streams
- 3In foliage season, savor the view of the whole colored valley
- 4Descend the mountains on the return, watching the nature of the Naka River's source
Did you know?
💡 The name Konose Gorge derives from Konose, a place on the southern foot of Mount Jiro-gyu. As its standing as the headwaters of the Naka River suggests, here the pure, cold water near the river's source coexists with the rugged forms created by limestone boulders. Among Tokushima's many scenic spots, its listing on no fewer than four rosters of autumn-foliage renown is especially noteworthy.
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