Sounkyo onsen "Momijidani Valley" — Attraction in Kamikawa

Momojidaki is a great walk available for free in the Sounkyou area... the walk takes you from the parking lot (only a handful of spots available) and the path goes for about 700 meters to the main waterfall. The walk is relatively flat (except at the end)- where it doesn’t get a little tough ( e wary taking young kids here). It’s supposed to take 45mins but our family took a lot longer - not getting there and taking photos. Also the path got very muddy and is not well maintained.

The waterfall is nice but not a must see. However after a lo g walk you feel vindicated. The start has some wonderful maple trees to enjoy. They also illuminate the start area at night (until about 19 Oct I think).

Be warned that like many forest areas in Japan there is always a chance you’ll encounter a bear. If you do - gather everyone together - don’t run and don’t aggravate the bear - and make sure everyone maintains eye contact with the bear. Normally If you make enough noise they will get out...

A good spot for a short hike. The distance is 700m and you can cover it in 1.5 hours with a short break at the waterfall. The path is pretty narrow and flat half way and gets a bit rocky and uneven too. There was still ice in some portions of the trail (this is in May). So make sure you have good shoes. The hike was relatively easy in general and the way to the waterfall was green and lush with trees. The waterfall was beautiful and was quite chilly for May. There is a parking lot for few cars. You will definitely need to car to reach this spot since it’s quite tucked in from the other spots in this area. But I feel this spot is better compared to the other two waterfalls Ryusei and Ginga just because of the crowds. This waterfall had no people around which made it a perfect and quiet hike through...

When on last week of Oct. A short drive of about 5 mins after coming out from the ropeway station. There's a very small carpark near the entrance, otherwise there's space for another 3-4 cars just before the hiking trail. Gentle and easy walk until you could see the waterfall when the narrow track become steep. I turn back from here and it took me about an hour to complete the hike in a...