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The Yoro Valley or Yoro Keikoku is a rugged, lush, valley carved over centuries by the Yoro River. It is located in the central Boso peninsula of Chiba prefecture between Otaki Town and Ichihara City. There are a wide variety of well maintained hiking paths one can take directly from the Yoro Keikoku Station. It is one of the most popular destinations from Tokyo to view the spectacular autumn leaf colors. The best times for viewing the leaves are are usually from late November to early December. Festivals to commemorate the changing of the seasons and the autumn displays are held in late November in the towns dotting the valley.
In spring the seasonal displays in Japan center around the cherry blossoms but in autumn the special delight of the season is the changing of the color of the leaves. From brilliant yellow, mellow orange and bright crimson red it is a seasonal sight that is longed for here in Japan. It is a display of a myriad of colors before the coming winter.
The Yoro valley is surrounded by steep densely forested hills as the river carves its way to the Pacific ocean. Disappearing down one of the trails one can experience entering the world of nature far removed from the mega metropolis of Tokyo.
Every year the local tourism association holds a festival in late November to celebrate the spectacular fall foliage, where you are certain to see a wide array of yellow, red, and orange leaves, but primarily the striking crimson red of the Japanese maple trees.
The easiest and shortest way to access the Yoro Keikoku from Tokyo station is to take the Uchibo train line to Goi Station. Travel time is about 50 to 60 minutes. Then transfer to the quaint little Kominato train line and travel through the central Boso peninsula of Chiba and enjoy the many sights along the way until you arrive at the the Yoro Keikoku station. The are several other stations along the Kominato train line that will lead you to hiking trails ranging from one hour to several to reach your destination.
Just outside the Yoro Keikoku station to the right you will find the signs to embark on your hiking journey. One of the favorite destinations is the hike through Umegase Canyon then through Maple Valley to the Daifukuyama Observatory which provides a spectacular panoramic view of the lush Boso peninsula. Round trip hiking along the roads and trails will take several hours so be sure to bring enough with you to drink and eat.
There are also several onsens or hot springs resorts where you can relax in a hot natural mineral bath after your day out hiking. You can spend the night at some if you like or just take a bath and head back to Tokyo. If you are in a hurry to return you can get a foot bath at the Yoro Keikoku station before you head off.
Another place you can access by bus from the Yoro Keikoku station is Awamatano Taki, the longest waterfall in Chiba that cascades down the valley for 100 meters from a height of 30 meters. The trails are well marked and continue along the banks with various viewing areas. There are some day use onsens in the area where you can soak in the pleasures of hot springs mineral water to relax after your hike and later have a meal.
You can also easily reach the valley by car from Tokyo in a little over an hour. From Tokyo take the Aqua Line towards Kisarazu and continue to the Keno Expressway. Get off at Kisarazu Higashi Interchange. Then take route 410 to route 465.
The best spot in this region is the Awamata-no-taki Falls, located in the mountains about four kilometers upstream, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in Chiba. Its height of 30 meters and clear water running over a distance of 100 meters down stair-shaped rocks has earned it praise for its resemblance to silk cloth spread out.
On the west bank of the river, a walkway has been constructed for 1.7 kilometers, where visitors can enjoy the sound of the stream as they stroll along. The spot attracts people especially in fall, when they can view its beautiful autumn leaves. Bathing in a hot spring inn is possible without staying overnight. There are also sites for outdoor activities such as fishing, barbecues and camping, where you may want to set aside time to enjoy yourselves.
In spring the seasonal displays in Japan center around the cherry blossoms but in autumn the special delight of the season is the changing of the color of the leaves. From brilliant yellow, mellow orange and bright crimson red it is a seasonal sight that is longed for here in Japan. It is a display of a myriad of colors before the coming winter.
The Yoro valley is surrounded by steep densely forested hills as the river carves its way to the Pacific ocean. Disappearing down one of the trails one can experience entering the world of nature far removed from the mega metropolis of Tokyo.
Every year the local tourism association holds a festival in late November to celebrate the spectacular fall foliage, where you are certain to see a wide array of yellow, red, and orange leaves, but primarily the striking crimson red of the Japanese maple trees.
The easiest and shortest way to access the Yoro Keikoku from Tokyo station is to take the Uchibo train line to Goi Station. Travel time is about 50 to 60 minutes. Then transfer to the quaint little Kominato train line and travel through the central Boso peninsula of Chiba and enjoy the many sights along the way until you arrive at the the Yoro Keikoku station. The are several other stations along the Kominato train line that will lead you to hiking trails ranging from one hour to several to reach your destination.
Just outside the Yoro Keikoku station to the right you will find the signs to embark on your hiking journey. One of the favorite destinations is the hike through Umegase Canyon then through Maple Valley to the Daifukuyama Observatory which provides a spectacular panoramic view of the lush Boso peninsula. Round trip hiking along the roads and trails will take several hours so be sure to bring enough with you to drink and eat.
There are also several onsens or hot springs resorts where you can relax in a hot natural mineral bath after your day out hiking. You can spend the night at some if you like or just take a bath and head back to Tokyo. If you are in a hurry to return you can get a foot bath at the Yoro Keikoku station before you head off.
Another place you can access by bus from the Yoro Keikoku station is Awamatano Taki, the longest waterfall in Chiba that cascades down the valley for 100 meters from a height of 30 meters. The trails are well marked and continue along the banks with various viewing areas. There are some day use onsens in the area where you can soak in the pleasures of hot springs mineral water to relax after your hike and later have a meal.
You can also easily reach the valley by car from Tokyo in a little over an hour. From Tokyo take the Aqua Line towards Kisarazu and continue to the Keno Expressway. Get off at Kisarazu Higashi Interchange. Then take route 410 to route 465.
The best spot in this region is the Awamata-no-taki Falls, located in the mountains about four kilometers upstream, which is one of the biggest waterfalls in Chiba. Its height of 30 meters and clear water running over a distance of 100 meters down stair-shaped rocks has earned it praise for its resemblance to silk cloth spread out.
On the west bank of the river, a walkway has been constructed for 1.7 kilometers, where visitors can enjoy the sound of the stream as they stroll along. The spot attracts people especially in fall, when they can view its beautiful autumn leaves. Bathing in a hot spring inn is possible without staying overnight. There are also sites for outdoor activities such as fishing, barbecues and camping, where you may want to set aside time to enjoy yourselves.
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