Hiratani Valley

mountain streamgorgewaterfallsswimmingUreshino

Saga · Ureshino

33.0700°N, 129.9800°E

Hiratani Valley, in the mountains between Ureshino and Nagasaki, follows the upper Hiratani River through a narrow gorge of sculpted granite. The 3km trail passes 12 small waterfalls, pools of extraordinary clarity (visibility 4–5 meters in summer), and one section where the path has been cut directly into the cliff face at water level. The surrounding broadleaf forest filters sunlight into green-gold shafts that illuminate the water surfaces differently every hour.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Open year-round (outdoor trail)

Closed: Never closed | Trail may be impassable after heavy rain

Entrance Fee

Free

Best Season

July–August for stream swimming | Late October for autumn foliage | Spring for wildflowers

Visit Duration

2–3 hours (full 3km trail and back)

Getting There

Access Information

Hiratani Valley, Ureshino City. A drive from Ureshino Onsen. Trailhead parking (free, 15 cars) at Hiratani Valley entrance. Trail marked throughout; hiking shoes essential.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Swimming season:** July–August, the second and third pools (20 and from trailhead) are swimmable — clear water maintained at 17–19°C by spring inputs. Bring a dry bag for valuables and waterproof sandals for the pool sections. **Autumn timing:** Late October, the valley walls turn gold and the leaf fall creates surface patterns on the pools. The best light for photography: 14:00–16:00 when the sun reaches the valley floor through the narrow upper opening.

View on Google Maps