[Scenic Touring] [Yamanashi Prefecture] Motorcycle trip to Ojirakawa Valley! A solo Harley trip with a spectacular view of emerald green water and the hometown of natural water!
Ojirakawa Valley is a valley in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, where the Ojirakawa River originates from Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Southern Alps. Ojira River is also the home of Suntory Minami Alps natural water. There are many attractions in the valley, including Sengafuchi, Kamija Falls, and Fudo Falls. Sengafuchi, in particular, is a popular spot that can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot from the parking lot, and the abyss, which is about 10 meters deep, shines in emerald green. The water quality is very clean and you can clearly see the rocks and fish underwater. In the summer, many people come to enjoy playing in the water.
Route to Ojirakawa Valley
This time, we will introduce the route starting from central Tokyo and arriving at Ojirakawa Valley via the Chuo Expressway. The journey takes approximately 3 and a half hours.
Enter the Metropolitan Expressway Inner Loop Line/C1 from Tokiwabashi
First, take the Shuto Expressway Central Loop Line/C1 from Tokiwabashi. The Metropolitan Expressway Central Loop Line/C1 is an expressway that circles central Tokyo, providing access to major areas such as Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. By using this expressway, you can smoothly connect to the Chuo Expressway.
From Miyakezaka JCT, take Shuto Expressway No. 4 Shinjuku Line/Route 4.
Next, at Miyakezaka JCT, use the right lane to enter Shuto Expressway No. 4 Shinjuku Line/Route 4 towards Shinjuku/E20/Chuo Expressway. Metropolitan Expressway No. 4 Shinjuku Line/Route 4 is an expressway that connects western areas such as Shinjuku and Hachioji, and is directly connected to the Chuo Expressway. By using this expressway, you can head towards Yamanashi.
Proceed along the Chuo Expressway
Then continue on the Chuo Expressway. The Chuo Expressway is a major expressway that connects Tokyo and Nagoya, and famous places such as Mt. Fuji and Mt. Yatsugatake are located along the route. By using this expressway, you can go to Sutama IC in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Exit the Chuo Expressway at Sutama IC
Finally, exit the Chuo Expressway at Sutama IC and head towards Kiyosato Line/National Route 141. Kiyosato Line/National Route 141 is a national highway that connects Yamanashi Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture, and includes tourist spots such as Kiyosato and Hakushu. By using this national highway, you can reach Ojirakawa Valley.
Highlights of Ojirakawa Valley
There are many attractions in the Ojirakawa Valley, including Sengafuchi, Kamija Falls, and Fudo Falls. Here, we will introduce the features and access methods of each.
Sengafuchi is the most famous spot in the Ojira River Valley. It is located about a 15 minute walk from the parking lot. Sengafuchi is a spectacular sight with its 10 meter deep pool shining an emerald green color. The water quality is very clean and you can clearly see the rocks and fish underwater. In the summer, many people come to enjoy playing in the water. The water temperature is low at about 15 degrees, so you will need to prepare a swimsuit and towel. Also, be careful about safety when playing in the water.
Kamija Falls is a waterfall located further upstream from Sengafuchi. It is located about a 30 minute walk from Sengafuchi. Shinja Falls is a beautiful waterfall that flows down in three tiers, forming a cauldron. The height is approximately 20 meters. Near the waterfall, there is a small shrine called Kamija Shrine. Kamija Shrine is a place that has been worshiped as a water god since ancient times. You can be healed by the sound of the waterfall and the green scenery.
Fudo Falls is a waterfall located at the deepest part of the Ojira River Valley. It is located further upstream from Kamija Falls. It takes about an hour and a half on foot from Sengafuchi to Fudo Falls. Fudo Falls is an impressive waterfall with a height of approximately 30 meters. Near the waterfall, there is a small hall called Fudo-do, which is dedicated to Fudo Myoo. Fudo-do was built during the Edo period, and a fire walking festival is held every August 18th. Just like any mountain trail, there is a risk of falling down to Fudo Falls, so please prepare your climbing equipment and proceed with caution.
Motorcycle parking lot at Ojirakawa Valley
There is a free motorcycle parking lot at Ojirakawa Valley. The motorcycle parking lot is called Ojirakawa Keikoku Parking Lot, and is large enough for about 100 regular cars. The motorcycle parking lot is located along Prefectural Route 614.
Summary
Ojirakawa Valley is a beautiful valley located in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The scenery of the emerald green pools and waterfalls created by the clear stream of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Southern Alps is breathtaking. There are many attractions such as Sengafuchi, Kamija Falls, and Fudo Falls. In the summer, many people come to enjoy playing in the water. It takes about 3 and a half hours to get there from central Tokyo via the Chuo Expressway. There is a free motorcycle parking lot at Ojirakawa Valley. If you are touring by motorcycle, Ojirakawa Valley is a recommended spot.
In this article, we introduced what Ojirakawa Valley is, the route to Ojirakawa Valley, the highlights of Ojirakawa Valley, and the motorcycle parking lot at Ojirakawa Valley. The Ojira River Valley is a place so rich in nature that it has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waters. When you ride a bike, you can feel the sound of wind and water. If you have a chance to go to Yamanashi Prefecture, be sure to visit Ojirakawa Valley.
[Scenic Touring] [Yamanashi Prefecture] Motorcycle trip to Ojirakawa Valley! A solo Harley trip with a spectacular view of emerald green water and the hometown of natural water!
