Hatonosu Valley

In short

Hatonosu Valley is a gorge along the Tama River that extends south of Hatonosu Station on the JR Ome Line. The clear waters of the Tama River flow between giant boulders and unusually shaped rocks, earning it a reputation as the finest valley scenery in Okutama. The view from Hatonosu Kobashi Bridge, a suspension bridge overlooking the valley, is a major highlight.

• ​View from Hatonosu Kobashi Bridge​​: A suspension bridge that offers a panoramic view of the valley, located about a 10-minute walk from Hatonosu Station.
• ​Sui-jinja Shrine, the origin of the place name​​: Pigeons nesting in the woods of Sui-jinja Shrine are known as the origin of the name "Hatonosu" (meaning "pigeon's nest").
• ​Walking trail to Shiromaru Dam​​: Crossing the bridge and walking upstream leads to Shiromaru Dam via a climb up 130 stone steps.

History and Highlights

Hatonosu Valley is a valley of the Tama River located in Tanazawa, Okutama Town. It continues downstream from Shiromaru Dam, which dams the Tama River, and lies south of Hatonosu Station on the JR Ome Line. Beneath approximately 40-meter-high cliffs, the Tama River flows between giant boulders and strangely shaped rocks. This scenic beauty of bizarre and giant rocks extends for 500 meters. It is also a well-known spot for fresh green foliage and autumn leaves.

During the Edo period, workers' lodgings were built in this area as a base for Okutama's timber logging and log rafting, and Sui-jinja Shrine was established here. Two pigeons nested in the woods where the shrine stood, and because they appeared so affectionate, the area came to be called the "Pigeon's Nest Lodgings" (Hatonosu no Hanba). It is handed down that this became established as the place name. Sui-jinja Shrine is known as the birthplace of the name Hatonosu.

The Hatonosu Valley Walking Trail is maintained along the gorge. This trail is part of the Otama Walking Trail that runs along the Tama River. Crossing the bridge and walking upstream leads to Lake Shiromaru, where Shiromaru Dam is located, and continues further toward Kazuma Gorge.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Hatonosu Kobashi Bridge​​: A suspension bridge offering a panoramic view of the valley, forming part of the Hatonosu Valley Walking Trail. From the bridge, visitors can look over the valley where the Tama River flows between giant and uniquely shaped rocks.
• ​Soryu Falls​​: An 18-meter-high waterfall cascading on the Nishi River, a tributary flowing into the Tama River. It drops directly beneath the Hatonosu Bridge on National Route 411 and can be easily viewed using the walking trail.
• ​Shiromaru Dam Fishway​​: At Shiromaru Dam upstream, there is one of the largest fishways in Japan. It was completed in 2002 (Heisei 14) to allow fish to pass that could no longer swim upstream along the Tama River after the dam was built.

Walking Tips

After getting off at Hatonosu Station, cross the Ome Kaido road and head down to the Tama River. Hatonosu Kobashi Bridge is about a 10-minute walk from the station. A recommended route is to enter the walking trail from the east entrance of Hatonosu Tunnel on National Route 411, pass Sui-jinja Shrine, and take the trail along the Tama River to Hatonosu Kobashi Bridge. Because the path beyond the bridge becomes a rocky and stony mountain trail, wear thick-soled shoes. Take care not to slip on the flat rock benches (iwa-datami). On the mountainside just before Shiromaru Dam, there are 130 steep stone steps, which are the only difficult section on this course. Those who are not confident in their footing can still enjoy the valley simply by making a round trip to Hatonosu Kobashi Bridge. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Hatonosu Valley to Shiromaru Dam, and 20 minutes to walk from Shiromaru Dam to JR Shiromaru Station. Swimming and diving are prohibited in the valley. As there are lodging facilities nearby, please enjoy your visit quietly. To protect the landscape, the use of tents and tarps is also prohibited.