Nishizawa Valley, Yamanashi, Japan is the perfect place to go hiking in Autumn, you can enjoy views such as leaves changing its color. I decided to go trekking and hiking there at the beginning of November as a day trip from Tokyo. It is known for beauty of clear and blue waterfalls, and nature. You might encounter some animals, too!
Access to Nishizawa Valley From Tokyo
We rented a car for 1 day plan in Fuchu, Tokyo since it is a bit closer to Yamanashi compared from the center of Tokyo.
Noted: Highway is NOT FREE in Japan, just let you know. And you need a certificated driver’s license to drive, of course.
Parking Lot and Price at Nishizawa Valley
We arrived at 10 a.m. and there are many spaces available still. It is 20 mins away on foot from an entrance of Nishizawa valley.
It costs 500 JPY in this season (changing color), but usually it is free 😌 You should have some coins (100 yen or 500 yen), or a bill (1,000 yen) in CASH!
There is one closer to the entrance of Nishizawa Valley, but it was occupied.
Tips
Here are tips from me who went to Nishizawa Valley as a beginner for trekking/hiking.
There are a lot of spots where you need to walk on wet rocks, a unstable small bridge, and you can easily slip there.
What to Wear
- Some layers of clothes for adjusting easily
- Shoes with anti-slip
What to Bring
- Water – a bottle of water (500 ml) was not enough for me
- Snacks – I brought chocolates, and energy bars
- Towel
- Extra clothes (T-shirts or inner) & a pair of socks in a plastic bag in backpack
- Zip lock – to protect your belongings in case of you slipping and get wet
You should make sure that you can use your both hands are free.
I also brought extra clothes for my yoga pants, underwear, hoodie, but I left them in a car.
Bathroom
You should go to bathroom around parking lots, or at entrance, since there is NO bathroom on trekking course.
Let’s Start Trekking
Here is the bathroom I mentioned above, you should go if you need. Now we are ready to go!
Trekking Routes
Through my research, I knew there were 2 courses for trekking, one for 2 hours, the other for 4 hours.
We were planning to go on 2h’s one.. although it was unavailable on that day. We didn’t have a choice not to go on 4h course.
Noted: you can NOT RETURN since it is one way
Futamata Suspension bridge
It is beautiful with colored leaves!🌉 A good spot for pictures! 📸
Triple Waterfall
It is clear and blue water!! Impressed with this beauty 💙
Nanatsugama 5 Layers of Waterfalls
There are 5 layers of falls, and it is also blue clear water!
The Remains of Forest Railway
There is a long tough stairs waiting for you, one step is big and I kept feeling sores on my knees and thighs lol
Observation on Top
Feeling so accomplished with seeing this view! Maybe a bit earlier for changing color to the fullest, but still beautiful. After this spot, it is hiking course which is easy to go!
Netori Big Bridge
It’s different from other bridges we’ve passed by, you can tell the elevation is not high anymore at this point. And you can come back after walking for a while to get the entrance.
How Long It Takes for Trekking?
It took 4 hours for me as a beginner. As I wrote above, we never expected to walk for this long, and all of us were so tired and hungry.
Enjoy Your Road Trip
Hirose Dam
A little bit before Nishizawa Valley, we stopped by Hirose Dam. Nothing special, but we enjoyed walking around for a bit 😊
In Japan, you can enjoy “Service Area” on highway for local food, souvenirs, etc.
Dangozaka Service Area
We stopped by Dangozaka Service Area on the way to go to Nishizawa Valley, and went to bathroom, bought some stuff we need like snacks and beverages.
We got us a pork bun which smelled so good 🐷
It is 3 hours away from Tokyo, and those beautiful blue waterfalls are amazing. I recommend you to go if you are interested in!