Tō-no-Hetsuri Cliffs

To-no-Hetsuri is a gorge lined with unusual rock formations created by nature through long-term erosion and weathering. The name "To-no-Hetsuri" means cliff with rocks standing like towers; "hetsuri" is a local word for cliff. A suspension bridge (closed in winter) leads to the area around the cliffs, and you can also observe parts of the cliff interior. The distance from To-no-Hetsuri Station to the suspension bridge is not far, and the slope is short, making it enjoyable even for older visitors. The scenery is beautiful in every season: in early summer, wisteria blossoms against the white rock faces look like a painting; in autumn, the red leaves stand out against the white rocks and even color the flow of the Okawa River. Designated a National Natural Monument, the site’s distinctive shapes have inspired many names—such as "Meoto-ishi" (the Couple Rocks). It’s also fun to imagine what each rock resembles as you stroll along the cliff and appreciate nature’s sculptural beauty.