Doro Gorge [瀞峡]
Tamakiguchi bording point to Doro Gorge
Doro Gorge
Doro Gorge ("Doro-kyo" in Japanese) is a gorge formed by Kitayama River which is a tributary of Kumano River.
Kumano River flows by Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine and Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine.
It flows into Pacific Ocean at the center of Shingu city.
The distance from Kumano Hongu Taisha to Kumano Hayatama Taisha is about 30 km.
The junction of Kumano River and Kitayama River is at about 10 km from Kumano Hongu Taisha.
Doro-kyo is located about 20 km upstream of Kitayama River from the junction.
The gorge named "Doro-kyo" is about 10 km long from there.
The area is deep in the mountain and only a few small villages are dotted along the river.
But the river contains a great volume of water.
There are a few small suspension bridges such as Yamabiko-bashi bridge.
Especially a 3-kilometer section of the downstream has many high cliffs, huge rocks, strange rocks and caves, so it is designated as a national natural treasure.
This section is called Dorohatcho (瀞八丁).
To tour around Doro-kyo, a small sightseeing boat is operated.
You must make a reservation by phone (0735−44–0987).
The boarding point is Tamakiguchi, and it is the entrance of Dorohatcho gorge.
It is about 30 km from Shingu station.
But, because no route bus is operated, you have no choice but to use car.
The boat tour is held six times a day every day except Monday from March to November. It takes about 40 minutes.
