Oni no Shitaburui Gorge: Okuizumo's Scenic Valley and the Story Behind Its Name
Oni no Shitaburui (a gorge known for its unusual rock formations) stretches for about 2 km through Minari in Okuizumo, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture, with huge boulders, distinctive rocks, and a clear-flowing river.
Designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument in 1927 (Shōwa 2), it brings together natural rock formations and the myths of Izumo.
Look out over the valley from a suspension bridge 45 m above it, or see the unusual rocks up close from the riverside walking trail; the scenery changes depending on where you walk.
Giant Boulders and Clear Water Shape the Gorge
Over many years, the Ōmaki River, a tributary of the Hii River, carved through bedrock of biotite granite to form a deep V-shaped valley.
Water flows between sheer rock walls and huge boulders piled on the valley floor, revealing many different patterns of splitting and erosion.
Straight cracks in the bedrock called joints (setsuri) and rounded hollows carved by flowing water called potholes (ōketsu) give the gorge its distinctive scenery.
Looking beyond the sheer size of the rocks to the lines on their surfaces and the paths of the water adds another dimension to your walk.
The Goddess and Wani Legend Behind the Gorge's Name
The name is linked to a story in the Shitaiyama passage of the ancient regional chronicle Izumo no Kuni Fudoki, in which a wani falls in love with the goddess Tamahime no Mikoto.
The goddess is said to have blocked the river with giant rocks to stop the wani, and one theory holds that a phrase meaning “the wani longed for her” evolved into the place name.
The wani in this story is explained as a shark.
Along the walking trail, you will also find Tamahime Shrine, which enshrines Tamahime no Mikoto.
There are several theories about the name's origin, but knowing the myth may help you see a story in the giant boulders that seem to fill the river.
Top Things to See at Oni no Shitaburui Gorge: Suspension Bridge and Unusual Rocks
Take in the whole valley from the suspension bridge, then focus on the rock surfaces and flowing water from the trail to enjoy the gorge from different perspectives.
Rocks named for their shapes or legends, including Shitō-iwa (Sword-Testing Rock), Hando-iwa (Water Jar Rock), and Tengu-iwa (Tengu Rock), are scattered through the gorge.
When choosing what to see, give priority to routes that are open on the day of your visit.
Views from Shitaburui no Koi Suspension Bridge, 45 m Above the Gorge
Shitaburui no Koi Suspension Bridge is 45 m high and 160 m long, and fully opened in 2013.
It spans the gorge near Une Parking Lot on the downstream side, and the trail continuing from the bridge forms part of the accessible route.
The bridge offers views across the gorge, so take in the surrounding trees along with the depth of the valley.
Its name refers to the love legend in the Fudoki, and the accessible walking trail continuing from the bridge is also known as a “Lovers' Sanctuary.”
If you are uncomfortable with heights, discuss how far to walk with your companions rather than making plans that require you to cross.
The Sharp Split in Oni no Shitō-iwa
Oni no Shitō-iwa is a giant boulder split cleanly in two, as though cut with a blade.
Legend says an oni (a mythical ogre) tested its sword on the rock, but the boulder is understood to have split along a crack known as a joint.
It is thought to have split along the crack after the huge rock tumbled into the riverbed.
It stands near Shitaburui-kamibashi Bridge on the upstream side.
Understanding the legend and the natural process separately lets you observe the same rock from different perspectives.
See the Water Jar Shape of Hando-iwa
Hando-iwa was named for its resemblance to a traditional water storage jar.
Its distinctive feature is a jar-shaped rock standing in a delicate balance on top of a large boulder.
It is thought to have originally been part of the boulder beneath it, with the surrounding rock gradually breaking away and the section that happened to remain taking this shape.
The jar-like shape is easier to recognize from certain angles.
The path around the back of Hando-iwa is marked as closed, so look for the part that resembles a water jar from an open section of the trail.
Look Up at the Towering Cliffs of Ōtengu-iwa and Kotengu-iwa
Ōtengu-iwa (Great Tengu Rock) is a massive, nearly vertical cliff rising about 80 m.
Kotengu-iwa (Little Tengu Rock) is a cliff about 60 m high, named because its upper section resembles a karasu-tengu (a mythical crow-like being) wearing an eboshi, a traditional hat, with its beak thrust forward.
These high rock walls are understood to have formed through repeated river erosion and collapses along joints in the bedrock.
Along with the unusual rocks on the valley floor, pause now and then to look up at the rock walls towering above the gorge.
Spot Rounded Hollows Carved by the River
Potholes are hollows formed when pebbles and other material spin in flowing water and wear away the rock.
Oni no Rakurui-iwa (Ogre's Tears Rock) has potholes on both sides that make it look as if an oni is crying.
At Ama-tsubo (Rain Potholes), where hollows of various sizes cluster together, rainwater now collects beyond the river's reach, showing that the riverbed once stood at this height.
Comparing straight cracks with rounded, eroded sections reveals how the properties of the bedrock and the action of water shaped the scenery.
Oni no Shitaburui Walking Routes and Trail Closures
For a first visit, plan your walk around the accessible trail, using only sections open that day.
The trail linking Une Parking Lot and Shimodakao Parking Lot is about 2 km long, taking roughly 1 hour one way at a leisurely pace.
You can also turn back partway to suit your stamina and return transportation, without committing to a loop.
Choose the Une or Shimodakao Entrance and Plan Your Return
An accessible route connects Une Parking Lot on the downstream side with Shimodakao Parking Lot on the upstream side.
The accessible route between Shimodakao Parking Lot and Une Parking Lot is about 2.3 km long, passing Shitaburui-kamibashi Bridge, Seishin-tei (a rest pavilion), and the Koi Suspension Bridge.
However, some sections, including areas near Tengu Bridge, are closed, so check which parts are open before setting out.
How far you need to walk and the transportation arrangements you need depend on whether you return to the same parking lot or leave through a different entrance.
If you plan to exit at a different entrance from where you parked, arrange your return transportation in advance.
Understand the Accessible Sections and Riverside Paths
Sections between Une Parking Lot and Shimodakao Parking Lot have been developed for wheelchair access.
However, an accessible-route sign does not mean every path in the area offers the same walking conditions.
The path descending from the Une Parking Lot side toward Tamahime Bridge on the valley floor includes a steep slope, so watch your footing.
If you are visiting with a wheelchair or stroller, confirm which entrance and route to use with the Okuizumo Tourism Association (0854-54-2260).
Follow Trail Restrictions Before Relying on Walking Maps
Some sections are closed, including the path from Tengu Bridge around the back of Hando-iwa.
Access is restricted because of hazardous sections of trail and reconstruction work.
A path shown on a map may not be open.
If your planned route is closed, do not decide to proceed on your own; follow the closure notices and restriction signs on site.
Best Time to Visit Oni no Shitaburui: Fall Foliage, Fresh Greenery, and Seasonal Tips
Choose the season of fresh greenery for the contrast between green leaves and rock surfaces, or visit in fall to enjoy the colors of the trees.
The leaves usually begin changing color around late October, with peak fall foliage generally from late October to mid-November.
The timing varies each year with temperatures, so check foliage conditions with the tourism association or a similar source before you leave.
Enjoy the Layers of Leaves and Water from Spring Through Fall
The trees surrounding the gorge change with the seasons, from young spring leaves to summer greenery and fall colors.
In fall, colorful maple leaves and other foliage brighten the rock faces and flowing river.
Bridges with open views through the valley, including Shitaburui-kamibashi Bridge, Tamahime Bridge, and the Koi Suspension Bridge, also offer places to enjoy the fall foliage.
For photos, consider including the rocks and flowing water in your composition rather than framing only the leaves.
Here are ways to appreciate the scenery in each season and preparations to consider before setting out.
| Season or Conditions | What to Look For | Preparation and Decisions |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh spring greenery | The contrast between young leaves and rock faces | Dress for the temperature |
| Summer greenery | Layers of trees and water | Carry drinking water |
| Fall foliage (late October to mid-November) | Leaf colors and the depth of the valley | Check foliage conditions in advance |
| Snow season | Put safety before scenery | Avoid entering the area |
Avoid Visiting During Snowy Winter Conditions
Snow is not cleared, so please avoid entering the area when there is snow on the ground.
There are no scheduled closure days, but footing on the trails and in the parking lots may be poor while snow remains.
Do not press ahead with a walk just to see winter scenery; consider choosing another attraction when snow is present.
How to Get to Oni no Shitaburui and Prepare for Your Walk
If you are visiting without a car, combine rail travel with a taxi and plan your return journey to make transportation arrangements easier.
The gorge is in Minari, Okuizumo, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture, and the parking lots can accommodate large buses.
Take a Taxi from Izumo-Minari Station
Allow about 10 minutes by taxi from Izumo-Minari Station on the JR Kisuki Line.
Check the Kisuki Line train timetable and taxi availability in advance.
Clearly specify whether you want to be dropped off and picked up at Une Parking Lot or Shimodakao Parking Lot.
If you are unsure about explaining the location in Japanese, have “鬼の舌震” and the name of your chosen parking lot ready to show on your screen.
If you are driving, deciding whether to set your navigation destination to Une Parking Lot or Shimodakao Parking Lot will help you arrive at the correct entrance.
Check Admission, Parking, Restrooms, and What to Bring
Walking in the gorge is free, including crossing the Koi Suspension Bridge.
Une Parking Lot and Shimodakao Parking Lot are also free to use.
Restrooms are available at Une Parking Lot and Shimodakao Parking Lot.
There are no restrooms along the walking trail, so use the facilities in the parking lot before you start.
Prepare the following items and information before your walk.
- Shoes with good grip and a bag that leaves both hands free
- Drinking water, rain gear, and an outer layer suited to the temperature
- A saved walking map and information for your return transportation
Take a Break at Oni no Shitaburui-tei by Une Parking Lot
The shop Oni no Shitaburui-tei is near the entrance to Une Parking Lot.
It sells the local specialty Oni no Hanakuso, sweets with a sweet bean-paste filling wrapped in dough scented with brown sugar.
If you would like to stop by, check the opening hours and product availability beforehand.
Photography and Etiquette for Walking in the Gorge
As you enjoy the scenery, keep the path clear and take care not to damage the natural surroundings.
Stop and Take Photos from Secure Footing
Take photos from a safe spot on the trail, without stepping backward while looking at your screen or going beyond fences for a better composition.
Avoid blocking the path with photography equipment, and be considerate when other people appear in your photos.
Here are considerate ways to handle common situations during your walk.
| Situation | What to Do | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Passing other walkers | Give way and wait | Blocking the path by standing side by side |
| Taking photos | Check your footing and surroundings | Stepping backward while looking at your screen |
| Observing nature | Look from the trail | Damaging rocks or plants |
| Disposing of trash | Take it home with you | Leaving it on site |
Put Safety First on Rainy Days and in the Evening
The trails can be slippery in the rain, and there is no nighttime lighting.
Check your footing carefully on wet surfaces, and decide when to turn back so you can return to the entrance before dark.
The walk between the parking lots takes about 1 hour one way, so start with plenty of time, especially in fall and winter when the sun sets earlier.
In bad weather, prioritize shortening your walk over continuing to a rock you want to see.
Plan Your Oni no Shitaburui Gorge Walk Around Current Trail Conditions
At Oni no Shitaburui, enjoy the views from the Koi Suspension Bridge 45 m above the gorge, the shapes of unusual rocks, and the myths preserved in its name.
Choosing your entrance and return route and checking trail restrictions before you walk will help keep your outing manageable.
Enjoy the fresh greenery or fall foliage, and choose a walking distance that suits you and the day's weather and ground conditions.
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