Dorokyo Gorge｜Ancient Cliffs & Hidden River Canyon

Dorokyo is a large gorge spanning Nara, Mie, and Wakayama Prefectures within the Yoshino-Kumano National Park.
This area, which retains its ancient natural beauty, is known for its stunning cliffs.
Dorokyo is divided into the upper Dorokyo and the lower Dorokyo along the Kitayama River.
The lower Dorokyo, pictured here, features massive rocks and unique stones, and this section is known as “Dorohattyo.”

The suspension bridge located just below the boat dock.

Nanairo Kyo, located upstream from Dorokyo, is in Kitayama Village, Wakayama Prefecture. Kitayama Village is unique as it is the only “village entirely surrounded by other prefectures” in Japan; it is encircled by Nara and Mie Prefectures while being part of Wakayama Prefecture.

This geographical quirk is closely related to the area’s rafting history.
Historically, timber cut in this region was transported by raft downstream to Shin-Gu City in Wakayama Prefecture.
As a result, Kitayama Village has long had stronger ties with Wakayama Prefecture compared to its neighboring Nara and Mie Prefectures.