Introduction
Kumamoto is dotted with historical landmarks and tourist spots.
Tateno Valley is a hidden recommended spot.
We would like to look back and introduce the beauty, charm, and recommended spots of Tateno Valley, which we visited in 2014 before the Kumamoto earthquake.
Enjoy your adventure in this place where nature and activities are in harmony.
How to access
Access by car
In 2014, it was about an hour’s drive from Kumamoto city.
The drive while admiring the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers made me feel like the beginning of my trip.
Relying on the navigation, we followed a narrow mountain path and found ourselves in the Tateno Valley, which spreads out amidst the tranquil nature.
Go by public transport
At that time, access from Kumamoto Station was limited, but if you use the limited express train, you can reach Tateno Station in about an hour, and you can also walk to Tateno Valley.
The charm of Tateno Valley
Overview
Located at the western end of Aso Caldera, Tateno Valley is the only valley where all the rivers within Aso Caldera flow out of the caldera.
The length of the gorge is approximately 2 km from near Choyo Bridge to south of JR Tateno Station, and the depth ranges from 40 to 60 meters.
The Kurokawa, which flows through the Aso Valley in the northern part of the caldera, and the Shirakawa, which flows through the Nango Valley in the southern part, merge directly under the Choyo Bridge to form the Shirakawa River, which flows through Kumamoto City and into the Ariake Sea (Shimabara Bay).
The rock that forms the vertical wall seen on the right bank of the Kurokawa upstream of the Choyo Bridge is Tateno lava that flowed down from a volcano in the Aso caldera about 60,000 years ago, and the square timber-shaped cracks (columnar joints) that formed as it cooled are clearly visible. Masu.
Activities in the valley
River swimming and trekking have been popular in Tateno Valley since those days.
By trekking while playing in the water, we were able to cool off from the clear stream without feeling the summer heat.
There is also a canyoning point deep within the valley, making it a place that will tickle your active and adventurous spirit.
Nearby tourist attractions
Around Tateno Valley, there was the Tateno Dam Observation Deck.
The scenery seen from the observation deck was spectacular, and the scenery from the blogs and photo albums from that time still remains in my heart.
Points to note when visiting Tateno Valley
Prepare appropriate clothing and equipment
Back then, trekking shoes and quick-drying clothing were important.
We also carried rain gear and cold weather gear in case of unpredictable weather.
Taking garbage home and etiquette
Eco manners are an important point. Even back then, I was always careful to carry garbage bags and take them home with me.
A sense of protecting shared natural spaces was spreading among visitors.
Plan your time and check the weather
Activities and trekking can take time.
It was necessary to have a plan in place and be flexible in responding to changes in the weather.
Summary
In 2014, Tateno Valley was an unexplored, unexplored region where nature and adventure coexisted.
Beautiful seasonal scenery, activities, and nearby sightseeing spots all come together in harmony to create many memories for us as a recommended spot in Kumamoto.
We hope that this article will be helpful when considering a visit to Tateno Valley, and that it will also serve as an invitation for readers to take part in a wonderful adventure.
Due to the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the landscape changed completely, but thanks to the efforts of many people, reconstruction has been achieved and it has become the new Tateno Valley.
There are scars from the Kumamoto earthquake, so be sure to visit.
