Atera Valley

The biggest attraction of Asaji Valley is the clear emerald green stream. This beautiful water, also known as Asaji Blue, is created by the Asaji River, a tributary of the Kiso River, and its beauty is sure to captivate you. A promenade has been developed for valley walks, which is about 2km long and takes about 40 minutes. There are two suspension bridges along the promenade, and the water seen from the bridges is so clear that you can't tell how deep it is. The green and sky colors reflected on the water are also beautiful, making it a spot that photography enthusiasts will love. At the end of the promenade is a waterfall called "Ushigataki". The waterfall was named after its basin, which resembles a cow. The water splashing from the basin creates a rainbow and sparkles as it reflects the sunlight. The sound of the waterfall is also pleasant, and you can enjoy a refreshing view. In the summer, the area is bustling with people enjoying river play. It's also recommended to bring your swimsuit and enjoy the coolness of the water.

Slightly off the walking path, there are places with names inspired by folktales such as "Tanukigafuchi" and "Kumagafuchi". These fuchis are surrounded by rocks and trees, and there is a legend that animals used to practice transforming themselves by using the water surface as a mirror. You can feel the enchanting atmosphere of the place. The water in the fuchi is also highly transparent, allowing you to observe various types of fish and stones of different shapes. The water in the fuchi is cool and refreshing, making it a great place for water activities during the summer.

While summer, with its water play, is the most popular season, there are many other attractions throughout the year. Spring is the season of fresh greenery. Deciduous trees such as maple and Japanese maple spread their new leaves on both sides of the valley, creating a beautiful gradient of green and a refreshing contrast between water and greenery. The water level also increases, and the sound of waterfalls and pools is pleasant to the ear. Flowers such as the Japanese primrose and the monkshood also bloom, adding color to the valley. Autumn is the season of autumn leaves, and the best time to see them is from mid-October to mid-November. The red and yellow leaves color the valley, and their reflection on the water surface is also fantastic. The collaboration between autumn leaves and waterfalls and pools is breathtaking, making it a spot that photo enthusiasts cannot resist. If you go in the fall, the roads are relatively empty, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the valley and autumn leaves at a leisurely pace.

In the surrounding area, you can enjoy camping and barbecues. At the entrance to the valley, "Atera-so" offers hot springs and barbecue cottages, making it a great place to stop by after a stroll. At "Forestpa Kiso," you can experience forest bathing and athletics. At the upstream "Nozokido Forest Park Campsite," you can rent tents or cottages and stay in nature. If you plan to do these activities, it's recommended to bring clothes and towels that you don't mind getting dirty.

There are hotels and inns located a little away from the valley. Among them, Nojiri-juku is an inn where you can feel the history and culture as the 40th post town on the Nakasendo road. The length of the post town street is second only to Naraai-juku among the Kiso Eleven Post Towns, and its feature is that the town street is winding and called "Nanakuri". Here, you can enjoy many inns where you can taste the traditional architecture and atmosphere of the Kiso Road, as well as crafts such as Kiso's five woods and Kiso lacquerware. You can also enjoy dishes and hot springs using Kiso's ingredients, especially Kiso beef and wasabi are famous. It is a recommended place for those who want to stay relaxed while feeling the history and culture.