The route that we will be mentioning on this article features some very prominent and breathtaking waterfalls while being a fairly beginner friendly hike. The hike is around 6 kilometers in length and there are several power spots with plenty of negative ions to intake and recharge in nature, away from everyday city life. You will be making your way past three waterfalls, and then head towards the observatory deck where a temple is also located at the top.

The elevation change throughout the whole hike is around 1,500 meters. It is recommended to wear comfortable trekking shoes or sneakers and clothes that are easy to move in to ensure a comfortable hike. Be sure to carry water as well to stay hydrated.

A trek that can be enjoyed throughout the 4 seasons in Nagano

Make your way down the Venus line into the Merhen line. Continue for around 15 minutes until you reach the Yokoya valley entrance car park. The car park here is free of charge so park at an empty spot. Once you get off at the car park, it is a two-minute decent before you arrive at the first waterfall.

The first waterfall you will encounter on this trip is known as the Otome falls, and rumor has it that it is a waterfall that grants wishes, so be sure to ask for what you would really like when visiting this waterfall. The area is also abundant in minus ions that are meant to be very good for the body.

Once you continue down the trail, you will reach Yokoya onsen ryokan. Continue along the path by following the signs that point towards Otaki, which should be around 4 kilometers or so. Once you continue along the trail for 10 minutes, you will come across the second waterfall, Kirifuri falls, which has the highest amount to negative ions throughout the whole hike. This is because this particular waterfall is deep inside the valley where the flow of water along with lush vegetation makes for air that is very crisp and you can feel the air fill your lungs fully as you breathe. It is a very unique experience. This waterfall is also known to freeze over the winter to create another very beautiful scene that is different to what it looks like on the other three seasons. Therefore, it is worth coming back on different seasons to experience the beauty of Tateshina that is so rich in nature.

Otaki falls

Continue for a further 20 minutes uphill following the signs that point towards the observatory and you will reach Otaki, the main attraction of this hike. This is a view that can definitely be enjoyed regardless of the season. In fact, this is a spot that should definitely be enjoyed every season, as the atmosphere changes each season. The photo taken below is one from early autumn, and the vivid colors evoke a very magical atmosphere, almost as if being transported into a forest from the lord of the rings.

For people who still have the energy to continue to the top of the trail, you need to back track about 100 meters and then head towards the trail with the marker, Yokoya observation deck. This will lead you to a fairly steep incline trail which is around 500 meters in length. Although the distance is not that much, the incline of this trail makes traversing it take around 30-40 minutes to reach the very top. From the very top, the views of Tateshina highlands spreads out over the horizon. During the autumn season, the mountains on either side are covered in vibrant reds and oranges making it a wonderful sight.. At the top, along with the observatory deck stands a Buddhist temple surrounded by maple trees that also show its beautiful red hues during the autumn season. This brings an end to the trek towards the observatory deck. For people who are tired and would like an easier way down to the car park where the trek starts, a bus service runs from the onsen hotel that is roughly 5 minutes away. Be aware that there are only 3 buses per day, so make sure to plan ahead!

Tateshina highlands

The return following the same route is a lot easier as you are heading downhill, thus it is considerably faster than the climb up. For people who love the great outdoors, the prefecture of Nagano in general is a great place to relax and unwind. Here in the Tateshina highlands, there are a myriad of experiences that are just waiting to be found and explored which has yet to gain popularity within international tourists, so if you do decide to come this way, you are sure to discover a different side of Japan; a space tailored for you! For more information about the Tateshina highlands, please click here. For more information about the Venus Line, please click here.