Odagake Gorge

Overview

Odagake Gorge, located in Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori Prefecture, is a designated Place of Scenic Beauty. It's situated in the upper reaches of the Odaka River, a tributary of the Sando River, stretching approximately 4.3 kilometers from the Kanzakura district to the Nakatsu Dam. The surrounding area is characterized by ancient granite bedrock of the Chugoku Mountains. This granite formed a conglomerate layer after sinking beneath the sea, then rose and was overlaid by volcanic rock. Heavy rainfall and snowfall typical of the San'in region have deeply eroded this area, creating differential erosion at the boundary between the conglomerate and granite layers. This has resulted in numerous caves and potholes, forming a steep and complex landscape. On the southern slope of Sando-san mountain, this erosion forms Odagake Gorge, while the northern slope forms Sando-kei (famous for the To-nyu-do hall of Sando-san mountain). The bedrock of Odagake Gorge is primarily biotite granite, with interspersed gabbro, diorite, and greenstone traversing the riverbed. The intricate network of valleys with numerous pools and waterfalls, coupled with significant differences in elevation, creates a temperature inversion where the water's surface is cooler and the upper cliffside is warmer. This gives rise to a unique ecosystem with high-altitude plant communities in the valley bottom and warm-climate Japanese red pines on the cliffs, contributing to its dramatic beauty. Odagake Gorge is famous for its beautiful fresh green leaves and autumn foliage. In autumn, cold air becomes trapped in the valley bottom, causing fallen leaves to seem to flow upstream – a local spectacle that captivates many visitors. The gorge features many pools, including the O-fuchi (male pool) and Me-fuchi (female pool), each holding its own legends and folklore. With well-maintained walking paths, exploring the gorge's beauty is a delight. It's a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. Odagake Gorge is one of Tottori Prefecture's leading tourist destinations, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year.