Nakayama Shichiri Valley

Nakayama Shichiri stretches 28 kilometers through the mountains of Hida Kisogawa Quasi-National Park, its name meaning seven ri in the mountains. The route was carved out in 1586 by military commander Kanamori Nagachika at the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, using mining technology to push a passage through difficult terrain and improve transport between what are now Gero and Kanayama. The valley follows National Route 41 and the JR Takayama Line, and seasonal cherry blossoms, azaleas, and autumn foliage draw visitors throughout the year. Notable rocks along the way include Rakan-iwa, shaped like a Buddhist arhat, and the tusk-like Kiba-iwa formations.