Along National Route 168, connecting Gojo City in Nara Prefecture and Shingu City in Wakayama Prefecture, lies the once-considered remote and hidden gem of Japan, the Totsukawa Onsen kyo. Totsukawa Onsen kyo encompasses Yusenchi Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Totsukawa Village, the bustling Totsukawa Onsen itself, and the secluded Kamiyu Onsen with only one inn. The National Route 168 was once infamous for its treacherous conditions, often referred to as a rugged road. Landslides and rockfalls were frequent, leading to extended road closures lasting several tens of days each time. About 50 years ago, when I visited, there were several places where traffic waited for up to an hour due to narrow passages. Nevertheless, it remained a popular hot spring destination, attracting visitors from all over the country in search of hidden gems.
Situated in the heart of the Kii Peninsula, this area still retains the remnants of its secluded past. Various suspension bridges, including the 297-meter-long and 54-meter-high “Tani-se no Tsurihashi,” dot the landscape. Waterfalls are scattered throughout, and the “Sasa no Taki” waterfall in the photograph has been selected as one of the “100 Famous Waterfalls in Japan.” The majestic waterfall, with a drop of approximately 32 meters, echoes through the serene natural surroundings. The beauty of the cascading water, the rising mist, and the mysterious threads of white flowing over the rocky surface create a captivating and tranquil atmosphere that resonates deeply with the soul.

奈良県五條市と和歌山県新宮市を結ぶ国道168号線の途中に、かつて日本の秘境と言われた十津川温泉郷があります。十津川温泉郷とは、十津川村で最も古い温泉のある湯泉地温泉、最も賑わいのある十津川温泉、たった一軒の宿しかない上湯温泉の総称です。国道１６８号線は、かつては酷道と呼ばれる程の悪路でした。土砂崩れや山崩れが絶えず起こり、その度に何十日も通行禁止になる事はしばしば。50年前程に行った時は、離合待ちで最大1時間という様な場所が何ヶ所かありました。それでも全国から秘湯を求めてやって来る人が絶えない人気の温泉地でもありました。紀伊半島のど真ん中にあるこの地は、いまだに秘境の名残をとどめ、長さ297メートル高さ54メートの「谷瀬の吊り橋」を初め、大小様々な吊り橋があったりします。滝などは至る所にあり、写真の「笹の滝」は、「日本の滝100選」にも選ばれていて、落差約３２メートルにもなる雄大な滝は静寂な自然の中に轟音を轟かせ、水しぶきをあげて流れおちる美しさはもちろんのこと、岩肌を流れる白糸の神秘さに心まで澄み渡る思いがします。