Route Overview
Kaouchi Valley Road (Kaouchidani Road) is a scenic route about 10 km long.
It runs from Nabari City in Mie Prefecture to Soni Village in Nara Prefecture.
The road goes through Kaouchi Valley, a beautiful area with tall cliffs and a river called Shorenji River.
In autumn, the valley is full of colorful leaves — red, orange, and yellow.
It is a popular place for driving and motorbike touring.
Recommended Route Section
The best part is the road from Shorenji Lake to Soni Highland.
You will drive next to the river, with steep rocks rising on both sides.
In autumn, the view is amazing with red leaves and blue sky.
There are many curves, but the road is not too steep.
You can enjoy a slow and relaxing drive.
Road Condition & Safety
The road is fully paved, but it is narrow in some places.
Be careful when passing other cars.
There may be fallen leaves or small rocks on the road.
It is slippery when it rains, and there are no streetlights at night.
So it is best to drive during the day.
Always check for road closures before you go.
Places to Stop
- Kaouchi Valley Viewpoints: See the tall rocks and river up close.
- Shorenji Lake: A quiet spot to relax by the lake.
- Soni Highland: Famous for tall grass (susuki) in autumn. Great at sunset.
- Okame-no-Yu Hot Spring: A good place to rest after your drive.
Local Food
Near Shorenji Lake, you can find cafes and restaurants with local vegetables.
At Soni Highland Farm Garden, you can enjoy meals made with tofu, miso, and other local foods.
You can also buy souvenirs and fresh farm products.
Access
- About 20 minutes by car from Nabari City to Shorenji Lake
- You can also come from Nara side, through Soni Highland
- Parking is available near Shorenji Lake and Soni Highland
Note: Motorbikes and bicycles are allowed, but ride carefully — many curves and narrow roads.
Best Season & Weather
The best time is from mid-October to mid-November for fall colors.
The red and yellow leaves with rock cliffs are very beautiful.
In spring, the green trees are also nice.
In summer, it’s a cool place to escape the heat.
Be careful in winter — the road may freeze.
Half-Day Drive Plan (From Nabari)
Start in Nabari City → Rest at Shorenji Lake → Drive through Kaouchi Valley → Walk and eat lunch at Soni Highland → Relax in the hot spring → Return to Nabari
(Time: About 4–5 hours)