[Nagano Prefecture] Atera Valley Tourist Information Summary | Focus on the Stunningly Beautiful Atera Blue!
Here is a summary of tourist information about Atera Valley! We’ll provide detailed information about its charm, highlights, and the stunningly beautiful “Atera Blue.”
Atera Valley is a gorge located in the Kiso District of Nagano Prefecture, within the Atera Mountains. The Atera River, a tributary of the Kiso River, flows through the valley. It is a famous scenic spot where you can enjoy breathtaking valley scenery so beautiful it is called “Atera Blue,” making it a highly popular destination.
This incredibly beautiful valley appears in the mountainous areas of Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. It’s a must-visit spot when you travel to Nagano Prefecture. Be sure to discover its charm for yourself.
table of contents
[x] close
[Nagano Prefecture] Atera Valley Tourist Information Summary | Focus on the Stunningly Beautiful Atera Blue!
Atera Valley Tourist Information
Mount Atera, where Atera Valley is located, lies on the border between Nagano Prefecture and Gifu Prefecture. The surrounding area is a treasure trove of nature, with mountains stretching endlessly, making it a perfect area for those who want to refresh themselves in a peaceful and quiet town.
The greatest attraction of Atera Valley is the Atera River that flows through it. This river boasts exceptional clarity—so clear that you can’t even tell how deep it is. Its transparent emerald green waters offer a beauty that you won’t tire of, even if you stare at them endlessly.
Within the valley, the lush greenery, waterfalls, classic walking paths and bridges, and seasonal backgrounds such as autumn foliage blend perfectly with the emerald green river. Everything you see is beautiful, making it a tourist spot that can be enjoyed in any season.
Highlights and Famous Spots of Atera Valley
As mentioned above, Atera Valley is known for its beauty, but within the valley are multiple scenic viewpoints, each popular as a notable spot. There are many picturesque locations along the hiking trails, and simply walking through might lead you to discover your favorite view.
On sunny days, you can witness the striking “Atera Blue” in many spots, but if you’re looking for the clearest waters, “Tanukigafuchi (Kitsunegafuchi)” is highly recommended.
According to legend, foxes and raccoon dogs (tanuki) used to deceive humans, and it is said that these trickster animals would come to this pool to use it as a mirror to check how perfect their transformations were. Even these ancient animals were captivated by its beauty. The view of Atera Blue from this spot is definitely one not to miss.
Many “-gafuchi” Pools Within the Valley!?
In addition to the previously mentioned Tanukigafuchi, there are many other pools named after animals, such as “Ushigafuchi,” named because the shape of the pool resembles a cow, and “Kumagafuchi,” named due to the frequent appearance of bears in the area.
Each pool has its own unique origin story behind its name. This shows that in the past, there were even more animals living within the valley than there are today.
Access to Atera Valley
Although the area around Atera Valley is surrounded by several mountains, it is surprisingly accessible by train, and there is also a national highway nearby as a landmark. The nearest station to the entrance of Atera Valley is JR Nojiri Station, and National Route 19 runs near the station. Whether by car (rental) or train, access is relatively easy.
However, many parts of Atera Valley are closed to traffic, and vehicle entry restrictions are in place at the entrance. There are areas where general vehicles are prohibited, making it somewhat inconvenient to visit by private or rental car. It is recommended to use parking lots near the station. Additionally, shuttle buses operate between the town and the parking area within the valley, so you can also use these for easier access around the valley.
◎ Atera Valley Tourist Information Summary
Atera Valley is one of Nagano Prefecture’s top scenic spots, where you can fully enjoy the perfect combination of crystal-clear "Atera Blue" and breathtaking greenery.
Although not covered in this article, there are also areas deeper in the valley where you can enjoy camping. You can fully experience nature while staying overnight or having a barbecue—there are many ways to enjoy your time. In recent years, the number of visitors has been increasing, so it’s important to follow proper etiquette and keep the area clean and pleasant.
Atera Valley can be enjoyed not only in the autumn foliage season but also in early summer. Please use this article as a guide when planning your visit.
Hotel
![[Nagano Prefecture] Atera Valley Tourist Information Summary | Focus on the Stunningly Beautiful Atera Blue!](https://skyticket.com/guide/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/96b4e3105c69f26236e4595ee5b162db-1200x675-1200x675.jpg)
