3rd Oct 1998: Daijagura in Mt. Odaigahara: A Breathtaking Cliffside Viewpoint

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Daijagura is one of the most popular scenic spots in Mt. Odaigahara, located in Kamikitayama Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Perched on a dramatic cliff at an elevation of approximately 1,550 meters, this rocky outcrop juts out over a vast gorge that plunges hundreds of meters below. The sheer scale and raw power of nature here leave visitors in awe.

The word “gura” is an archaic term meaning “rock wall,” and the name Daijagura reflects the rugged terrain of the area. This viewpoint marks the end of the Higashi-Ōdaigahara Nature Trail, situated on the eastern side of Mt. Odaigahara. It takes about an hour and a half on foot from the visitor center to reach Daijagura, passing through picturesque highlands such as Masakigahara and Ushiishigahara. These areas offer seasonal beauty throughout the year, making the hike a rewarding experience for nature lovers.

The observation point at Daijagura resembles a rocky stage protruding into the sky. A safety chain is installed at the tip, but beyond it lies a 600-meter vertical drop. Even those without a fear of heights may find their legs trembling at the overwhelming sense of altitude. The chain is often referred to as the “chain of life,” emphasizing the tension and thrill of standing at the edge. Yet, the view that unfolds beyond is breathtaking—on clear days, visitors can see the Kumano Sea and the mountain ranges of the Kii Peninsula stretching into the distance.

In 1980, this area was designated as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the name “Odaigahara, Omine, and Osugidani,” recognizing its globally significant natural environment. Mt. Odaigahara is also known as one of Japan’s rainiest regions, with annual precipitation rivaling that of Yakushima. The abundant water resources nurture pristine forests and stunning valleys, making it a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The film I shot 27 years ago had faded quite a bit, so I used Lightroom to try and restore the color balance as best I could. When blue—one of the primary colors along with red and green—starts to fade, the whole image tends to shift toward a yellowish tone. And once that color is gone, it’s surprisingly hard to bring it back, even with specialized restoration software. I really regret leaving the negatives untouched for all those years.

Nikon F3 HP / New Nikkor 200mm F4 / Kodak Gold 100


Location: 日本、〒519-2634 三重県多気郡大台町大杉 大台ヶ原山

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