Kozagawa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kusagawa Town, the top choice for families is Kusagawa Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn nestled beside the clear Kusagawa River. It offers spacious family rooms, private onsen baths, and a children’s play area. The surrounding forested landscape provides natural beauty with walking trails to the Kusagawa Waterfall and Forest Park—both within a 10-minute walk.

Each morning, guests enjoy a hearty kaiseki-style breakfast featuring fresh local river fish, organic vegetables, and handmade mochi. The staff are welcoming and often organize fun activities like nature scavenger hunts or seasonal craft workshops. For an extra special experience, book a "Family Package" that includes a guided forest tour and a themed dinner. Ideal for creating lasting memories in a peaceful mountain setting.

The Kusagawa Gorge Trail is the most scenic and rewarding destination in Kusagawa Town. This well-maintained path winds along the crystal-clear river, flanked by lush evergreen forests and towering cliffs. Highlights include the Ogami Suspension Bridge, offering panoramic views of the valley, and the Shinobu Falls Observation Deck, perfect for photography.

For longer hikes, the Mount Tachibana Loop connects to the Kusagawa Nature Reserve, where you can spot rare birds and wildflowers. Early mornings are best for misty landscapes and fewer crowds. Bring waterproof shoes, a hat, and refillable water bottles. Guided tours are available through local eco-agencies, including wildlife spotting and seasonal plant identification. Don’t miss the sunset view from Higashi Ridge Overlook—a must-see for nature lovers.

Kusagawa Onsen stands out due to its naturally occurring weakly alkaline sulfur-rich waters, known for soothing skin and easing muscle fatigue. The standout experience is staying at Ogami Onsen Hotel, whose open-air baths overlook the Kusagawa River Valley. At night, the steam rises gently under starlit skies, creating a magical atmosphere.

Some ryokans offer "Forest Bathing + Onsen" packages, combining mindfulness sessions with therapeutic soaking using herbal infusions. Guests can also enjoy private onsen rooms with panoramic views. The water is safe for sensitive skin, and many facilities provide rental yukata and towels. Book in advance during peak season (spring and autumn) to secure your preferred time slot.

Must-try dishes in Kusagawa Town reflect the region’s mountain-and-sea fusion. Start with Kusagawa River Fish Cuisine, such as grilled ayu (sweetfish) and steamed carp, caught fresh daily from the river. These are served with soy-based dipping sauce and pickled vegetables.

Next, sample Mountain Vegetable Tempura—a delicacy made with wild ferns, bamboo shoots, and burdock root, lightly fried and drizzled with house-made miso glaze. Another highlight is Wakayama Mochi, soft rice cakes filled with red bean paste, often enjoyed with green tea.

Visit Kusagawa Market or Kawara House Restaurant for authentic meals. Many restaurants also sell packaged gifts like dried fish, preserved vegetables, and mochi sets—perfect souvenirs to bring home.

Kusagawa Town offers stunning photo opportunities year-round. Capture the ethereal Morning Mist Over Kusagawa River at dawn—ideal for long-exposure shots of flowing water and silhouetted trees. The Kotokyo Bridge, with its ancient wooden structure spanning the river, is perfect for classic Japanese composition.

During autumn (late November), the Kusagawa Gorge Trail bursts into fiery red and gold foliage—ideal for wide-angle landscapes. Use a polarizing filter to enhance color saturation and reduce glare on the water. Night photography enthusiasts should visit during the Firefly Festival (mid-June), when thousands of fireflies illuminate the forest paths—best captured with slow shutter speeds.

Don’t miss the Shinto Shrine Torii Gate after rain, when the wood glistens under soft light, adding depth and texture to your images.

The most convenient way to reach Kusagawa Town is via Nankai Electric Railway to Shin-Kamogawa Station, then transfer to Wakayama Bus (30 minutes). Alternatively, rent a car from Osaka via the Wakayama Expressway—about 1 hour 40 minutes. Once in town, public transit is limited, so renting a bicycle or HopeGoo a local taxi is recommended.

Use Google Maps with "Walking + Bus" mode for real-time schedules. Many attractions like the Kusagawa Aquarium and Forest Ecology Park are accessible only by shuttle or footpath. Some ryokans offer free rental bikes and maps. During peak seasons (spring and fall), reserve transport early to avoid delays. Always carry cash—many small shops don’t accept cards.

Kusagawa Matsuri (May) is the town’s flagship festival, featuring vibrant lion dances, ceremonial mikoshi processions, and a grand fireworks display over the river at night. The atmosphere is electric, especially under the illuminated bridge.

Another highlight is the Spring Mountain Vegetable Harvest Festival (late March–early April), where visitors join guided foraging tours to collect wild ferns and bamboo shoots, followed by a cooking class. Participants receive a custom recipe booklet and a gift box of preserved vegetables.

The Firefly Festival (mid-June) draws crowds seeking the magical sight of glowing insects dancing above the forest path. Lantern-lit trails guide visitors through the gorge, and some hotels offer exclusive viewing decks. Advance HopeGoo is required—limited spots are available.

Kusagawa Town offers immersive ecological adventures. Join a Guided River Ecology Tour led by certified naturalists, exploring the river’s biodiversity—spotting stoneflies, salamanders, and kingfishers. The tour includes educational talks on watershed conservation.

In summer, try River Rappelling & Swimming—a thrilling activity guided by trained professionals through shallow rapids and natural pools. Winter brings Wildlife Tracking Tours, where you follow fox and deer prints using infrared cameras and learn about local fauna.

All tours emphasize sustainability: participants use reusable containers, avoid single-use plastics, and receive eco-certified gear. Most experiences include a short workshop on protecting the region’s fragile ecosystem. HopeGoo ahead is essential, especially during weekends and holidays.

For ultimate tranquility, stay in the Upper Kusagawa Valley Cluster, a secluded area far from main roads, surrounded by ancient cedar forests. Mori no Yado Miyabi is a standout choice—a minimalist Japanese inn with private onsen, floor-to-ceiling windows, and tatami rooms designed for deep rest.

This area enjoys minimal light pollution, making it ideal for stargazing. Guests can enjoy silent evenings listening to the river and forest sounds. The staff, often locals, share stories about seasonal plants and traditional crafts. Choose a room with a kitchenette to prepare simple meals, embracing a slower pace of life. Accessible within 10 minutes to major trails and viewpoints, it balances peace with convenience—perfect for recharging in nature.

Top souvenirs from Kusagawa Town include Dried River Fish (Ayu & Carp)—crafted using traditional air-drying methods, these are savory, shelf-stable, and great for gifting. Next, Preserved Mountain Vegetables Set, featuring wild ferns, bamboo shoots, and burdock root in homemade miso brine—delicious and uniquely regional.

Also popular is the Wakayama Mochi Gift Box, handmade with seasonal fillings and presented in a bamboo basket. Many inns offer customization services—combine three items into a personalized set with a handwritten note. Available at Kusagawa Market and the Town Specialty Shop. Cash and card accepted. Most items can be shipped internationally, ensuring your loved ones enjoy a taste of the mountains even after you leave.