Ayakawa Gorge located in Aya-cho, Higashimorokata-gun, Miyazaki Pref. is a scenic spot composed of the two clear mountain streams, the Aya-Kita River and the Aya-Minami River, and one of Japan’s largest evergreen forest. Numerous spring water that gushes out of the earth surface in the deep forest flows into the streams. This group of spring water is selected as one of Japan’s 100 Fine Water.
The gorge is a part of Kyushu Chuo-Sanchi Quasi-National Park. The 1,700 ha laurel forest is composed of nearly 40 species of trees including camphor, oak and Shii (Castanopsis cuspidata), many of which are over 300 years old. This densely grown forest is the habitat of wild birds including varied tits, great tits and Mountain Hawk-eagles. Sweetfish swimming upstream can be seen in the clear mountain rivers. Rare species of plants grow in the forest. You can have a full view of the gorge from the world’s highest hanging bridge that is thrown across the forest. Walking in this bountiful nature, you can slip back into the Jomon period.