Okutsu Gorge is the great scenic spot located near the town of Kagamino, in Okayama Prefecture. The gorge lies on the course of the Okutsu River, which is a tributary of the Yoshii River and, in 1932, it was designated as a National Place of Scenery.
The base rock of this area is granite, much of which has been eroded over many years. The gorge changes and there are many holes. These cylindrical holes dot the wave-cut terraces; small stones falling into craters of the river whirl about with the power of running water and form large holes in the rock.
The holes of Okutsu Gorge are said to be ‘the best holes in the East’. You can see more than 10 holes near the Kasaga-waterfall, by way of Hannyaji-temple, to Usubuchi.
The water through the gorge is famously limpid and river frogs can be found.
The changes of the four seasons are beautiful; in spring, there are rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias; in summer, fresh green; in autumn, red leaves; in winter, ice freezes around the trees; you can admire the vast natural beauty here.