Onzui Valley is a scenic natural area in the Onzui district of Haga Town, Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture. Centered around Lake Onzui, the valley is known for its clear streams, lush forests, and beautiful seasonal scenery. Fresh green foliage in spring and brilliant autumn colors attract visitors seeking a peaceful escape into nature. The area also reflects a long history of forest use, having once supplied broadleaf trees for charcoal used in traditional iron production from iron sand. Today, the landscape is characterized by forests dominated by cedar trees.
The forests of Onzui Valley contain a variety of broadleaf trees, including maples, Japanese beeches, and Japanese oaks, alongside natural Japanese cedar trees that are more than 200 years old. In the past, broadleaf trees were cut for firewood and charcoal used in iron smelting. Over time, cedar cultivation expanded, creating the present forest landscape, where cedar and hinoki cypress grow alongside native broadleaf species.
Spring brings fresh green leaves and a renewed sense of vitality to the valley, while autumn transforms the forest into a colorful display of red, orange, and gold. These seasonal changes make Onzui Valley a rewarding destination for nature lovers and photographers.
An area of approximately 2.7 square kilometers within Onzui Valley has been designated by the Kinki-Chugoku Regional Forest Office of Japan’s Forestry Agency as a protected forest for rare populations of trees. Protected species include Japanese cedar, hinoki cypress, fir, Japanese horse chestnut, Japanese beech, Siebold’s beech, and Japanese oak.
This designation helps conserve the area’s valuable forest environment and maintain its diverse ecosystem. Walking trails run through the valley, allowing visitors to explore the woodland and appreciate its natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
Lake Onzui lies at the heart of the valley and adds another dimension to its scenery. Surrounded by wooded mountains, the lake provides a tranquil setting in which the colors of the forest are reflected in the water. Together, the lake, streams, and surrounding woodland create a landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Approximately 2 kilometers from the entrance to the valley, Myōjin Falls offers one of the area’s most striking natural sights. The waterfall is about 12 meters high and consists of two direct streams cascading down into a single plunge pool. The sight of the two flows converging combines the power of moving water with the quiet beauty of the surrounding forest.
Onzui Valley lies in the mountainous northern part of Shiso City, within the area of Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park and Onzui-Chikusa Prefectural Natural Park. Its natural environment has also been recognized through its inclusion in Japan’s list of 100 Forests for Water Sources and Hyogo Prefecture’s selection of 100 Notable Forests.
Other natural attractions in the surrounding region include Harafudō Falls, a celebrated waterfall, and Akanishi Valley, another scenic woodland area. Together, these destinations make northern Shiso an appealing region for travelers who enjoy forests, streams, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes.
From JR Himeji Station, take a Shinki Bus bound for Yamasaki and get off at Yamasaki. Transfer to a bus bound for Tokura and alight at Onzui-guchi. From the bus stop, the valley is approximately a 20-minute walk. Visitors using public transportation should check current bus schedules in advance, as services in mountainous areas may be limited.
Onzui Valley is a peaceful natural retreat where clear streams, mountain forests, and seasonal colors come together around Lake Onzui. Its long history of forest use contrasts with today’s efforts to protect rare tree populations and preserve the local ecosystem. Whether exploring the woodland trails, viewing the twin streams of Myōjin Falls, or enjoying the fresh greenery of spring and the vivid colors of autumn, visitors can experience a quieter side of Hyogo Prefecture.