Naruko Gorge walking trail
 

Has anyone been to the Naruko Gorge walking trail recently? I have found a reference to it being damaged and partially shut down due to earthquake damage in 2008, but no status since then. Does anyone know if it is currently open the full length or is it still partially closed? If anyone has first hand experience - how hilly is it?

Not much more current but I hiked that trail in the fall of 2009. They were still doing some repairs but it was open. I found it worth the effort - at least in the fall color. The train ride up to Nauko Onsen was also very enjoyable, as was a walk around the town.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/Ja...Naruko_D-L.jpg

Hi,

Is it worth waiting for 2027 when the JR Rikuu-to Line reopens next year before going? Was thinking of going this year and relying on the replacement bus service.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5177.html

Thank you!

There's no guarantee the train will be reopen in 2027, that's just what they're aiming for afaik. If you'd be going this fall it's still easy enough to access via train and bus. If you're coming from the east you could even just walk (albeit a decent distance) from the train station if you wanted, it's not like the entire line is closed, the station before the gorge is open.

Hi BD82, thank you!

Was originally thinking of doing a loop starting in Sendai, to Narula, continuing to Ginzan Onsen via Shinjo, and down to Yamadera and back to Sendai. If there are bus replacement from Naruko to Shinjo works then the plan still works, I think?

Thank you!

Yes, one seems to exist (Google Maps doesn’t show it but Navitime does). It doesn’t seem super frequent though so just make sure the schedule works for you. I’ve had no issues with using rail replacement buses in the past, they’ve always been easy and on time.