Home > Tourist attractions > Lava Flow
We, the Hida-Osaka Tourist Association, promote tourism in Hida-Osaka by putting the spotlight on its local assets, including the eruption of Mt. Ontake, the lava flow with a length of 15 kilometers, waterfall walking trails that are registered as the number-one treasure of Gifu, and carbonated springs that are rare and precious in Japan. We hope that more and more people will appreciate Hida-Osaka’s rich natural wonders, and we wish for “Gifu’s Treasures” to become “Everyone’s Treasures.”
Lava flows are streams of molten rocks that flood the land surface like a river, instead of being broken pieces, when a volcanic eruption occurs. The form of lava flows depend on the magma’s quality and quantity. While smooth textured lava flow can form a volcanic dome, mildly textured lava flow can form volcanic sheets like at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The lava flow at Mt. Ontake represents the latter.
Mt. Ontake is formed by many layers of ejecta, such as a lava flow. The lava flow at Kusakidani Gorge streamed down from Marishitensan peak and covered the Hyouendani area about 60,000 years ago. It stretches about 15 kilometers up to around Gantate area now.
2025.07.14
A free shuttle bus will be running for a limited time between JR Hida-Osaka Station and Gandate Park.
Those who come by public transportation can easily enjoy Gandatekyo and visiting waterfalls.
Gandate Park is the central spot for waterfall tours in Hida-Osaka, where you can see the impressive Gandate Gorge, which was created by the lava flow from the eruption of Mt. Ontake about 54,000 years ago, as well as Mitsudaki Falls. The waterfall that you can feel up close is a natural cooler.
Please take advantage of this free shuttle bus.
Bus service connects JR Hida-Osaka Station, Osaka-town Bus Stop, and Gandate Park, and also connects with the JR Takayama Main Line and Nohi Bus (bound for Takayama and Gero).
*Please check the timetable and details below.
Bus Operation period
All Saturdays and Sundays from July 19 (Sat) to August 31 (Sun)
& Bon Holidays period: August 11 (Mon) to August 15 (Fri)
Shuttle bus fee
Free
*Free shuttle buses runs between JR Hida-Osaka Station, Osaka-town Bus Stop and Gandate Park. JR Train or Nohi Bus rides require separate fares.
Environmental Conservation Fee
¥300 per person
*Free for children under junior high school age.
To help preserve the natural environment around Gandate Park,a ¥300 contribution is kindly requested.Thank you for your support.
▼For more information about waterfall tours, please visit the “Waterfalls in Hida-Osaka Official Website”.
https://www.osaka-taki.com/en/
The transfer timetable above is a recommended itinerary based on the free shuttle bus service between JR Hida-Osaka Station, Osaka-town Bus Stop, and Gandate Park.
Stations and bus stops also have other operating times. Please visit the official websites of JR Tokai and Nohi Bus for details and for reference when going out.
Recommended ways to spend time in front of the station
In between waiting for the bus or train, take a breather in the JR Hida-Osaka Station area.
2025.03.24
[Updated March 24th: Road closure lifted]Gandate Park opens in 2025 on March 15 (Sat.)
Gandate Park will open for the 2025 season on March 15th.
■ Access by car
You can come by car.
The forest road beyond the park is currently closed to traffic.
[Updated 3/24 (Monday) 13:30]
City roads that were closed due to snowfall have been lifted.
When you visit, please check the latest weather forecast and road conditions, and be careful of snowy and icy roads.
■ Waterfall Tour Course
You can also use the Mitsutaki Course (3-hour round trip).
There is still snow in some areas, so please be sure to come prepared.
*Gandate Chaya is scheduled to open from early April.
*There is a risk of falling rocks on both city and forest roads, so please be careful when using them.
Hida-Osaka tourist Association
13-1 Daisei Co., Ltd. KURUMAYA18BAN,
Osaka-cho Osakamachi, Gero-shi, Gifu, 509-3104, Japan
TEL: 0576-62-2570
FAX: 0576-62-2577
Open 9:00AM~4:00PM
©2017 Hida-Osaka tourist Association.All Rights Reserved.