Sandankyo Gorge
三段峡
A national special scenic gorge about 16 km long, with emerald pools, waterfalls and ferry crossings. It is Hiroshima Prefecture's most famous autumn-foliage gorge.
Sandankyo lies in Ota-cho, Aki, in northern Hiroshima Prefecture. It is a V-shaped gorge carved by the upper reaches of the Ota River, about 16 km long, and is designated a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The classic route walks from the main entrance along the trail to Kurobuchi, then takes a small ferry through the deep emerald pool (about ¥500). The round trip takes 2 to 3 hours. Farther in are Sarutobi, Nidan-no-taki and Sandan-no-taki. Autumn foliage peaks from late October to early November. From Hiroshima Bus Center, an expressway bus takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Some trails are closed due to landslides, so check the Aki-Ota Town tourism website before setting out. The coordinates are those of the main entrance bus stop.
Opening hours
all day (ferry runs Apr–Nov)
Nearby sights
- Mitaki-dera Temple
- Hiroshima Castle
- Atomic Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima Orizuru Tower
- Peace Memorial Park & Museum
- Hiroshima Museum of Art
- Hondori Shopping Street
- Shukkei-en Garden