Kanmangafuchi Abyss
憾満ヶ淵
A lava gorge trail along the Daiya River, lined with about seventy red-capped Jizō statues known as 'bake-jizō' (changing Jizō).
Kanmangafuchi is a gorge carved by the Daiya River through lava flows from Mount Nantai, with the stream rushing between black rocks in a quiet setting. In 1654, a disciple of Jigen Daishi built a temple here. Along the riverside trail stand about 70 stone Jizō Bodhisattva statues wearing red knitted caps and bibs, known as 'Narabi Jizō'. Legend says the number counted is never the same twice, hence the name 'bake-jizō' (countless Jizō). The riverside trail is several hundred meters long, with dense shade and a mysterious atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the crowded Tōshō-gū. Admission is free. From Shinkyo Bridge, it takes about 20 minutes on foot west along the Daiya River to reach the entrance at Kanman Ōtani Bridge. You can also visit the nearby Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, a Meiji–Shōwa era imperial villa (admission about ¥600). Allow 45–60 minutes. Note: the trail includes stone steps and dirt paths that are slippery after rain, and it is dim in the evening, so visit during the day.
Opening hours
All day (daytime recommended)
Nearby sights
- Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
- Taiyuin Mausoleum
- Futarasan Shrine
- Shinkyo Bridge
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Rinnoji Temple
- Kirifuri Falls
- Kirifuri Kogen Highland