Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Scenic spot · Nikko-shi

Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Scenic spot · Nikko-shi

Takumicho, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1415, Japan

Highlights

Forested volcanic gorge with approx 70 Jizo statues

Takumicho, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1415, Japan Get directions

nikko-kankou.org

@visit_nikko

@atlasobscura

18 Trails That Traverse History

"In the wooded area of Japan’s Kanmangafuchi abyss stands a row of stone Jizō statues. How many? Nobody knows for sure, because apparently each time you count them, you end up with a different number because they routinely disappear. Jizō is one of Japan’s most beloved deities and is regarded as the Bodhisattva who cares for travelers and lost souls and is also the guardian of children. Jizō statues are decorated with red cloth bibs and crocheted caps. This particular group of statues, situated near the city of Nikkō, is called Narabi Jizō (which translates to “Jizō in a line”). There are roughly 70 of them, lined up in front of a wall stretching around 320 feet and overlooking the Daiyagawa River. Due to their apparently ghostly nature and disappearing tricks, they are also called Bake Jizō, or “ghost Jizō.” The decorated statues are ensconced in the Kanmangafuchi abyss, which was formed around 7,000 years ago when lava flows from an eruption of the nearby Mount Nantai combined with the water of the river. The resulting landscape is extraordinary and the abyss offers a pleasant trail to walk along." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/historical-trails-and-hikes

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@cntraveler

5 Best Day Trips from Tokyo | Condé Nast Traveler

"A gorge formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, the Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a lovely riverside walk that takes in around 70 stone statues of Jizo, a bodhisattva—a Buddhist person who pursues Nirvana and helps other to do so as well. According to legend, every time you count a stone Jizo—the caretaker of wandering souls—you'll arrive at a different number; apparently they have the power to disappear. The site makes for pleasant walking and there's a botanical garden nearby." - Brandon Presser

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-day-trips-from-tokyo

View Postcard for Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Ben Scarboro

Google

Wow…this entire area and trail is stunningly beautiful and worth every step I took exploring it all. It was so peaceful and serene and the combination of greenery and nearby water made for a heavenly experience. It’s the perfect place to relax and stroll with your thoughts and reflect on life. There are plenty of places to sit and rest along the journey and take it all in. It was a memorable day and I highly recommend exploring it yourself!

G D

Google

I am not sure why google is saying this a ticket is required to enter this place. I've had fun on my little nature walk in this place. Took a lot of pictures of course. But Pictures really will not justify this place. You need to go here yourself. It is worth the trip. The river, the falls, the scenery. This is a wonderland to me.

Kailey Maples

Google

A beautiful place with many statues representing the protectors of children. There is information along the way with history and fun facts. There are warning signs for bears and leeches so beware but the stroll is lovely when the weather is nice and it’s very interesting to see each statue with red hand knitted clothing. It is next to a fast flowing river, so the sounds are also peaceful and beautiful.

HikeForHappiness

Google

A peaceful place just outside Nikko and 100% worth the walk. Lots of statues with colorful red hats and a calming river running through the gorge. The place feels a lot cooler in the summer and is a perfect place to just sit and unwind for a moment.

Marie Webb

Google

This was a lovely stroll. Beautiful scenery with the mountain stream sounds in the background. However beware of the Japanese mountain leeches. I had 2 stuck to my ankle and completely freaked out. So check your bodies once you leave the forest. Apparently they can even drop from the trees!!!

A “GG A” G G

Google

It was an amazing place to visit, really beautiful and we saw Sakura Blossom in that place too, sadly due the season it was not possible to move too much on it. Some thing to bear in mind, at least for us, saw couple of warns: a Bear warn and Leech warn so just in case be prepared with salt and Bear bell

Redfern Redfern

Google

It's a short walk along path from bus stop 10 or 11. Or you can walk from the bridge along the road and take the first left turn. Just follow the road heading to the river. Pass over the bridge and keep following small road uphill, which then turns into a path. River is flowing with a lot of water. Path is good. Some statues have over the years been damaged somehow, but they are still respected as is the tradition. They are still sacred. There are several groups. It's worth visiting and not crazy numbers of people.

Hugo Fernandez

Google

Lovely area. Less visited than the rest of Nikko, but it worth it to stop here. Between waterfalls and statues, this place is full of spirituality

Tim L.

Yelp

Beautiful place! The stream/abyss is lovely -- I'd have liked to climb/hike around but wasn't able to due to a hurt knee at the time. However, what we really liked was the stroll past all the red-hatted statues that line the walking path near the abyss. So charming and cute all 100+ of those little guys. The abyss isn't on the usual walking path in Nikko but is well worth the 30 or so minutes.