Sandankyo Gorge locates in Hiroshima Prefecture’s Northwestern town of Akiota. It is a part of the Nishi-Chugoku Sanchi Quasi-National Park, and is a designated National Special Scenic Site. The entire gorge measures 16 kilometers, and flows into Lake Hijiri located even further up north. In the 16-kilometer gorge, you can find impressive waterfalls and abysses. The area is especially popular during the fall foliage season.The Five Great Sceneries of Sandankyo

Sandan Falls At Sandankyo, there are five spots collectively nicknamed the “Five Great Sceneries”. Here is an introduction to each of those spots: 1. Kurobuchi Sandankyo Kurobuchi

Kurobuchi Kurobuchi is a stunning blue-green crevasse surrounded with towering cliffs. Under sunlight, the waters are mesmerizing emerald green. Otherwise, the waters appear pitch black. You can drift through the waters on the Kurobuchi Tosen (黒淵渡舟), a small boat that is perfect size for exploring the crevasse. 【Fees】〈Round Trip〉 General: ¥500 Junior high school students and younger: ¥300 〈One-way〉 General: ¥300 Junior high school students and younger: ¥200 2. Sarutobi Sandankyo Sarutobi

Sarutobi Sarutobi, a 20-meter tall cliff, is another area where you can hop on a boat and enjoy the captivating waters. For just ¥500, you can enjoy a ride on a small boat. During the ride, you can also enjoy a view of Nidan Falls. 【Fees】〈Round Trip〉 General: ¥500 Junior high school students and younger: ¥300 3. Nidan Falls Sandankyo Nidantaki Falls

Nidan Falls Row your boat through Sarutobi, and you will reach Nidan Falls. “Nidan” means “two steps”, referring to the two adjacent falls. Unfortunately, one of the two stopped flowing in 1988 due to an intense rainstorm. 4. Sandan Falls Sandankyo Sandantaki Falls

Sandan Falls Sandan Falls is one of the main attractions at Sandankyo. These falls have three “steps”, hence the name “Sandan”, or “three steps” falls. Sandan Falls is must-visit during the fall foliage season. 5. Mitsudaki Falls Sandankyo Mitsudaki Falls

Mitsudaki Falls Mitsudaki Falls can be found between the huge rocks on the gorge’s cliffs. This is the largest waterfall in Sandankyo.