A beautiful and serene gorge off the beaten path in the heart of Nikko, Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a must visit for those who want to escape the crowds and experience a true hidden gem. Kanmangafuchi is located alongside the Daiya river, the main river that runs through Nikko. The site is sacred and is managed by nearby Rinnoji Temple, where the monks and worshippers come to this site to pray and maintain it.

Visitors can reach the Abyss by taking the Nikko sightseeing bus to the ’Nikko Tamozawa’ bus stop, and from there walking 10 minutes to the site. You can comfortably spend around 45 minutes to 1 hour here walking among nature and enjoying the views. It is especially beautiful in the Autumn when the Abyss is shrouded in gold and red leaves.

The Abyss was created from volcanic activity and the eruption of Mount Nantai around 7000 years ago, where lava seeped into the area and created the gorge shape you see today. Any Geologist enthusiasts will enjoy the rock formations that snake through the area. The gorge has a small temple called Jiun-ji which was founded in 1654 by a Buddhist Monk of high ranking. The original buildings were washed away in a big flood in 1902, and the original temple was replaced in 1973 with the structure you can see today. 

The Jizo statues also known as ’Bake Jizo’ (Ghost Jizo) are one of the most notable parts of the gorge and Abyss. These are statues dedicated to unborn or deceased children. Parents will come here to decorate the statues and take care of them to ensure they go to the afterlife in peace. The Jizo were all offerings from Buddhist disciples. Some managed to survive the flood in 1902, but over time some have been lost. It is said there are approximately 70 statues, but the number is said to change each time you count them! Make sure to test this when you visit.

Up stream of the Abyss, visitors will see a small Pavilion. This is not the original unfortunately, as the original Pavillion was also swept away in a great flood in 1902. It was used for fire rituals for the god of fire and anger by Buddhist Monks. Opposite the pavilion on the rocky walls of the gorge remains the faint inscription of Sanskrit characters that were carved into the cliff by a man called Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. 

Want to experience the hidden gem of Kanmangafuchi Abyss for yourself?

Why not join our ’1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park’ tour . Available throughout the year, this is the perfect tour to venture out of Tokyo. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around the must-see sights in the region, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner.

1 Day Tour

1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park
Period	April – October
Time	08:40 – 19:15
Meeting Place	Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store
Adult Rate	¥24,900
Child Rate	¥18,900