Taishaku Valley

Taishakukyo Gorge is an approximately 18 km-long gorge in northeastern Hiroshima Prefecture, formed as the Taishaku River eroded a karst plateau made of limestone. The area is composed of the Upper Taishaku area, home to landmarks such as Onbashi Bridge, Hakuundo Cave, and Dangyokei Gorge, and the Shinryuko Lake area centered around Shinryuko (Shinryu Lake). Upper Taishaku is also home to Sekiunzan Eimyoji Temple, which enshrines Taishakuten—the deity from whom Taishakukyo takes its name. Onbashi is a natural bridge carved into an arch by the river’s flow, measuring 90 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 24 meters thick. Hakuundo is a limestone cave about 200 meters deep, maintained at around 11°C throughout the year. Dangyokei was named for its fierce waterfall currents said to be too strong for fish to swim upstream. Shinryuko is an artificial lake created in 1924 (Taisho 13) with the construction of Taishaku Dam, and visitors can enjoy the surrounding scenery from sightseeing boats or kayaks. Around Shinryuko are several accommodation options, including "Kyukamura Taishakukyo," and some lodgings offer round-trip shuttle service to the nearest station, Bingo-Tojo Station. If you have time, staying overnight is highly recommended. Taishakukyo is also well known as a top destination for autumn foliage.