Sandankyo Gorge!

About 1 hour bus journey from Hiroshima lies Sandankyo Gorge, roughly 12km in length with beautiful river/ waterfall views set within a peaceful forest and mountain landscape.

We went there with hopes of catching some shots of the beautiful autumnal leaves... sadly most had turned brown and fallen to the ground. We may have been a week or two late for the peak of the autumn leaves, but the walk was still lovely, and with the weather starting to cool down it was a comfortable climb too. But I believe the gorge is closed over winter due to snow. 

Our journey began with an 8.20am bus from Hiroshima Station. Note that there is only the 1 bus that departs for the gorge, costing 1400 yen one way, so anyone planning a visit should be prepared for an early start! 

A map of Sandankyo Gorge at the entrance.

There are places by the car park/ entrance to the gorge where you can buy snacks, drinks and little gifts!

A narrow footpath takes you along the gorge, many parts of which are fairly steep or have no barrier between you and the drop down to the river below, so wear sensible shoes and keep an eye on where you step! We saw too many women struggling along in heels...

Probably one of the unsteadiest bridges I've ever walked across!

The route ends at a small lake, where you can take a short boat across for 500 yen return. On the other side of the lake is a small cafe that offers food and a free cup of hot green tea, yum yum!

And look! My friends Legolas and Aragorn came along too! 

 I would definitely recommend coming to Sandankyo Gorge, and if you can time your visit for when the leaves are at their most vibrant (this year early November) it will be even better (trust me I saw some friends photos from literally a week or two before and the difference is amazing)!

 But even with the autumnal colours coming to an end it was still a gorgeous place to go, with it's mystical pools and untouched forests it really does remind you of how beautiful rural Japan can be.