Japan

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" A serene riverside walk that takes through the mystical Buddha statues also known as Bake Jizō or Ghost Jizō.

Kanmangafushi Abyss (kanman-ga-fushi) is a small gorge created by a remarkable lava formation, which was erupted from nearby Mount Nantai around 7000 years ago.  Located near central of Nikko一a charming town in Japan. It is only few hundred meters long and can be enjoyed from a pleasant riverside walking trail.

Kanmangafushi is also famous for its roughly 70 mystical statues (remain out of the original 100 after a major flood in the Meiji Era) of Bodhisativa, also called as Narabi Jizō (Jizō  in a line), Hyaku Jizō  (100 Jizō ), clothed in red bibs and crocheted hats, lined up in front of a wall stretching about 320 feet and facing Daiyagawa River.

These statues are called as “Bake Jizō” or “Ghost Jizō” ー apparently if you count more than once the number never tallies.

There are some stairs at the end and beginning of the statues which leads to a small cemetery (Stairs at the beginning of the statues are closes to the cemetery). This off beat place is not as manicured as you expect in Japan but it has certain charm to it, due its diversity of plants and birds.

The walk along the Daiya River is atmospheric and very peaceful, especially early in the morning. 

 

Legends Says…

Jizō is one of Japan’s most beloved deities, there is a popular belief that they protect the souls of the unborn children, or those who die young, are not allowed into heaven because they did not live long enough to collect enough good karma.

The children’s are sent to purgatory, as they acquire negative karma due to their parents grief caused by their passing away. Jizō pleads on their behalf to be let them out of purgatory and also protect the children by hiding them in the sleeves of his robe. This is one reason why Jizō statues are often seen clothed with bibs and hats, given by the parents hoping he’ll protect and clothe their children in the afterlife.

Directions...

Walk: 

• Bus stop - the trail begins after a 10-15 minute walk through a residential area.

•  Shinkyo Bridge to Kanmangafuchi Abyss is 30-40 mins easy trail.

• 30-minute walk from Toshogu Shrine.

 

Bus: 

• - From JR or Tobu Nikko Station, take a Tobu bus bound for Chuzenjiko Onsen or Yumoto Onsen, and get off at the Tamozawa Bus stop.

• -  Stop 9, or Stop 86, Stop 8 (World Heritage Bus)-it's about 15 to 20 mins walk from Nishisando stop of the world heritage bus. 

 

 

Basic Information...

Address: Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1415, Japan

Abyss Timing: 24-hrs

Best time to visit (preferred time): 08:00 am - 10:00 am

Time required: 01:30 Hrs

 

Good to know...

• If planning to take an off beaten track of the Nikko Temple area, then make sure to have GPS or offline map in your smart phone.

• If you walk along the riverside, the Mart, just after Shinkyo bridge is the last place to use bathroom and get water.

• Wear a strong walking shoes or boots, it can be little slippery in wet weather.