Sightseeing in Nikko: The Kanmangafuchi Abyss (憾満ヶ淵) and Bake Jizo

Entrance to the Kanmangafuchi river trail

The city of Nikko is surrounded by nature, and with its beautiful landscape it is a popular destination not only for people who want to visit the famous temples here but also among people who like to go hiking. If you however only have a short amount of time available in between temple visits and would want to spend a couple of hours in the nature there is a pleasant river walking trail you can take to go visit the hidden gem Kanmangafuchi Abyss (憾満ヶ淵). 
This gorge was created by an eruption of the nearby Mount Nantai around 7000 years ago, and along the walking trail you can find a row mystical of Jizo statues.

Some Jizo statues in front of the Kanman Teahouse

The many Bake Jizo of Kanmangafuchi

The bodhisattva Jizo (known in Japanese as Jizo Bosatsu - 地蔵菩薩) is one of the most popular figures in Japanese Buddhism. Jizo is thought of as a protector of children, and many Jizo statues are wearing knitted red hats that have been placed there by expectant or worried parents in the hope that this will lead to the wellbeing of their children.

Bake Jizo in the background

The Jizo statues are also known by various other names such as "Bake Jizo" (Ghost Jizo), "Narabi Jizo" (Jizo in a line) or "Hyaku Jizo" (Hundred Jizo). When they are lined up side by side there is certainly something mystical about them.

Various types of...  Mystical Jizo statues..

A small structure at the end of the trail

Here's a map of the area provided by the Kanman Teahouse:

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Recommended Hotels in Nikko

 More Nikko Hotels

Nikko Station Hotel Classic

Iwaiyado Jyuan Ryokan

Kinugawa Onsen Hotel

Nikkorisou Backpackers

Related blog posts

• All blog posts from Nikko
• Sightseeing in Nikko: The Grand Autumn Festival Shuki Taisai (秋季大祭)
• Sightseeing in Nikko: A Visit to the World Heritage listed Toshogu Shrine (東照宮)
• Nikko: A visit to the Emperor's Summer House - The Tamozawa Imperial Villa
• Sightseeing in Nikko: The Kanmangafuchi Abyss (憾満ヶ淵) and Bake Jizo
• Nikko Hotels: Nikko Tokinoyuu Hotel (日光 季の遊)
• Nikko Nightlife: Bar de Nikko
• Nikko: A Cross Country Skiing Experience in Oku-Nikko
• [Hotel Reviews] Nikko Astraea Hotel in Oku-Nikko - Nikko National

Thank you for reading! Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below
- Anette

About Anette
Anette came to Japan as an exchange student in 2010, met the love of her life and got stuck. From her base in Tokyo she writes about her experiences as a full-time worker in Tokyo and about her travels in Japan and abroad. She's a free-spirited adventurer who enjoys both the great outdoors and her urban lifestyle.