Vikingess Voyages: 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.