Kanmangafuchi Abyss is one of the stranger places we’ve visited, but it’s seriously so Japan.
The abyss is a volcanic gorge with a river rushing through it, but what really makes it special are the rows of stone Buddha statues along the riverside.
Each statue is dressed in an adorable handmade red hat and bib! It’s one of the cutest things we’ve ever seen, and I couldn’t help but wonder who took their time to craft these tiny outfits for the Buddhas.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Kanmangafuchi Abyss, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Kanmangafuchi Abyss Complete Guide
Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a gorge in Nikko. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, lush nature, and of course, it’s long row of Jizo statues wearing red bibs and caps.
The walk through Kanmangafuchi Abyss is short, easy, and follows a shaded path. It’s tucked away behind a quiet neighborhood, making it a nice change of pace from Nikko’s busier tourist spots. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit.
The gorge was formed by an eruption of Mount Nantai long ago, creating a narrow valley along the Daiya River. Today, a path runs alongside the river, with a few spots where you can step out for a closer look. We took a break at one of the pavilions overlooking the river, to enjoy a quiet moment and a snack.
How to get to Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Kanmangafuchi Abyss is located in central Nikko. It’s just a 20-minute walk from the World Heritage Temples and Shrines of Nikko. If you’re driving, you can park for free at Kanman Park nearby.
Kanmangafuchi Abyss: Our Experience
Our adventure to Kanmangafuchi Abyss took us through the quiet backstreets of Nikko. We parked at Kanman Park and followed the trail along the Daiya River.
At first, no clear signs were pointing the way. It felt like one of those places in Japan that just quietly exists, blending into its surroundings without any fanfare. Honestly, I would have loved to stumble upon it by accident. That would have been a fun experience.
Then, we spotted a lone stone Buddha statue along the path, its bright red hat standing out against the greenery. That was our clue. If one was here, the others couldn’t be far.
Sure enough, after a short walk, we arrived at Kanmangafuchi Abyss. It was a peaceful riverside trail lined with rows of stone Buddhas, each wearing their red hats and bibs.
The first section of the path was narrow, with only about a dozen statues. But as we continued, the trail widened, revealing a long stretch of countless Buddhas.
I say “countless” in a literal sense. Legend has it that no one can count them all because the number seems to change each time.
Supposedly, there are around 70 statues, but when Chloe and I tried counting, we got different results. I counted 71, while she counted 70. Maybe one of them wandered off when we weren’t looking? Try counting for yourself — maybe you’ll have better luck figuring it out!
Where to stay in Nikko
There are four areas that we recommend staying in Nikko:
- Central Nikko
- Nikko Station
- Kinugawa Onsen
- Okunikko / Lake Chuzenji
Central Nikko
If you want to make the most of your time in Nikko, staying in Central Nikko near the world heritage shrines and temples is the most convenient option.
Central Nikko gives you easy access to the main sightseeing spots, bus routes, and plenty of dining options. This makes planning your daily adventures more straightforward. However, keep in mind that most accommodations here lean toward the luxury side, so budget-friendly options are limited.
Nikko Station
If you’re looking for convenience without breaking the bank, staying near Nikko Station is a great alternative. This area offers more budget-friendly accommodations, such as guesthouses and small hotels, while keeping you close to transport links. From here, you can hop on buses to the shrines, waterfalls, and other attractions, or walk to some of Nikko’s restaurants and shops.
Kinugawa Onsen
For a more relaxing experience, consider staying in Kinugawa, a nearby onsen town designed with tourists in mind. Kinugawa is known for its large hot spring hotels situated along the river. It’s well-connected to Nikko by bus, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds—soaking in the onsen and exploring Nikko’s attractions.
Okunikko and Lake Chuzenji
If you’re a nature lover, the Lake Chuzenji and the Okunikko area is the perfect base. The area is surrounded by hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. You could easily spend a couple of days here just exploring the outdoors.
Our Free Nikko Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Nikko locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Nikko locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Nikko adventure.
Are You Following Our Nikko Blog Series?
We spent 5 days in Nikko and found so many things to do there — from imperial architecture and cultural immersion to epic waterfalls and outdoor adventures. To help fellow travelers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our ultimate guide to Nikko: 18 Incredible Things to Do in Nikko: Complete Travel Guide
- How to plan your Nikko trip: 2 Days in Nikko: The Perfect Nikko Itinerary
- Our Nikko waterfalls guide: 7 Best Waterfalls in Nikko: Complete Guide
- Kanmangafuchi Abyss is the cutest little off-the-beaten-path spot in Nikko
- The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa is a beautifully preserved retreat of Japan’s imperial family, now open as a museum
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Kanmangafuchi Abyss in Nikko! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions! 🐸
