Sandankyo Gorge Nature Tour

Sandankyo is a spectacular natural wonder right on Hiroshima’s doorstep. Almost completely unknown to anyone other than local villagers until just over 100 years ago, stepping into the 16km gorge is like stepping back in time and a place where you can forget the worries of modern life.

One of the great things about Sandankyo is its accessibility. Unusual for these kinds of locations, there is a bus that drops you right at the start of the trail. The trail is well marked so there is next to no chance of getting lost and it is well maintained, making it suitable for walkers of all abilities.

All this means that if you are just happy to walk and take in the gorgeous views this is a perfect place for the independent traveler. If, however, you are looking for insights into the history, geology, flora and fauna of the gorge, you might like to consider using a trained guide.

The Sanken NPO [ja] was formed with the dual aims of spreading awareness and providing a deeper understanding of the gorge, all while protecting its environment.

Although Sanken’s guides are working on their English language skills, the number of English speaking guides is limited. If an English speaking guide isn’t available, we recommend bringing a friend who speaks Japanese or perhaps hiring an interpreter.