 Mountains,Valleys and Waterfalls |
Map of Hiroshima (Nihongo) |
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Taishakukyo Valley, a part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi National Park, is situated in the northeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture. It is said that underground water began to erode a karst plateau, a layer of a mass of limestone, which is susceptible to melt by water hundreds of millions of years ago. As a result, a number of limestone caves were created there, and it turned into a spectacular 18-kilometer-long gorge with soaring walls, rapids, falls and natural bridges after their ceiling fell out. In the upper reaches of the Taishaku River, there is an old temple called Eimyoji which is said to have been founded in the 8th century and dedicated to the Buddha called Taishakuten. It is the origin of the name of Taishakukyo. Some 75 years ago, the lower reaches of the river were dammed for hydroelectric generation and a 24-kilometer in circumference lake, Shinryuko (Lake of the Divine Dragon), was made. It provided additional beauty to the valley. Every year from April 29th to May 3rd, the Lake Festival is held there. A good hiking course extends from the temple to the lake, passing by the 200-meter long Hakuundo cave which is one of 30 limestone caves there, the Onbashi natural bridge, and Dangyokei rapids. Onbashi (male bridge), measuring 90 meters in length, 40 meters in height and 18 meters from the riverbed, is a limestone bridge, which is said to be a part of the ceiling of the limestone cave which remained intact. It is designated as a natural monument of the nation and one of the world's three biggest natural bridges. It's counterpart, Menbashi (female bridge) is now submerged in the water of the lake. Walk down the valley to the upper part of Shinryuko Lake. The round trip will be about 7.6 kilometers. ŸGetting there Go by car. Take the Chugoku Expressway and get off at Shobara. Take Route 432 to Mineta, then take Route 23 to Kami-taishaku. Follow the signboard that reads "’éŽß‹¬" which means "Taishakukyo Valley". ŸSuggested schedule Hiroshima(8:10)===(Chugoku Expressway===Shobara
exit==(Rte.432)=== |
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| ŸNote To be safe, especially in winter, keep in mind not go into the mountains alone, and be sure to go with a well-experienced hiker. |
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