Kanmangafuchi Abyss — Attraction in Nikko

We alighted at bus stop 11 and headed towards Kanmangafuchi Abyss. There's no marked path but it is pretty straightforward. Upon entering the side road past private houses, just follow Google map directions past the river. Continue along the main road to the right and continue walking and there will be a marker again.

The weather improved with fair skies but the path is still wet with occasional large puddles.

Jizos are statues made in the image of the deity of children and travellers. They are a kind and patient deity, thus erosion due to rainwater and moss is normal.

The beauty of Kanmangafuchi Abyss is that when travellers attempt to count the statues from the start to the end, the number is different when you count it back.

We had to cut short our attempt as it was dangerous to keep track of the water puddles, the tree roots as well as keeping count all at the same time.

We said a little prayer and apologise for not being able to...

Kanmangafuchi Abyss is a peaceful and slightly eerie trail in Nikko, Japan. The highlight is the line of moss-covered Jizo statues with red aprons. There’s a legend that the number of statues changes every time you count them—we tried and definitely got spooked!

We went at dusk and found parking near the entrance (only 3-4 spots). The trail is unpaved and unlit, so it might be tricky for older visitors, but the walk next to the stream was beautiful. The moss and red aprons really pop against the surroundings, making it a photo-worthy spot. Just make sure to go when there’s more light out for the additional photography contrast.

Overall, it’s a unique and calming experience. But apart from the ambience, there isn’t much to explore.

Worth visiting if you’re in Nikko if you’re into quiet...

After you have visited all the temples in Nikko complex, make your way towards here. It is a 20 to 30 minute walk, depending where you finished your visit in Nikko and you walk past the river and a few neighbourhoods and eventually you leave civilization behind and start getting close to the "abyss".

When you get there you will find rows and rows of budas all adorned with red beret and red bibes. Big, small, miniature, missing heads or missing bodies, all in comune with nature with moss growing on them and around them.

Again with the rest of Nikko, you feel welcomed and at peace. Nikko was not on my initial itinerary of Japan but a few weeks before coming found out about and decided to spend a day here and what an amazing decision it was. Loved Nikko and...