Kurobe Gorge
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October 30, 2014 - Kurobe Gorge
Just when you think youfve seen the most interesting things of a place, it hits you in the face with another one.
Really, I just wanted to ride the little train - gtorokkoh. The ride was just pure fun. I was lucky with the very good weather and nice foliage, but when you go, it might be good not to depart at noon as it was sometimes too bright to see anything. Also make sure you sit on the right side when departing from Unazuki, as the left is not more than concrete for most of the trail. If youfre lucky like me, you have a bench for yourself and you can shift places whenever you want.
The real treat came with the hikes in Keyakidaira. They are not hard, but can take some time if you want to fully enjoy them.
I first took off for the Babadani hotspring. It is a trail that follows the river with a terrific view on the gorge. Three times you walk through a tunnel. The first two are short and pose no problem for anyone. The last one is 300 meters, so I was afraid that not bringing a torch was a big mistake, but as it is well lit this surely shouldnft hinder you going it all the way through.
Exiting the tunnel you see the onsen on your right. You can reach it by passing 2 bridges, but the most interesting part of the hike is when you turn right once the bridges are crossed. Natural hot water makes the environment steam and look like an ungodly place. But godly to look at.
I trailed back to the Keyakidaira station to walk in the opposite direction towards Sarutobi-kyo ravine. The path is more rugged but still quite easy. Except maybe for the various small tunnels which may not be for people with claustrophobia. Also, only very little light finds its way through the small windows, so when evening comes tunnels are only dimly lit. I find this very charming and think that it builds up the suspense. And once arriving at Sarutobi the view is absolutely breathtaking. I did not spot any monkeys but that could have been because I was too impressed by the beauty of the ravine/gorge.
One important factor was that especially on the second hike I was most of the time alone. This of course lets you sink deeper into your surroundings. I did it all in little less than 3 hours, but I would have preferred 4. Thus I suggest to leave early if you want to go to this place of natural beauty.
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List of Posts:
2017/03/11 - Reversible Destiny at Yoro & Ogaki 2017/01/28 - Miyama - Kabuki-no-Sato - 2016/11/26 - Yatsubuchi-no-Taki 2016/11/23 - Takeda Castle Ruins 2016/11/19 - Menfudo Limestone Cave 2016/07/31 - Wagashi in Kyoto 2016/07/23 - Norikura Heights 2016/07/01 - Hakodate 2016/06/30 - Onuma Park 2016/06/29 - Exploring part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park 2016/06/28 - To central Hokkaido 2016/06/27 - Historic Village of Hokkaido 2016/02/03 - Himeji: the real castle and the fake one 2015/09/25 - Izu Peninsula: Atami, Shimoda & Cape Irozaki 2015/07/23 - Sendai 2015/07/22 - Mount Zao 2015/07/21 - Matsushima 2015/05/30 - Climbing Mount Iwawaki 2015/03/22 - Beppu 2015/03/21 - Kunisaki Peninsula 2015/03/20 - Takachiho 2015/03/19 - Kumamoto 2015/01/12 - Satsukiyama - Minoh hike 2014/11/01 - Aizu-Wakamatsu 2014/10/31 - Sadogashima 2014/10/30 - Kurobe Gorge 2014/01/25 - Fushimi Inari hike 2014/01/04 - Hidden Nachi Falls |
