Taishakukyo Gorge: Hakuundo Cave, Onbashi Natural Bridge, and Lake Shinryu (By Car)

This driving route explores Taishakukyo Gorge, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty spanning Tojo-cho in Shobara City and Jinsekikogen-cho. Upstream in Kami-Taishaku, you will walk along a mountain stream path to visit the limestone Hakuundo Cave and the natural stone Onbashi Natural Bridge. In the afternoon, drive downstream to Lake Shinryu to enjoy strolling across red bridges and sightseeing on the lake.

History and Regional Charm

Taishakukyo Gorge is an 18-kilometer-long gorge. It was formed by river currents deeply carving through a limestone plateau, and the underground area across the region is said to hold numerous limestone caves of various sizes. The gorge is broadly divided into upstream Kami-Taishaku, where you walk along a mountain stream, and downstream Lake Shinryu.

In Kami-Taishaku, you can observe up close in the caves and rock bridge the marks left over vast spans of time as water dissolved and eroded the limestone. Downstream, Lake Shinryu is an artificial lake created by the completion of the Taishakugawa Dam in 1924 (Taisho 13). Although it is a man-made lake, cliffs and uniquely shaped rocks tower on both banks, presenting a landscape that blends seamlessly with the natural gorge. Natural formations alongside a man-made lake and bridges—the appeal of this course lies in experiencing two distinct areas in a single day.

Key Highlights

• ​Hakuundo Cave​​: A limestone cave located along the Kami-Taishaku walking trail, and the only cave in Taishakukyo Gorge that can be entered and toured. It extends about 200 meters deep, preserving stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, and stone pillars connecting the two in their natural state. The temperature inside the cave remains around 11 degrees Celsius year-round.
• ​Onbashi Natural Bridge​​: A natural stone bridge carved through the underside of a massive limestone bedrock by the flow of the Taishaku River, designated as a national Natural Monument. Measuring approximately 90 meters long and about 40 meters high from the riverbed, it is one of Japan's representative natural limestone bridges. Said to have been built by either deities or demons, it has also been called the "Bridge of the Gods." In the past, horses and palanquins passed over the bridge.
• ​Lake Shinryu​​: An artificial lake with a circumference of approximately 24 kilometers spread across the downstream section of Taishakukyo Gorge. Red bridges reflected on the deep blue lake surface form the iconic view of this lake. There is a walking trail that crosses three red bridges—the nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Properties Shinryu Bridge and Sakura Bridge, along with the current Momiji Bridge—and sightseeing boats allow visitors to look up at the towering cliffs on both shores from the water.

Recommended Route and Duration

The estimated time required is around 5 hours. It takes about 20 minutes by car from the Tojo Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway to Kami-Taishaku. Since vehicle access to the walking trail is restricted, park in the parking area and proceed on foot.

In Kami-Taishaku, follow the flat walking trail along the mountain stream, heading first to Hakuundo Cave. The cave interior is humid, so wear non-slip shoes. After leaving Hakuundo Cave and passing Oni-no-Karamon Gate, Onbashi Natural Bridge appears about 600 meters to the south. It is about a 25-minute one-way walk from the parking area to Onbashi Natural Bridge. If you extend your walk to Dangyokei Gorge beyond Onbashi Natural Bridge, the round-trip walk in Kami-Taishaku takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Information regarding the gorge as a whole is provided under the spot "Taishakukyo Gorge." Falling rocks or other factors may occasionally close parts of the trail, so it is advisable to check accessible sections before setting out.

From Kami-Taishaku to Lake Shinryu, it takes about 20 minutes by car. At Lake Shinryu, completing the walking route that crosses the three red bridges takes about 50 minutes, while a tour on the sightseeing boat takes about 40 minutes. Choose according to your available time and stamina.

The fresh green foliage in spring and the autumn leaves are particularly beautiful, with autumn foliage usually reaching its peak from late October to early November.

Summary of the Experience

Admire formations created by water in a cool limestone cave, walk under a towering stone bridge, stroll across a lake adorned with red bridges, and view the scenery from a boat. Connecting the upstream and downstream areas of a limestone gorge by car, this course lets you experience two distinct facets of Taishakukyo Gorge in a single day.