Ryuokyo Canyon: Dragon King Gorge
Explore Ryuokyo Canyon's dramatic cliffs, lush trails, and stunning waterfalls in Nikko National Park. A scenic escape into Japanese nature.
Ryuokyo Canyon, also known as Dragon King Gorge, is a stunning ravine carved by the Kinugawa River in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. Over millennia, the river eroded volcanic rock, creating dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations. Hiking trails wind through the canyon, offering breathtaking views of the gorge, waterfalls, and vibrant foliage, especially during autumn.
A brief summary to Ryuokyo Canyon
- Nikko, Kinugawaonsentaki, Tochigi, 321-2526, JP
- +81288-76-4111
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes to navigate the trails, which can be uneven in places.
- Visit during autumn (late October to mid-November) for the most spectacular fall foliage.
- Check the train and bus schedules in advance, as services to Ryuokyo Station and the Ryuokyo Iriguchi bus stop are infrequent.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the gorge, waterfalls, and surrounding nature.
- Start your hike from Ryuokyo Station and walk north towards Kawaji Onsen for the best views and a mostly flat trail.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kinugawa Onsen Station, take the Yagan Railway to Ryuokyo Station. The trip takes about 12 minutes. Alternatively, take a Nikko Kotsu bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station to the Ryuokyo Iriguchi bus stop, a 10-minute ride. From either the station or bus stop, it's a short walk to the hiking trail entrance. Expect to pay around ¥310 for the train or ¥300 for the bus.
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Walking
From Ryuokyo Station, exit the station and walk towards the parking lot. You'll see vendors and eateries on your right. A narrow alleyway in the middle of these leads down to the gorge. Follow the signs for the Ryuokyo Nature Trail. The walk to Nijimi Bridge, a highlight of the trail, takes about 5 minutes.
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Parking
A free city parking lot is available near Ryuokyo Station. The capacity is approximately 100 cars, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking lot is open 24/7 with no gate. From the parking lot, it's a short walk to the trailhead.
Discover more about Ryuokyo Canyon
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