Experience the majestic beauty of this gorge, featuring sheer cliffs of white limestone and a cave containing a Kannon statue.
Overview
Nyugankyō Gorge is a 4-kilometer-long gorge located in Kawaai, Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture. Designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument by the Japanese government, it's characterized by its sheer cliffs of white limestone and caves, including one housing a Kannon statue. The gorge's name comes from Nyugōyama, a 670-meter-high rock mountain abundant in stalactites, many of which resemble breasts, hence the name 'Nyugō' (breast rock). Beyond Nyugōyama, many other caves dot the gorge. The largest, Nyugō Cave, offers a womb-like experience (tainai-kuguri). It also houses a Jizō Kannon statue and is known as a spot for prayers for fertility. Nyugankyō's riverbed is formed from a flat, single sheet of rock with a smooth surface, making it a popular hiking spot. Nyugankyō is part of the Tenryū Oku Mikawa Quasi-National Park, offering abundant natural beauty. The area also features many rugged mountains, making it a renowned mecca for free climbing, centered around Oniiwa (Devil's Rock). When visiting Nyugankyō, comfortable shoes are recommended. On sunny days, a hat and sunscreen are also advisable.
About a 30-minute walk from Mikawa-kawaai Station on the JR Iida Line Show route
Op.Hours
Open 24 hours
Cld.Days
No days off
Fee
Free admission
INFO
Nyūiwakyo Gorge is a place of abundant nature. When visiting, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. On sunny days, it's also a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen.
A section of the Nyūiwakyo municipal road is closed to general vehicles. If you are coming by car, please use the Yuya Onsen parking lot and take the JR Iida Line to the gorge.
There is no free parking available around Nyūiwakyo Gorge. Please use the Yuya Onsen parking lot (Nonose Kamitanihira, Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture).
For access from Yuya Onsen Station on the JR Iida Line, please check the Okaya-bound timetable.
For access from Mikawa-Kawai Station on the JR Iida Line, please check the Toyohashi-bound timetable.
A walk around Nyūiwakyo Gorge takes approximately 2 hours or more. To prevent mountain accidents, please refrain from entering after 2.5 hours before sunset.
A round trip from the trailhead to the summit of Myōjin Mountain takes approximately 6 hours (excluding break time). Please check your return time and consider your pace for sightseeing and climbing.
For those wishing to climb Mount Myōjin, there is a parking lot at the Mitsuse trailhead in Tōei Town. For the climbing route from Tōei Town, please refer to the following:
https://www.toeinavi.jp/spots/myojin/