Sandankyo
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Sandankyo and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
14 within 5 kms
Attractions
34 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
88 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
30
Average
7
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Lily-Cannelle M
Cambridge, MA3 contributions
Aug 2019
This is a beautiful and easy hiking trail, accessible via an express bus from Hiroshima's bus station. There are different amenities such as a restaurant (good, but nothing exceptional) and restrooms in the middle of the park, and there are various little shops and a hotel with inside spa at the beginning of the trail. A relaxing activity away from the city. Not a must if you're in Hiroshima only for a few days, but worth visiting if you have spare time.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dublaze
Oakland, Ca.11 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
This is a fabulous hike, and easy to pull off. I would advise taking the 8:18 am bus from the Hiroshima BC (Bus Center) as no transfers are needed, and it's the fastest option. Likewise, return on the 3 pm direct bus. The Hiroshima BC is NOT the same as Hiroshima Station; it's quite a ways away, actually, but easy to find. You can buy a ticket at the machine or from a person at the window in the morning; for return, pay cash (¥1,440 or thereabouts) or use your IC card (Suica, Nimoca, Pasmo, etc). The hike is fairly self-explanatory and all trails are marked; you cannot get lost. It's all paved, but some might find it steep and challenging in many places. Going to the main three-tiered waterfall is about 75-80% uphill. (Note: there is a good waterfall a mere 5-10 minutes into the hike from the bus stop, and a few more shortly thereafter, so you can "get your money's worth" without having to do the longer trek). Be aware, if you go on a weekday not during high season or Golden Week, the shuttle bus - which could help you get back in time for the 3 pm bus - might not be operating (I'm not sure) and/or the little boat that goes through the tight gorge to the "second" main waterfall will not be in operation (of this I am sure of, sadly). Without this boat, you will NOT be able to see that two-tiered waterfall, so no need to even hike that spur. Try to get back to the village/bus stop area early, as the "main" hotel there has a public onsen. It's small but it's newly remodeled and clean and GORGEOUS, overlooking the river. It's ¥650 and it's downstairs from the lobby at the far end of the hall. The nice lady at the front desk (no English) will take care of you. Ring the desk bell as needed. She has tiny towels, but you'd be better off if you had your own. This is a stellar onsen experience after a long, tiring hike. ENJOY!!
Written 4 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BoxcarSmith
Sydney, Australia55 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
This is a terrific hiking area an easy 1.5 hr bus ride out of Hiroshima and provides a great relief from the bustle (and horrors) of Hiroshima's history. The reviews by others are accurate. Here is how to get there easily and cheaply...
The Tourist information centres have a handy map entitled "The Next 10 Spots" as well as a very useful hiking map of the gorge. These have all the information you need to get there and hike.
"Sandankyo" bus leaves about hourly in the morning from the Hiroshima bus terminal next to the Sogo Department store. You get a ticket (1,440 yen express; 1,200 yen slow bus) at the station. We caught the 8:18 express and had plenty of time to cover the gorge catching the 4:30 slow bus that got in at 6:30pm.
You are let off at some shops right at the entrance to the Gorge.. Just walk down the main street (there is only one). The road ends at a pedestrian bridge that takes you through the gorge.
It is a paved single track, but the Gorge is literally "gorgeous" and well worth the walk up and back. You can turn around whenever you wish and return. After the first 3 km's there is an optional ferry (250 yen) to a lunchroom. If you wish you can stay on the track. It meets up with the bridge right next to the lunchroom. The diversion to the lunchroom is recommended as it has free water and tea and about the only chance you will have of seeing the local Giant Salamander (one of the world's most aesthetically challenged creations). They have a few in a tank.
Continuing on we went a further 4.5 km's to Sandan Falls then took the 1.5 km track to the second ferry just below the Nidandaki Falls. It is necessary to take a ferry (500 yen) to see the falls as it is apparently in a very narrow gorge Unfortunately we waited 20 minutes, but the ferry never showed up that day, but the walk was very nice none-the-less.
We then returned the 7.5 kms to the entry and returned to Hiroshima by bus. You pay for the return bus when you get off in Hiroshima. I think you are suppose to get a ticket when you get on the bus which tells where you got on. We didn't, but the driver was very nice and put our cash through the machine. You will see a display above the driver that tells you how much is owed depending on which stop you access the bus. It is rtesally clear once you are on the bus.
Finallh, we would rank it amongst the top three gorge strolls we have been on (and that has been quite a few. It would undoubtedly be stunning in the fall colours.....Enjoy
The Tourist information centres have a handy map entitled "The Next 10 Spots" as well as a very useful hiking map of the gorge. These have all the information you need to get there and hike.
"Sandankyo" bus leaves about hourly in the morning from the Hiroshima bus terminal next to the Sogo Department store. You get a ticket (1,440 yen express; 1,200 yen slow bus) at the station. We caught the 8:18 express and had plenty of time to cover the gorge catching the 4:30 slow bus that got in at 6:30pm.
You are let off at some shops right at the entrance to the Gorge.. Just walk down the main street (there is only one). The road ends at a pedestrian bridge that takes you through the gorge.
It is a paved single track, but the Gorge is literally "gorgeous" and well worth the walk up and back. You can turn around whenever you wish and return. After the first 3 km's there is an optional ferry (250 yen) to a lunchroom. If you wish you can stay on the track. It meets up with the bridge right next to the lunchroom. The diversion to the lunchroom is recommended as it has free water and tea and about the only chance you will have of seeing the local Giant Salamander (one of the world's most aesthetically challenged creations). They have a few in a tank.
Continuing on we went a further 4.5 km's to Sandan Falls then took the 1.5 km track to the second ferry just below the Nidandaki Falls. It is necessary to take a ferry (500 yen) to see the falls as it is apparently in a very narrow gorge Unfortunately we waited 20 minutes, but the ferry never showed up that day, but the walk was very nice none-the-less.
We then returned the 7.5 kms to the entry and returned to Hiroshima by bus. You pay for the return bus when you get off in Hiroshima. I think you are suppose to get a ticket when you get on the bus which tells where you got on. We didn't, but the driver was very nice and put our cash through the machine. You will see a display above the driver that tells you how much is owed depending on which stop you access the bus. It is rtesally clear once you are on the bus.
Finallh, we would rank it amongst the top three gorge strolls we have been on (and that has been quite a few. It would undoubtedly be stunning in the fall colours.....Enjoy
Written 29 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D P
5 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The gorge is beautiful indeed, unfortunately most of the pathway is not accessible at the moment and the shuttle bus was not working either. The information was not online. We learn that the shuttle bus wasn't working when we arrived at Sandan-kyō. A clearer information at Hiroshima bus center would have been helpful.
Written 4 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna B
Adelaide, Australia16 contributions
Absolutely beautiful. Nice hike with plenty if ups and downs to reach the small boat across the river. Passed the occasional person on the path but mostly had it to ourselves. The tea house charcoal chicken was AMAZING and just what we needed after a long walk. Breathtaking scenery at each turn.
It's a bit of a strange location to get to but worth it (stay overnight to make it easier.) get the express bus (goes at 8:15 am from hiroshima bus station) to cut down travel time as we got delayed in a traffic jam when we left later in the day and then went a very long and windy way compared to the express way we came back. Made it a longer than needed day. Still very worth it. Just beautiful.
It's a bit of a strange location to get to but worth it (stay overnight to make it easier.) get the express bus (goes at 8:15 am from hiroshima bus station) to cut down travel time as we got delayed in a traffic jam when we left later in the day and then went a very long and windy way compared to the express way we came back. Made it a longer than needed day. Still very worth it. Just beautiful.
Written 16 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doublescore27
Singapore, Singapore160 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
We had the good fortune of being driven to Sandankyo by friends. Otherwise, there are public buses from the Hiroshima Bus Center.
From the front gate of Sandankyo, it was a 2.7 km leisurely walk to the Kurofuchi pool with lots of good scenery along the way. A boat ride (500 Yen per adult) took us across the pool to a small restaurant, Kurobuchiso.
I was expecting a tourist trap at Kurobuchiso, i.e. expensive, poor tasting food. Instead, it is a hidden gem.
For 1000 Yen, you can get a set lunch with a grilled yamame (aka cherry salmon) as the main course. It is a simple but delicious and traditional Japanese meal.
From the front gate of Sandankyo, it was a 2.7 km leisurely walk to the Kurofuchi pool with lots of good scenery along the way. A boat ride (500 Yen per adult) took us across the pool to a small restaurant, Kurobuchiso.
I was expecting a tourist trap at Kurobuchiso, i.e. expensive, poor tasting food. Instead, it is a hidden gem.
For 1000 Yen, you can get a set lunch with a grilled yamame (aka cherry salmon) as the main course. It is a simple but delicious and traditional Japanese meal.
Written 28 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thebates22
Chester, UK2,066 contributions
June 2017 • Couples
We allocated a whole day from our 21 day trip (8:18 am depart Hiroshima / arrive back in Hiroshima 4:20 pm) to visiting the Sandankyo gorge, but over all it was a huge let down.
Now I'm not saying that this place isn't beautiful because it's 5/5 stunning and we had great weather the day we went in early June. But unfortunately there has been a land slide (see image) rendering the path from just beyond the Kurobuchi ferry boat to just before the Jasugi bridge unusable.
We didn't know this prior to going, and this results in only about 2.5 of path being operable, none of the river ferries are running, the half way restaurant doesn't look like it's been open since before the winter, this is despite all ventures advertising that the operate and are open from April to November.
Due to all the closures we had finished our all day planned walk/ferry ride/lunch/ Onsen by 12:50 (missed the 12:45 slow bus back to Hiroshima) and had to wait for 2 hours sat by the bus shelter until we got the last bus of the day back at 3pm. All restaurants / souvenir shops / visitor centre / Onsen were closed for business.
The sign explaining the land slide states that there is no plans to fix the path and no date for reopening has been set. Do yourself a favour, go and do something else for the day, & don't waste your time coming here
Now I'm not saying that this place isn't beautiful because it's 5/5 stunning and we had great weather the day we went in early June. But unfortunately there has been a land slide (see image) rendering the path from just beyond the Kurobuchi ferry boat to just before the Jasugi bridge unusable.
We didn't know this prior to going, and this results in only about 2.5 of path being operable, none of the river ferries are running, the half way restaurant doesn't look like it's been open since before the winter, this is despite all ventures advertising that the operate and are open from April to November.
Due to all the closures we had finished our all day planned walk/ferry ride/lunch/ Onsen by 12:50 (missed the 12:45 slow bus back to Hiroshima) and had to wait for 2 hours sat by the bus shelter until we got the last bus of the day back at 3pm. All restaurants / souvenir shops / visitor centre / Onsen were closed for business.
The sign explaining the land slide states that there is no plans to fix the path and no date for reopening has been set. Do yourself a favour, go and do something else for the day, & don't waste your time coming here
Written 8 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dgoh359
Singapore, Singapore174 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
We went for a hike to see the waterfall and the beautiful scenery. We thought it would be an easy one but turns out not so. The walk has slopes and narrow paths, but the scenery is breathtaking.
Written 6 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ckm818
Hong Kong, China295 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Our family of three opted for self-drive holiday by renting a car. With the freedom of the open road we can have easy access to Sandan-kyō, located 60km north-west of Hiroshima. A world of natural beauty far removed from the reminder of the atomic bomb destruction. This is a breath-taking valley that you can go by bus (but limited choice) or by car.
In short, Sandan-kyō is an 11km gorge formed of rhyolite and granite, spanning from Shiwagi to Hijiriko and Yokogoguchi.
If you want a summary of this location: That's a scenic trail where you won't have chance to cap the camera lens.
In short, Sandan-kyō is an 11km gorge formed of rhyolite and granite, spanning from Shiwagi to Hijiriko and Yokogoguchi.
If you want a summary of this location: That's a scenic trail where you won't have chance to cap the camera lens.
Written 25 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DW H
San Francisco, CA8 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Magnificent, relatively easy hike, gorgeous, few people, paved path. Waterfalls, boulders, huge trees, wonderful place!
Written 12 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When in April does the area open? I will be in Hiroshima April 13-17 but everything online only says “late April”. I can’t find an exact date anywhere.
Written 7 April 2021
Hi, can the Visit Hiroshima Tourist pass (Middle area) be used to visit Sandankyo? I saw Sandankyo listed on its buses covered, but does it really bring you to the entrance?
For the Kurobuchi boat ride, how long does the boat ride take? At which point do you pay for the boat fares? Is it the entrance of the park?
Written 9 April 2018
I am not sure about the Hiroshima Visit Pass. The expressbus from HiroshimaBus Station costs about JPY1.440 each way.
The bus terminates at Sandankyo “village”, which is about 100m from the park entrance (there is only 1road with about 4shops in the village.
Ferry ride is about 3 minutes each way, but it saves about 0.7km of very steep climbing to get past the gorge. You pay the boat man either one way or return fare, depending on whether you are walking to Mizunashi for the bus at 2pm, or walking back to the park entrance.
Written 9 April 2018
Greetings!
I'll like to visit Sandankyo in February 2018 with my husband but I'm not sure if the place is safe for tourists to visit during winter season? Any recommendations is deeply appreciated. Thank you!
Written 18 December 2017
According to the website Visithiroshima, Winter season is closed because of deep snow. You can visit there from end of April to November.
Written 18 December 2017
日曜日に三段峡へ行こうと思います。がけ崩れ、通行止めなどがあったらしいのですが大丈夫でしょうか?あと、駐車場の場所、総予算がわかれば教えてください。
Written 25 July 2017
通行止めがその後どうなったかはわかりませんが、三段峡周辺だけを見るのであればもう少し先に水梨口の駐車場がありますのでそこがいいのではと思います。そこからなら片道30分ぐらいで行くことが出来たと思います。三段峡入口からなら片道2時間ぐらい掛かりますので。
水梨口の駐車場は憩いの森の国民宿舎？だったかを過ぎてすぐのところにありますが国道を狭い道を下ったところにあり狭いです。料金まではわかりません。総料金としましては駐車場と船に乗ればその料金ぐらいで済むと思います。
Written 26 July 2017
I would like to go to this place for a daytrip. How to go if I am coming from Hiroshima Aiport if ETA is 840am
Written 3 October 2016
質問者様
この周辺の山はちょっと大げさですが豪雪地帯です。恐羅漢のスキー場をはじめ、格好のスキーエリアになっています。以前には、スノーボーダーが遭難することも起きております。また、他の方が回答していますように、滝までのアプローチ上に課題があると思います。もともと崖の部分は崩落しやすいので、遊歩道上でも冬はさらに事故の発生する危険が高いと思います。実際に冬にこの遊歩道を積極的に歩く人はいないように思いますが。スノーシューなどで体験的に歩いてみることもできそうですが、自己責任とはいえ、想像以上に危険を感じます。本年は暖冬とはいえ、ちょうど、スキー場がオープンしていく時期です。雪の状況について、三段峡ホテルなどで情報を訪ねてから、計画をたてるとよいかと思いました。あまりよい回答でなくてすみません。
Written 21 December 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing