Tachikue Gorge, Natural gorge and Place of Scenic Beauty in Izumo, Japan

Tachikue Gorge is a 2 km canyon along the upper Kando River in southern Izumo. On the left bank, erosion has carved rock pillars and a cliff about 50 meters high. Named formations include Byobu Rock, Tengu Rock, and the natural Great Buddha. A walking path runs through the gorge.

The site gained national designation as a scenic spot in 1927, followed by its classification as a prefectural nature park in 1964. These official recognitions transformed it into a protected destination and helped establish its importance for the region.

The name Tachikue likely derives from tachikui, "standing stakes", for the rows of rock pillars along the Kando River; no origin theory is certain. Near the foot of the Tenshu Peak pillar stands Reikoji, a temple of the Shingon line opened in 1919. The gorge is also called the "Yabakei of San'in" for its scenery.

A flat two-kilometer walking path runs alongside the river and is accessible via the Tachikuekyo bus stop, located about 30 minutes from Izumoshi Station. The route is well-maintained with regular rest areas and viewpoints for visitors to pause and take in the surroundings.

The gorge's name is not documented with certainty: it is thought to come from tachikui, "standing stakes", for the rows of rock pillars, later worn into Tachikue. A railway once reached the site, the non-electrified Ichibata Tachikue Line, damaged by a disaster, suspended in 1964 and closed in 1965; its trackbed is now the inbound lane of Route 184.