Omogo-kei, Place of scenic beauty in Kumakōgen, Japan.
Omogo-kei is a V-shaped gorge that runs along the Niyodo-gawa River, featuring steep rock formations and a river valley beneath Mount Ishizuchi. The landscape displays layers of stone created by water over long periods, with various natural features visible from the paths above.
The gorge formed over millions of years as the Niyodo-gawa River carved deeply into the rock through constant erosion. The area later received official designation as a Place of Scenic Beauty to protect these geological formations for the future.
The Kanmon section of the gorge holds connections to Sarutobi Sasuke, a legendary figure from Japanese folklore known for ninja traditions, whose story is woven into the landscape. Local stories tied to this place remain part of how people experience and speak about the area today.
The Kanmon Walking Path stretches 600 meters from the Omogo-sangaku Museum parking area to the Tsūten-kyō bridge, offering continuous river views. The route is well-marked and relatively flat, making it accessible for different fitness levels.
The Niyodo-gawa River flowing through the gorge holds the highest water quality rating of any river in Japan. This exceptional purity makes the waters a natural benchmark for what clean river systems should look like.
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