Ryuo Gorge (Ryuokyo)

Ryuo Gorge, also known as Ryuokyo, is a river gorge along the Kinugawa River between Kawaji Onsen and Kinugawa Onsen in the Fujiwara area of Nikko City, Tochigi, where a roughly 3-kilometer hiking trail follows the river past rock formations, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge. The trail begins near Ryuokyo Station and winds along the gorge's forested slopes, crossing footbridges that offer views down into the ravine where the river cuts through volcanic rock. Named for a dragon-shaped rock formation partway along the route, the gorge trail is a moderate walk requiring some uphill and downhill sections but no technical climbing. A full one-way hike through the gorge takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on how many viewpoints are stopped at along the way; some visitors hike partway and return the same way rather than completing the full route between the two onsen towns. Late October to early November brings the gorge's autumn foliage peak, when maple color lines the trail above the rushing river, making it one of the more scenic and less crowded foliage walks in the wider Nikko area compared to Kegon Falls or the Toshogu precinct.