Tachikue Gorge - Shimane, Japan
Tachikue Gorge sits at the point where the Kando River emerges from the mountains before opening out onto the Izumo Plain. This narrow gorge is defined by sheer cliffs and jagged rock spires that rise more than 100 metres above the river. Although the trail itself is relatively short, stretching just over two kilometres, it passes through an area long associated with spiritual practice. For centuries, yamabushi—Japanese ascetic hermits who follow the Shugendo tradition—were drawn here by what they believed to be the site’s spiritual power and its striking, almost otherworldly rock formations.
After arriving at the trailhead, a suspension bridge carries you across the river and marks the beginning of the walk. It didn’t take long before I began noticing Buddhist statues placed along the path, tucked into niches in the rock or standing quietly beside trees. The trail is mostly flat, with the river flowing steadily on one side and forested cliffs rising on the other. There was no one else on the trail during my visit, and signs warning of recent bear sightings kept me especially alert to my surroundings.
Partway through, stone steps lead up toward Reikoji Temple. These steps are steep and heavily moss-covered, requiring careful footing. At the top, only a single small building remains. I learned that this area once housed multiple halls and structures, but today all that’s left are this tiny building and scattered Buddhist statues—some believed to date back as far as 828.
Near the end of the trail, the path opens up near a campground area. During the summer months, this spot is popular for fishing and outdoor activities, and its location beside the gorge makes it particularly appealing. Although the facilities were closed for the winter season, the washrooms remained open, which was a welcome surprise. From this area, the views of the gorge’s dramatic rock formations are even more pronounced.
With a limited amount of time due to the bus schedule, I moved through the trail at a steady pace. The easy terrain made it possible to experience the gorge without feeling rushed, and despite its short length, Tachikue Gorge offered a powerful mix of natural beauty and spiritual history.
History & Background
Tachikue Gorge (立久恵峡) has long been regarded as a sacred place, closely associated with Shugendo, a syncretic spiritual tradition combining Buddhism, Shinto, and mountain worship. Yamabushi practitioners used the gorge as a training ground, believing its rugged landscape and isolation were ideal for ascetic practice.
Reikoji Temple, located above the gorge, is traditionally linked to early Heian-period religious activity, and the Buddhist statues found throughout the area reflect centuries of devotion. Today, the gorge is valued both as a natural scenic area and as a site of religious and cultural significance in Shimane Prefecture.
Getting There
Tachikue Gorge is accessed from Izumoshi Station, which is served by the JR San’in Main Line with connections from Matsue and Tottori. From Izumoshi Station, local buses operate toward Tachikuekyo, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Buses stop at Tachikuekyo Bus Stop, located directly at the entrance to the gorge trail.
Route Overview
Distance: 2.52 km (Tachikuekyo Bus Stop → Wakaayu no Sato Iriguchi Bus Stop)
Total elevation gain: 46 m
Duration: 34 min (with breaks 35 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Bus: Izumoshi Station → Tachikuekyo Bus Stop — ¥590
