Kanmanfuchi

This is a scenic spot deep in Nikko with beautiful valleys. Surrounded by rich natural tourist attractions such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Kinugawa Hot Spring Village. The beauty of the valley, bathed in sunlight and filled with negative ions, is sure to enchant you with its beauty.

A group of about 70 Jizo statues, known as “Kake Jizo,” are scattered around the area around Rutsukagafuchi. The Jizo, which have a mysterious origin and are said to be counted differently each time they are counted, are illuminated by approximately 3,500 candles during the “Nikko Candle Pageant” held every February, creating a fantastic sight.

The small valley of the Oya River is a scenic wonder formed by lava that erupted from Mt. There is a huge rock on the riverbank, on which was enshrined a stone statue of Fudo Myoo, created by the monk Koukai. It is said that the name “Kanman” was given from the last phrase of Fudo Myoo’s mantra.

Furthermore, on the south bank of the river, there is a group of about 70 Jizo statues, called Kake Jizo, which vary in number each time they are counted, and on the cliff upstream, there is a Buddhist character for “Kanman,” which is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi throwing a brush.

On the opposite bank of the Jizo Cluster is the Nikko Botanical Garden, where visitors can enjoy beautiful natural scenery from fresh greenery in spring to autumn leaves and snow-covered landscapes.

It is said that in 1689, after Basho visited Urami no Taki (Urami Falls), he enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Urami Falls until noon.

At the teahouse, soba dango (buckwheat dumplings with miso sauce) is a recommended delicacy.

Kanmangafuchi or Ganmangafuchi is a small canyon located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Located along the Ootani River, it is the site of Jiunji Temple and Kaka Jizo. It is located in Takumi-cho and Nikko in Nikko City, with the Nikko Botanical Garden on the opposite bank.

This terrain was formed by lava flowing from Mt. The rapids of the Oya River crash against the boulders on the riverbed, creating a beautiful contrast between the black rocks and the white spray of the water. Regenmagafuchi is one of Nikko City’s historical landmarks, yet it is not well known among Tochigi residents.

Rutamangafuchi is located on the path of the “Another Nikko” historical site exploration route. This course starts from in front of Nikko Sogo Kaikan, passes Jokoji Temple, stops at Rutsukaman-ga-fuchi, passes Jakko-taki Waterfall, and ends at the Nikko Magistrate’s Office Ruins, a 3-hour walk of about 8 km. The section from Jokoji Temple to Rutsukamagafuchi is a residential area, but there are information boards as part of the historic sightseeing route.

The name “Regretful Man” comes from the word “kanman,” which is the last word of the Shingon scripture, because the sound of the water sounds like the chanting of the mantra of Fudo Myoo, the immovable Buddha. Regretful and含満 are guessed characters, and although it is sometimes called “Ganmangafuchi,” “Kanmangafuchi” is the more accurate name in keeping with its origin.

Regretful Man-ga-fuchi has long been known as a sacred place for Fudo-myo-o, and was developed by the monk Koukai. Koukai built Jiunji Temple, Reishikaku, and a stone statue of Fudo Myoo, and many people visited the area for worship and recreation. In 1902, a major flood swept away the main hall of Jiunji Temple, Reibokaku, and some Kakejizo statues, which were later rebuilt.

In 1986, the Rutsukubuchi was selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Tochigi, and was recognized as “Kanmangafuchi (含満ヶ渕)”. Furthermore, in 2014, it was designated as one of the Okunohosomichi Scenic Spots and a Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan.

Events

From the 2000s to 2010s, the Nikko Candle Pageant, an event in which approximately 3,500 candles are lit in the Nikko Candlelight Park and Kakejizo, was held in February. 2012 was produced by CANDLE JUNE, and in response to the stagnant number of visitors to Nikko, the event was held in 2018. In 2018, the event was held in April as the “Haunted Jizo Light-Up” and included the opening of Jiunji Temple and the distribution of red seals.

The TV animation “Puraore! 〜‾PRIDE OF ORANGE~” featured Kakejizo in the end card of the episode that aired in 2021, and the following year the end card was distributed in the city as a postcard-sized card.

Transportation

The nearest bus stop is Sogo Kaikan-mae, which is located at the starting point of the “Another Nikko” historical site exploration route. It is a 15-20 minute walk from the bus stop.

In 2022, Tobu Bus Nikko will start a new service called “Nikko Green Slow Mobility” and the “Regretful Fountain/Kakuren Jizo” stop has been established.

Historic Places of Interest

From Kambashi Bridge, walk along the Oya River in the upstream direction and cross the Kanmangabashi Bridge (Kanmang Oya Bridge), and a parking lot will appear. Further upstream from the parking lot, you will find the Gunma Children’s Park (Nikko City Gunma Street Park) and the Gunma Stone Park. The area around Gunma Stone Park is known as a popular spot for mountain laurel and cherry blossoms in spring. The trail extending from the parking lot dead-ends at Kaka Jizo, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk there and back.

Jiunji Temple

Jiunji Temple is a Buddhist temple built by Koumi in 1654. It is one of the Rinnoji temples, and the annual Uranbon Festival memorial service is held at Jiunji on July 14.

The present white-walled main hall was rebuilt in 1973; the original building was washed away by a flood in 1902. The main hall enshrines Amida Nyorai and Tenkai. In front of the temple gate, there is a monument to Emperor Taisho’s poem.

Reibokaku

Upstream from the main hall of Jiunji is Reibokaku. Reibokaku is located overlooking the Rutsukaman-gafuchi, and used to be a gomadan for goma offerings to a stone statue of Fudo Myoo on a huge rock on the opposite bank. After being washed away by a flood, it was rebuilt in 1971. Only in front of Reibokaku, the water flow is slow.

On the opposite bank of the Yeongbi-gak is a rock on which is engraved the Sanskrit character for “kanman. There is a legend that Kobo Daishi threw his brush and dug the Sanskrit characters on the rock, hence the name “Kobo’s Throwing Brush”.

Kake Jizo

Moving upstream from the Reishikaku Pavilion, you will see many Jizo statues lined up in a row in a dimly lit grove of trees. These Jizo are called Kake Jizo, Nami-Jizo, Hyak-Jizo, Hyakutai Jizo, and so on. Kake-jizo are said to be counted out of number because there are many similar jizo in a row. These Jizo were made by Tenkai’s disciples and are seated facing the river. Their faces and expressions are different from each other. It is said that there used to be about 100 Jizo, but some of them were washed away by the flood, and now only about 70 remain. The Jizo that were washed away include the Oyajizo, which used to stand at the head of the Kakejizo. Only the head of Oyajizo was found on the riverbed and is enshrined at Jokoji Temple in the city as the “head.