You Won't Believe the Hidden Gem of Shiobara Ravine Trail!

On the last day of our trip to Shiobara Onsen, I decided to hike the Shiobara Ravine Trail. I had spotted the trail during the bus ride up to our onsen hotel. The trail was not well advertised locally but turned out to be a hidden gem of a trail
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Before starting the hike I went to Momijidani Suspension Bridge with my wife. After touring the bridge we parted ways. My wife and daughter went back to the onsen hotel by bus. Meanwhile, I walked to Gamaishi Park, the start of Shiobara Ravine Trail.
The trail is inside Nikko National Park and follows the Hokai River. After starting I hike down to the Mikaeri Suspension Bridge and to an observation platform to see Mikaeri waterfall.
The trail continued over hills in the steepest part of the day's walk. Eventually, I came to my favourite part of the hike. Ryushunno Falls and the surrounding gorge was amazing. The clear green water, the huge trout, the waterfall, the rocks, the majesty of it all. I took a few minutes to enjoy it and continued hiking.
The trail continues and I pass over Hakigawa Dam and eventually come to part of the trail being closed. I have to get on the road and make a detour. My navigational instincts happen to be right and I manage to get back on the trail near Shiobara Green Village. I then come to an outdoor onsen that has been closed due to people's behaviour and filming of said behaviour.
Getting closer to the end I cross over Fukuwatafudotsuri Bridge. On the last leg of the hike, I come across another closed section and have to detour upstairs onto the road. Crossing Fukuwatari Bridge I start uphill. The trail takes me around Tennonoma Memorial Park. Soon I reach Shiobara Onsen Visitor Center and end the hike.
Part of me is surprised that this trail is not more famous. The area around Ryushunnotaki Falls was a hidden gem that I have never seen talked about before. It feels like the type of place that could be famous on social media but I had it all to myself on a Saturday. I plan to hike this trail again in the autumn. Maybe the trail will be more busy with people going to see the fall foliage.

[@Glaciershark]

I hiked to harlequin lake here in Yakutat… Every day when i’m traveling and fishing I go to shore in a row boat with my dog and see different islands. Many times it’s memorable those short jaunts

[@WildJapan]

That sounds like such a nice thing to regularly do!

[@WildJapan]

What was one of your favorite hikes you did this summer?

[@Glaciershark]

#imbroke 😆 me too

[@WildJapan]

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