Seasons Four Seasons in Sandankyo
In search of “voices” that cannot be found just by walking around.
Spring Highlights
Late March – early May
Spring in Shun Sandankyo comes slowly. After the winter’s rough work on the scenic route is completed, the “opening of the gorge” is celebrated in mid-April. Around this time, the wildflowers of early spring begin to bloom one after another, and every day is filled with new discoveries. You may find small flowers blooming at your feet, which you might pass by without noticing if you are so engrossed in the scenery. It is exciting to walk around looking for these small spring flowers.
The mountains are colored with soft fresh green, and in May they are enveloped in young leaves. This is the season when the excitement of encountering new life and breathing in the green air with all one’s might refreshes both body and soul.
Early Summer Highlights
Mid-May to June
Known in the Chugoku region west of Okayama Prefecture and parts of Shikoku and Oita Prefectures, the Kishitsuji azalea is a precious species with a narrow distribution area. This is also the season when various flowers are still welcoming us. Visitors can also encounter precious plants such as the Sekkoku, which can be seen when riding the Kurobuchi Wataru Boat.
As the rainy season approaches, hydrangeas, such as kojisai, will color the scenic route. The fresh mosses that have been exposed to rainwater are also at their best. During the spawning season of tree frogs, you can find egg masses, and if you are lucky, you may be able to witness the spawning scene.
Summer Highlights
July – August
At the end of the rainy season, heavy rains cause the water level to rise, which is one of the harsh aspects of nature in Sandankyo.
In early July, genji botaru (fireflies) can be seen dancing in the river.
Even during the hot summer months, a tunnel of greenery covers the scenic route and softens the strong rays of the sun. The cool air coming from the windhole and the small flowers of the iwatabako, whose name means “coolness,” are also soothing. It is also a good time to touch the spring water, go down to the riverside and touch the cool river water even in summer, and observe various river creatures. The end of summer is the season for salamanders to fall in love. Perhaps you will even meet a giant salamander.
Autumn Highlights
September to mid-November
In September, the fruits of the horse chestnut tree, which is also the material for the Sandankyo’s specialty “tochimochi” (rice cake), begin to fall on the scenic route.
October is the season of autumn leaves. The autumn foliage of Sandan-kyo, which varies in elevation from 400 to 500 meters and stretches 16 kilometers in length, begins in the upper reaches of the gorge. Namera dimondiasa blooms on the rocks by the water’s edge, and it is heartening to spot the small, strangely shaped kikkohaguma.
There are many varieties of maple trees, and it is fun to stroll through the area, finding the differences between the various maple trees. The autumn leaves in the natural forest also vary in color and time of year, depending on the type of trees. Please enjoy the autumn colors of the various trees. When the leaves begin to fall, the unique rock cliffs of Sandan-kyo can be seen clearly. It is truly a world of landscape painting.
