Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike


2017.12.18

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike
  • This scenic hike starts at the Gyonin pedestrian bridge, in the north-west corner of the town of Kiso Fukushima - not far from the picturesque streets of Uenodan, and Kiso Fukushima station. The hiking course will take you along a winding path that cuts through towering forests, to the foot of the impressive Gongen Waterfall, past the entrance to the site of the former Fukushima Castle before looping around to finish at Kozenji Temple on the north east side of town. Total distance from Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple is approximately 4km.

    Experienced hikers shouldn't find this course particularly taxing, but it is by no means an easy one. Suitable hiking shoes or sneakers with good grip are highly recommended. Also, take care if you choose to do this course after heavy rain or when there’s ice on the ground.

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Start the walk by crossing the lovely wooden Gyonin pedestrian foot bridge - not to be confused with the concrete bridge that shares the same name but is for motor vehicles and runs parallel to the foot bridge. Once you have crossed the footbridge over the Kiso River, turn left and head towards the trailhead on the opposite side of the road, which is marked by a large brown signboard decorated with red lanterns. The trailhead is situated just beyond this board and clearly marked.

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Once you have started the hike route you will soon find yourself following a primitive, but fairly well trodden footpath through a thick forest, alongside a river. The footpath crosses several wooden bridges and features a number of sharp bends as it climbs the mountain. For the most part the terrain is fairly easy to handle, but there are some steep parts that require extra caution. After approximately two kilometers you will reach the impressive Gongen Waterfall on your left hand-side, the trail crosses a bridge that takes you over the foot of the waterfall, there is a small rest-house on the other side of the bridge which has benches and is good for taking a break.

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    The path then climbs up to the right of the waterfall, offering various vantage points to stop and admire it. Following the path around for another kilometer or so will take you through Momiji-gaoka, a popular place for locals to admire the autumn colours and also the point at which you can follow signs for a detour that takes you to the site of the former Fukushima castle. If you choose to skip the castle, you can continue following the path back down the mountain and eventually you will see signs for Kozenji Temple.

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    The temple is situated a short walk from the end of the hiking course in a slightly more residential area. Entrance to the temple itself is free of charge, but to view the beautiful stone garden you must pay a fee of 500 yen – this will also gain you access to a small museum open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Gyonin Bridge to Kozenji Temple Scenic Hike

    Once you’re done at Kozenji Temple you can reach the town again by foot in less than ten minutes.

    The town of Kiso Fukushima can accessed by train using Kiso Fukushima Station, which is on the JR Chuo Main Line.

    Kozenji Temple
    rating

    4.5

    21 Reviews
    place
    Nagano Kiso-gun Kisomachi Fukushima 5659
    phone
    0264222428
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