There are several dams upstream on the Kinugawa River, and among them, the Kawaji Dam is the tallest, standing at 140 meters as an arch-type concrete dam. The reservoir (Lake Yashio) viewed from that height is beautiful, surrounded by green mountains.
Located about 6 km downstream from Kawaji Dam, Ryuo Gorge is a canyon formed by the erosion of volcanic rock over a stretch of approximately 3 km. It features numerous waterfalls and unique rock formations, as well as various scenic spots that can be explored along the hiking trails. Unfortunately, the sky was slightly overcast on this day, but the lush greenery still provided a beautiful contrast against the blue river.
To reach Kawaji Dam by bus, take the Aizu-Kinugawa Line from Kawaji Onsen Station to the Nikko City Bus Kawaji Dam Side stop—a ride of about 15 minutes. Ryuo-kyo Station is also on the Aizu-Kinugawa Line, and it’s about an 8-minute walk from the station to the gorge. By car, it takes about 45 minutes via the Tohoku Expressway, exiting at the Imaichi Interchange on the Nikko-Utsunomiya Road.
There are plenty of places to stay along the way, such as Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen, so it’s a good idea to soak in the hot springs and take your time exploring. The autumn foliage here is also quite spectacular, so touring the reservoir lakes in the fall sounds like a lot of fun.
© Source travel watch