Sandankyo Gorge

The 16-kilometer Sandankyo Gorge along the Shibaki River is unspoiled nature at its best. Located in northwestern Akiota, the gorge is a part of Nishi-Chugoku Sanchi Quasi-National Park and has been designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. There are only six gorges that have been honored with this designation in Japan, and Sandankyo Gorge is the only one of these in the western part of the country.

Nature conservation and preservation are taken seriously here, but visitors can experience the gorge’s beauty firsthand by walking on elevated or paved paths against the backdrop of the ravine’s rushing water, which are laid out so as not to disturb the ecosystem. Walking courses range from a beginner’s stroll to an advanced all-day trek, and hikers are encouraged to choose the appropriate course for their level. Boat rides to Kurobuchi Pool and Sarutobi Rock allow visitors to observe colossal cliffs and untouched forest from the water.

The forest around Sandankyo Gorge consists of a mixture of ancient conifer and evergreen trees. There are more than 1,800 different kinds of moss in Japan, and approximately one-sixth of these can be seen on the Sandankyo trail. Sandankyo Gorge’s tall cliffs and cascading waterfalls are reminiscent of the Chinese landscape paintings (shan shui) that inspired early explorers of the gorge, such as photographer Kuma Nanpo (1876–1943), to preserve its beauty.

Plentiful moisture in Sandankyo Gorge creates rich plant life in all three hiking seasons—spring, summer, and fall. The landscape is especially picturesque under the greenery of summer and during the fall foliage season. It is best experienced with all five senses: Listening to the rushing of the white water and wind circling through the ancient arbor, smelling the piney, organic scent of the forest, touching the fresh water and fallen leaves, tasting the sweet, unpolluted air, and, of course, seeing its beauties up close. Only a 75-minute bus ride from the city of Hiroshima, Sandankyo Gorge is a special place unto itself, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature.

History of Sandankyo Gorge

Sandankyo Gorge celebrated the 100th anniversary of its discovery in 2017. More than a century ago it was a largely unexplored ravine, mentioned only in the 1768 book Matsuno Ochibashu. The book described the upper reaches of the Ota River and parts of present-day Sandankyo Gorge, including Tatsunokuchi Torrent and Sarutobi Rock.

In 1917, photographer Kuma Nanpo (1876–1943) began exploring the gorge and was entranced by its scenery, which reminded him of Chinese ink paintings with landscape motifs (shan shui). This type of artwork had become popular among independent-minded members of the literati from the Edo period (1603–1868) onward. Based on Matsuno Ochibashu’s comparison of the gorge with two natural landmarks in China—the towering Mt. Emei in Sichuan Province (called Sanga in Japanese) and the lengthy Three Gorges in the middle of the Yangtze River (called Sankyo in Japanese)—Kuma came up with the name Sandankyo.

Charmed by the beauty of the gorge, Kuma began promoting it with the help of local residents, including primary school teacher Saito Rosui. One goal was to preserve the beauty of Sandankyo Gorge forever, so the group started a movement to designate the gorge a Place of Scenic Beauty under the Historical Spot, Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument Preservation Law. Sandankyo Gorge was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1925. After the designation, Kuma’s next goal was to establish trails so people could walk through Sandankyo Gorge and enjoy the scenery. Maintaining the gorge’s natural state was a strong consideration when building the trails, which were planned to interfere as little as possible with the environment. These paths are the same ones used by hikers today.

In 1953, the gorge was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty under the new Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, and in 1969, the Nishi-Chugoku Sanchi area, including Sandankyo Gorge, was made a quasi-national park. These designations, made possible by the efforts of Kuma and the local residents, contributed to raising awareness of Sandankyo Gorge as a tourist destination while preserving its natural beauty. In recent years, Sandankyo has been featured in both the domestic and foreign media, and it is becoming well known as a place where visitors can enjoy the peace as well as power of nature. The gorge is now being preserved thanks to the efforts of local residents who have taken to heart the mission that Kuma Nanpo first established.

Sandankyo: Sandankyo Front Gate to Kurobuchi Pool

The Sandankyo Front Gate is the starting point of the south end of the Sandankyo trail. The three-kilometer trek from the Sandankyo Front Gate to Kurobuchi Pool is the most popular because hikers can experience the gorge’s natural beauty in about 50 minutes on paved paths and well-trod dirt roads, making it enjoyable for beginners or day-trippers. The entrance to the trail is located next to both the Sandankyo Hotel and stores providing provisions and information for the hike. After starting on the trail, hikers will cross a bright red bridge over Nagabuchi Pool. At around 100 meters, this is the longest pool in Sandankyo Gorge. A local kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding school is based here. The water is clear and cool in summer, making the pool popular for swimming.

About 5 minutes from Nagabuchi Pool is Shimaidaki Falls. The name means “sister waterfall” and refers to the three streams that run parallel down the rocks into a tranquil pool. Shimaidaki Falls is near Tatsunokuchi Torrent, where the tranquil water turns into tumultuous, rushing rapids.

In about 20 minutes from Shimaidaki Falls, hikers will come across a bright red opening amid the greenery. Called Akadaki Falls, this small waterfall of fresh spring water is framed by rocks covered with the brick-red algae that thrives here. The drinkable water is cold and clean, with a sweet flavor and soft texture. After passing Akadaki Falls, the trail leads onward to Meotobuchi Pool, an eroded pond filled with rocks. The path along Meotobuchi Pool is elevated, and there is no barrier between the path and the long drop to the water. Next to the pool is Ishidoi Shallows, a shallow area also filled with rocks.

Further on, the trail leads to Kurobuchi Pool, where hikers can walk to the water’s edge and take a break. The water in this large pool is tranquil and surrounded by giant cliffs covered with pristine forest. Kurobuchiso, a restaurant in the middle of the gorge, can be reached by a small ferryboat (the ride takes about 10 minutes).

Sandankyo: Kurobuchi Pool and Kurobuchi Pool Ferryboat

Kurobuchi Pool, about 3 kilometers from the south end of the trail at the Sandankyo Front Gate, is a tranquil spot where hikers can take a rest. The water in the large pool is devoid of strong currents and safe to approach. Kurobuchi Pool is surrounded by steep, forest-covered cliffs 100 meters high, and trekkers can expect to be awed by the views.

From mid-April to late November, visitors can board an old-fashioned ferryboat and see the towering cliffs up close. The small boat is rowed around the cerulean Kurobuchi Pool, giving visitors an intimate look at this secluded place. The boat also stops by the restaurant Kurobuchiso, which was first opened as an inn in 1926. Located in the middle of the gorge, it serves coffee and light meals prepared using local ingredients, and offers visitors an opportunity for replenishment in the midst of nature.

Sandankyo: Sarutobi Rock, Nidandaki Falls, and Sandandaki Falls

Sarutobi Rock is the entrance to Nidandaki Falls (lit., “two-tiered falls”), a “hidden” waterfall located about a 30-minute walk from Mizunashi Gate in the center of Sandankyo Gorge. Mizunashi Gate is about two and a half hours on foot from Sandankyo Front GateThe waterfall can also be reached by water. A small boat, operating on weekends and holidays from mid-April to late November, and every day during the fall foliage season, leaves from a wooden platform on the river. The boat takes visitors to Nidandaki Falls in about 5 minutes; the operator guides the boat through the narrow passageway of Sarutobi Rock using cables suspended from the cliffs.

The passageway is about 2 meters wide, which is narrow enough for passengers to reach out and touch the moss-covered, 20-meter-high cliffs. As the boat travels through the passage opening, passengers will notice how the cliffs’ shadows contrast with the scenery of leafy green trees in summer and fiery red leaves in autumn. Nidandaki Falls is like a hidden secret; it cannot be heard, seen, or felt until the boat emerges from the natural passageway and into the waterfall’s majestic pool. The water turns from aquamarine to a rushing white when the boat clears the passageway, and the roaring of Nidandaki Falls can then be heard.

The boat is anchored at a platform showered by water gushing over the falls. Visitors can walk onto the platform to see the waterfall up close and feel its splash. Originally a “two-tiered” cascade, the first rock wall was torn away by torrential rains in 1988. Standing on the platform in the middle of the pool offers the chance to feel totally immersed in nature.

Another destination on the trail from Mizunashi Gate is Sandandaki Falls. This three-tiered, 130-meter waterfall is one of the most remarkable sights along the entire trail. The cascade tumbles down the three levels of the waterfall into a calm turquoise pool below. Sandandaki Falls is surrounded by untouched forest that is picturesque through summer and autumn.

Sandankyo Hotel

The Sandankyo Hotel is a traditional, Showa-style inn in a quiet, secluded location directly overlooking Sandankyo Gorge. Views of the gorge fill the all-wooden building’s vintage windows; only the soothing sound of the flowing river breaks the quiet. Wide windows in the dining room and west-facing bedrooms open on vistas of morning fog snaking through fir trees in the gorge and around a bright red bridge.

The Sandankyo Hotel has been renovated with the latest amenities while preserving the homey, retro interior of decades past. Guests are welcomed in an intimate reception area, where they can find information on the history of Sandankyo Gorge and view photographs of the area taken by Kuma Nanpo (1876–1943). The hotel has three floors and includes an onsen (hot spring) bath with a view of the river, a dining room, and a library in addition to the upstairs guest rooms. Guests are served breakfast and dinner in the tatami-floored dining room. Meals feature locally grown food and hometown favorites such as ayu (sweetfish) and seasonal wild vegetables handpicked by the hotel’s owner in the nearby mountains. The food is not extravagant; rather, the dishes have been created to bring out the best in the local ingredients.

The history of the Sandankyo Hotel started with a ryokan inn called Kyonan-kan, founded by Takashita Tsuneichi in 1929. In 1932, the wealthy Hada family from Hiroshima acquired Kyonan-kan and converted it into a villa called Hada Besso, where Takashita served as head manager. During World War II, Hada Besso was used as an army sanatorium and was eventually taken over by Allied occupation forces after the war. The Hada family home was destroyed in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945, and wood from Hada Besso was used for its reconstruction.

The current Sandankyo Hotel was built on the former site of Hada Besso in 1956. Takashita decided to name the establishment Sandankyo Hotel because the name sounded modern to him; in fact, the hotel was the first building in Hiroshima Prefecture to include the foreign word “hotel.”

Click here for reservation↓
　http://www.sandankyo.co.jp/

三段峡　概要

三段峡坐落于柴木川边，地处安艺太田町的西北部，是西中国山地国定公园的组成部分。峡谷全长16公里，山水美景浑然天成，保留了未经雕琢的自然风貌。三段峡是文化厅认证的“特别名胜”——日本全国仅六处峡谷被授予该称号，三段峡则是日本西部仅有的一处。除峡谷的地貌之美外，在三段峡的游步道还能邂逅多种多样的植物群和参天古木，这在日本可谓绝无仅有，故有“广岛桂林”之美誉。

景区十分重视对自然环境的保养及维护，便在沟壑奔腾的水流之上架设高架、铺砌游步道。游客行走其间，既能亲身体验峡谷美景，又可保全生态系统不受破坏。步行路线众多，从初级散步路线至耗时一整天的专业级徒步路线均有涉及，建议徒步者选择符合自身水平的适当路线。另外，还可乘舟前往黑渊及猿飞地区，自舟上观赏壮观的崖壁及原始森林。

三段峡周边的原始森林里，古老的针叶树与常绿树参天而立。日本全境有超过1800种苔藓，其中约六分之一可在三段峡游步道被发现。巍峨高耸的悬崖和水花飞溅的叠水瀑布，不禁让人联想起中国的山水图。正是如此的山光水色，激发了摄影师熊南峰（1876-1943）等早期探险家们护其永葆美丽的灵感。

湿润的环境滋养出三段峡春、夏、秋三个登山季中茂密繁盛的植被。夏日绿荫与秋日红叶之景尤其美妙。您可通过五感体会三段峡的美景——近距离观赏美景；听风穿古木、白水奔腾；于静谧森林嗅松木幽芳；触摸冷冽流水、蓬松落叶；任清新空气沁润心脾。独一无二的极致体验将使您尽情沉浸在大自然中。从广岛市乘坐巴士75分钟可达三段峡。

三段峡　历史

2017年，三段峡迎来了其被发现的百年纪念。100多年前，这里几乎人迹罕至，仅在1768年成书的《松落叶集》中有所涉及。该书记载了太田川上游以及如今的三段峡部分地区，其中便包括“龙口”和“猿飞”。

1917，摄影师熊南峰（1876-1943）开始探索这片峡谷，并深深醉心于此——如此秀丽的景象，使人联想起以水墨勾勒的中国水墨画。江户时代（1603-1868）以后，这类艺术作品颇受慧眼独到的文人雅士所追捧。另在《松落叶集》中，该峡谷被比作中国两大自然景观地标，即四川省巍峨屹立的“三峨”（峨眉山）以及绵延于长江中游的壮阔三峡。故此，熊南峰为其取名“三段峡”。

被峡谷之美所折服的熊南峰，在小学老师斎藤露翠等当地居民的协助下，开始对三段峡进行宣传。为永葆三段峡的美观，熊南峰及其团队发起了一项运动——为三段峡争取“《史迹名胜天然记念物保存法》认定风景名胜区”称号。功夫不负有心人，三段峡于1925年获此殊荣。此后，为方便人们在三段峡漫步赏景，熊南峰决定铺设游步道。建设之初，他为游步道进行了精心的设计规划，将其对环境的干扰降至最低，以保持峡谷的自然状态。如今，供徒步客使用的游步道便是当年所铺设。

1953年，根据新颁布的《文化财保护法》，三段峡被指定为“特别名胜”。1969年，包括三段峡在内的西中国山地地区被指定为“国定公园”。这份经熊南峰和当地居民共同努力而获得的国家认定，既提高了三段峡的知名度，又保护了其自然风光。近年来，作为能够为游客提供安逸享受和获取自然之力的圣地，三段峡已然引起了国内外媒体的广泛关注与争相报道，逐渐为人熟知。在法国权威旅行杂志《Blue Guide（蓝色指南）》2015年2月刊中，继世界遗产宫岛和原子弹爆炸遗址之后，“三段峡”亦荣获“三星级景点”的最高评价。当地居民从未忘怀熊南峰的初心，并将其定下的目标铭刻于心，经过他们的不懈努力，峡谷至今保存完好。

三段峡　三段峡正面入口至黑渊

三段峡的正门处亦是其步道南端的起始点。从正门到黑渊间，3公里的徒步登山路线最具人气——在人工铺设的道路和自然小径间，步行约50分钟便能体验峡谷的自然之美，即便是初学者亦或是一日游的旅客亦能感受个中的欢愉。游步道入口与三段峡酒店、供应徒步用食品和信息的店铺毗邻。踏上游步道稍向前行，途经横跨长渊、约100米长的鲜艳红桥，脚下便是三段峡中最狭长的水潭。当地的皮艇和站立式桨板教室皆在此设有大本营。夏季潭水清透冷冽，深受游泳者青睐。

从长渊步行五分钟，便可抵达姊妹瀑。该瀑布得名于其独特的景观：岩壁上方三道水流并行下坠，落入静谧的深潭。姊妹瀑位于龙口附近，平静舒缓的河流一经龙口，立即化为波涛汹涌的激流。

距姊妹瀑约20分钟路程处，有一片被绿意环绕的鲜红色景观——赤瀑。这道小瀑布被爬满砖红色藻类的岩石包围，其涌出的泉水冷冽清甜、柔和适口，可直接饮用。穿过赤瀑后，游步道朝着被流水侵蚀过、覆满岩石的女夫渊延伸。一旁的步道挑高而建，与水面落差极大，且无遮拦。女夫渊过后是石樋滩，这里岩石林立，遍布河滩。

沿游步道继续行进至黑渊。这里，被原始森林覆盖的崖壁，从四面环抱着宽广平静的潭水。徒步者行至水边可稍事休息，亦可搭乘小舟，抵达地处三段峡正中央的“黑渊庄”餐厅（全程约10分钟）。

三段峡　黑渊与黑渊渡舟

黑渊位于三段峡正门游步道南起约三公里处，是一处可供徒步旅行者休憩的僻静之地。此潭水宽广平静，并无激流，即便靠近也没有危险。高达百米的陡峭悬崖环绕黑渊四周，崖壁森林密布，其壮观景象令人心生敬畏。

从4月中旬至11月下旬，游客可搭乘传统的古老渡舟，近距离观赏陡峭的悬崖。舟夫撑着一叶扁舟，绕碧绿的黑渊划行一周，便于乘客细细欣赏眼前秘境。途中还将经过坐落峡谷正中的黑渊庄餐厅。开业于1926年的这家餐厅，曾是一间旅馆，而今则供应由当地食材烹制的简餐及咖啡，让游客能在畅游大自然的间歇补充体力。

三段峡　猿飞和二段瀑、三段瀑

猿飞是二段瀑（意为“被分为两段的瀑布”）的入口。二段瀑是一处“隐秘的”瀑布，自三段峡中央的水梨口出发，步行约30分钟即可抵达。您可从三段峡正门步行约两个半小时4月中旬至11月下旬，每周末及节假日（注∶秋季红叶观赏期间每日航行）亦可乘小舟前往二段瀑。小舟从浮在河面的木栈桥起航，全程仅需约五分钟。途径狭窄的猿飞崖缝时，舟夫会抓住从崖顶吊下的缆绳，操纵小舟顺利通过。

崖缝形成的天然通道宽约两米，狭窄到小舟穿行其间时乘客竟可伸手触摸到高20米、覆满青苔的崖壁。舟只行至开阔地带时，可谓豁然开朗，夏日绿树鲜明，秋日红叶似火，与逼仄狭小的崖影形成鲜明对比。此时二段瀑仍如秘境一般，不闻水声，不见水影，不察其踪。待小舟穿过崖缝，来到浩渺的潭水前，一汪碧蓝的静水便化作翻滚的白花，随后便能听到二段瀑的轰鸣声。

瀑布涌出的湍急水流冲刷着栈桥，小舟则稳稳地停靠在旁。游客们一踏上栈桥，便可边观赏近在咫尺的瀑布，边感受其水花飞溅。原二段式的阶梯状瀑布，其下方一段的岩壁已在1988年的集中暴雨中被冲跨。立于潭水中央的栈桥上，您可尽情沉浸在大自然的绝妙氛围中。

始于水梨口的游步道还通往另一景观——“三段瀑”。这道高130米，拦腰分为三段的瀑布是整条路线中最受瞩目的景点之一。瀑布呈阶梯状分流倾泻，水击三段岩壁，注入静谧的青碧色水潭中。三段瀑被原始森林环绕，每到夏秋两季，景致如诗如画，别有天地。

三段峡酒店

三段峡酒店是一家昭和风格的日式传统旅馆，远离人烟，清雅幽静。打破这一静谧的唯有舒缓流淌的河水声。由木造建筑的老式窗户向外望去，便可俯览峡谷美景。透过朝西的客房及餐厅的宽大窗户，您可看到蒙蒙晨雾蜿蜒穿过峡谷中的冷杉树丛，环绕着一座鲜红之桥。

酒店数十年来保持着复古的居家式内饰，并通过不断翻新为游客提供最新设施。游客将在接待区享受热忱款待，了解三段峡的过往；还可欣赏熊南峰（1876-1943）的摄影作品。酒店有三层楼高，除却上层的客房，还有可观赏河景的温泉、餐厅及图书馆。住客可在铺设着榻榻米的餐厅享用早餐与晚宴。除当地自产的食材及名产香鱼外，还有酒店老板从周边山上采摘的时令野菜。菜品虽非名贵，却力求发挥当地食材的最佳风味。另有酒店特制的“橡饼”，不含任何食品添加剂，道道工序均由手工精制，保留传统风味，作为特产礼品也尤受欢迎。

三段峡酒店的历史可追溯至1929年，其前身为高下常市所建造的旅馆“峡南馆”。1932年，广岛县的富豪羽田氏并购峡南馆，将其改造为“羽田别庄”，高下常市则担任总经理。二战中，羽田别庄成为陆军疗养所，战后被驻日盟军接管。1945年8月，羽田氏的宅邸被袭击广岛的原子弹摧毁，而当时羽田别庄的木材则曾被用于羽田家宅的重建。

如今的酒店是于1956年在羽田别庄旧址上建造而成。为给旅馆带来现代感，高下常市将其命名为“三段峡酒店”，而这也是广岛首座以“酒店”命名的建筑。

http://www.sandankyo.co.jp/

三段峽　概要

三段峽坐落於柴木川邊，地處安藝太田町的西北部，是西中國山地國定公園的一部分。峽谷全長16公里，山水美景渾然天成，保留了未經雕琢的自然風貌。三段峽是文化廳認證的「特別名勝」——日本全國僅六處峽谷被授予此稱號，三段峽則是日本西部僅有的一處。除峽谷的地貌之美外，在三段峽的遊步道還能邂逅多種多樣的植物群和參天古木，這在日本可謂絕無僅有，故有「廣島桂林」之美稱。

景區十分重視對自然環境的保養及維護，便在溝壑奔騰的水流之上架設高架、鋪砌遊步道。遊客行走其間，既能親身體驗峽谷美景，又可保全生態系統不受破壞。步行路線眾多，從初級散步路線至耗時一整天的專業級徒步路線齊備，建議山友們選擇適合自身體力的路線。另外，還可乘舟前往黑淵及猿飛地區，自舟上觀賞壯觀的崖壁及原始森林。

三段峽周邊的原始森林裡，古老的針葉樹與常綠樹參天而立。日本全境有逾1800種苔蘚，其中約六分之一可在三段峽遊步道觀察到。巍峨高聳的懸崖和水花飛濺的階梯狀瀑布，不禁讓人聯想起中國的山水圖。如此壯美的山光水色，日後更激發了攝影師熊南峰（1876-1943）等早期探險家們致力推廣保護的靈感。

濕潤的環境滋養出三段峽春、夏、秋三個登山季中茂密繁盛的植被。夏日綠蔭與秋日紅葉之景尤其美妙。您可透過全身五感體會三段峽的美景——近距離凝視觀賞；聽風穿古木、白水奔騰；於靜謐森林嗅松木幽芳；觸摸冷冽流水、蓬鬆落葉；任清新空氣沁潤心脾。獨一無二的極致體驗定能讓您完全沉醉在大自然之中。從廣島市乘坐巴士75分鐘可達三段峽。

三段峽　歷史

2017年，是三段峽被發現的百週年紀念。100多年前，這裡幾乎無人問津，僅在1768年成書的《松落葉集》中有所提及。該書記載了太田川上游以及如今的三段峽部分地區，其中就包含「龍口」和「猿飛」。

1917年，攝影師熊南峰（1876-1943）開始探索這片峽谷，並深深醉心於此——如此秀麗的景象，使人聯想起以水墨勾勒的中國山水畫。江戶時代（1603-1868）以後，這類藝術作品尤受慧眼獨到的文人雅士所欣賞。另在《松落葉集》中，該峽谷被比作中國兩大自然景觀地標，即四川省巍峨屹立的「三峨（峨眉山）」以及綿延於長江中游的壯闊三峽。因此，熊南峰為其取名「三段峽」。

被峽谷之美折服的熊南峰，在小學老師斎藤露翠等當地居民的協助下，開始對三段峽進行宣傳。為了永葆三段峽的美觀，熊南峰及其團隊發起了鼓吹運動，日後在《史蹟名勝天然記念物保存法》的認可下，峽谷於1925年被認定為風景名勝。熊南峰為方便人們在三段峽漫步賞景，决定鋪設遊步道。建設之初，他為遊步道精心設計規劃，將其對環境的干擾降至最低，以保持峽谷的自然狀態。今日供山友們使用的遊步道便是當年鋪設而成。

1953年，根據新頒布的《文化財保護法》，三段峽被指定為「特別名勝」。1969年，包括三段峽在內的西中國山地地區被指定為「國定公園」。這些經熊南峰和當地居民共同努力而獲得的國家認定，既提高了三段峽的知名度，又保護了其自然風光。作為為遊客提供安逸舒適並樂享自然之力的場所，近年來，三段峽已然引起了國內外媒體的廣泛關注與爭相報導，聲名遠播。在法國權威旅行雜誌《Blue Guide（藍色指南）》2015年2月號中，繼世界遺產宮島和原子彈爆炸遺址之後，「三段峽」亦榮獲「三星級景點」的最高評價。當地居民從未忘懷熊南峰的初心，並將其定下的目標銘刻於心，經由他們的不懈努力，峽谷至今仍保存完好。

三段峽　三段峽正面入口至黑淵

三段峽的正門處亦是其步道南端的起始地點。從正門到黑淵間，3公里的徒步登山路線尤受歡迎——在人工鋪設的道路和自然小徑間，步行約50分鐘便能體驗到峽谷的自然美，即使是初來乍到或者是一日遊的遊客也能感受個中的愉悅。遊步道入口毗鄰於三段峽酒店，及提供徒步登山用的食品和資訊的店鋪。踏上遊步道稍向前行，途經橫跨長淵、約100公尺長的鮮豔紅橋，脚下便是三段峽中最狹長的水潭。當地的皮艇和站立式槳板教室均在此設有大本營。夏季潭水清透冷冽，尤其受到游泳者的青睞。

從長淵步行五分鐘，便可到達姊妹瀑。該瀑布得名於其獨特的景觀：岩壁上方三道水流並列下墜，落入靜謐的深潭。姊妹瀑位於龍口附近，平靜舒緩的河流一到龍口，立刻化為波濤洶湧的激流。

距姊妹瀑約20分鐘路程處，有一片被綠意環繞的鮮紅色景觀——赤瀑。這道小瀑布被爬滿磚紅色藻類的岩石包圍，其湧出的泉水冷冽清甜、柔和適口，可直接飲用。穿過赤瀑後，遊步道朝著被流水侵蝕過、滿是岩石的女夫淵延伸。沿途步道挑高而建，與水面落差極大，且無遮攔。女夫淵過後的石樋灘，是一處岩石遍佈的淺灘。

沿遊步道繼續行進即達黑淵。被原始森林覆蓋的崖壁從四面環抱著寬廣平靜的潭水。徒步者行至水邊可稍作休息，也可搭乘小舟，抵達地處三段峽正中心的「黑淵莊」餐廳（乘舟所需時間約10分鐘）。

三段峽　黑淵與黑淵渡舟

黑淵位於三段峽正門遊步道南起約三公里處，是一處可供徒步旅行者休息的僻靜場所。此潭水寬廣平靜，並無急流，即使靠近也沒危險。高達100公尺的陡峭懸崖環繞黑淵四周，崖壁森林密佈，其壯觀景象令人心生敬畏。

從4月中旬至11月下旬，遊客可乘坐古老的傳統渡舟，近距離觀賞陡峭的懸崖。舟夫撐著一葉扁舟，繞碧綠的黑淵划行一周，讓乘客能够仔細欣賞這片秘境。途中還經過坐落峽谷正中的黑淵莊餐廳。這家餐廳於1926年開業，當初曾是一家旅館，而今則提供由當地食材烹製的簡餐及咖啡，讓遊客在暢遊大自然的同時補充體力。

三段峽　猿飛和二段瀑、三段瀑

猿飛是二段瀑（意為「被分為兩段的瀑布」）的入口。二段瀑是一處「隱秘的」瀑布，自三段峽中央的水梨口出發，步行約30分鐘即可到達。您可從三段峽正門步行約兩個半小時4月中旬至11月下旬，每週末及節假日（注∶秋季紅葉觀賞期間每日運行）還可乘小舟前往二段瀑。小舟從浮在河面的木棧橋起航，整個行程僅需約五分鐘。經過狹窄的猿飛崖縫時，舟夫會抓住從崖頂吊下的纜繩，操控小舟順利通過。

崖縫形成的天然通道寬約2公尺，狹窄到小舟穿行其間時乘客竟可伸手觸摸到高20公尺、長滿青苔的崖壁。舟隻行至開闊地帶時，可謂豁然開朗，夏日綠樹鮮明，秋日紅葉似火，與逼仄狹小的崖影形成鮮明對比。此時二段瀑仍如秘境一般，不聞水聲，不見水影，不察其踪。待小舟穿過崖縫，來到浩渺的潭水前，一汪碧藍的靜水便化為翻滾的白花，隨後便能聽到二段瀑的轟鳴聲。

瀑布湧出的湍急水流沖刷著棧橋，小舟則穩穩地停靠在旁。遊客們一踏上棧橋，便可邊觀賞近在眼前的瀑布，邊感受其水花飛濺。原二段式的階梯狀瀑布，其下方一段的岩壁已在1988年的集中暴雨中被沖跨。站在潭水中央的棧橋上，您就能盡情體驗陶醉在大自然的絕妙氛圍中。

始於水梨口的遊步道還通往另一景觀——「三段瀑」。這道高130公尺，攔腰分為三段的瀑布是整條路線中最受矚目的景點之一。瀑布呈階梯狀分流傾瀉，水擊三段岩壁，注入靜謐的青碧色水潭中。三段瀑被原始森林環繞，每到夏秋兩季，景致如詩如畫，別有天地。

三段峽酒店

三段峽酒店是一家昭和風格的日式傳統旅館，遠離人烟，清雅幽靜。打破這一靜謐的唯有舒緩流淌的河水聲。由木造建築的老式窗戶向外望去，可俯覽峽谷美景。透過朝西的客房及餐廳的寬大窗戶，您可看到濛濛晨霧蜿蜒穿過峽谷中的冷杉樹叢，環繞著一座鮮紅之橋。

酒店數十年來保持著復古的居家式內飾，並透過不斷翻新為遊客提供最新設施。遊客將在接待區享受熱情款待，了解三段峽的歷史，還可欣賞熊南峰（1876-1943）的攝影作品。酒店有三層樓高，除了上層的客房，還有可觀賞河景的溫泉、餐廳及圖書館。住客可在鋪設著榻榻米的餐廳享用早餐與晚餐。食材除當地自產的食材及名產香魚外，還有酒店老闆從附近山上採摘的時令野菜。菜餚雖非昂貴珍饈，卻力求發揮當地食材的最佳風味。另有飯店特製的「橡餅」，不含任何化學添加劑，道道工序均由手工精製，保留傳統風味，作為伴手禮也大受歡迎。

三段峽酒店的歷史可追溯至1929年，其前身為高下常市所建造的旅館「峽南館」。1932年，廣島縣的富豪羽田氏併購了「峽南館」，將其改造為「羽田別莊」，高下常市則成為總經理。第二次世界大戰中，羽田別莊成為陸軍療養所，戰後則被駐日盟軍接管。1945年8月，羽田氏的宅邸被襲擊廣島的核子彈摧毀，當時羽田別莊的木材曾被用來重建羽田家宅。

如今的酒店是於1956年在羽田別莊舊址上建造而成。為給旅館帶來現代感，高下常市將其命名為「三段峽酒店」，而這也是廣島首座以「酒店」命名的建築物。

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