3.Hakuba Gorge (Hakuba Kei)

Path over 8 stone bridges
along shrine and tranquil gorge

　Hakuba Gorge is a popular and spectacular place to see the autumn colors. It is said that its origins lie in the formation of a group in 1833 under the leadership of Usuki castle town merchants Shumenosuke Hashimoto Shumenosuke and Zenshichi Shimizu Zenshichi in order to build, through the auspices of the Usuki domain, the Dai-jingu Shrine enshrining a branch shrine of the Grand Shrine at Ise, for people who were unable to visit it. The paths highlight the natural scenery in the gorge and together with the placement of trees, rocks, stone bridges, etc., present visitors with pleasing sights as they make their way to the Dai-jingu Shrine and the pond beyond. Visitors come throughout the seasons, not just in autumn, for the new greenery of spring, and the coolness in summer. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing for the climb up to the Dai-jingu Shrine, where you can say a prayer.