Obuchi Mebuchi Gorge is a gorge with beautiful rare stones situated at the midway point between Furuyu and Kumanokawa hot springs. Descending the stairs from the car park, you will be greeted by emerald green water cascading over a gigantic, solid bolder. In this natural landscape rich with the varying expressions of the four seasons, many oddly-shaped rocks, big and small, pile around on top of one another. In the past, Obuchi (male abyss) was feared as the most grueling section of the river for rafters. It is said that there is a cave under the surface of the water to which nobody has ever dived. The place is surrounded in a mysterious atmosphere. Meanwhile, at Mebuchi (female abyss), sand has accumulated and a sandbar has formed. There is a monument here erected in the name of Guo Moruo, a Chinese literary scholar said to have contributed greatly to the friendship between Japan and China. The monument in his name was erected here as Guo was said to visit often due to its resemblance to his hometown in Sichuan province, China. The brightly red-painted Naruse Bridge enhances the beauty of the area.
● Access:
From train station: 30-minute taxi ride from Saga Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line
Car: 15-minute drive from Nagasaki Expressway Saga-Yamato IC
Bus: Get on Showa Bus bound for Furuyu/Hokuzan at Saga Station Bus Center, get off at “Ayunose” stop, and walk for 20 minutes
● Parking Lot: Accommodates 10 cars (free of charge)
● Contact: Fuji Branch Office, Saga City Government, Tel: +81-952-58-2860
