Ryuokyo Gorge Pause on Nijimi Bridge to watch the river wind through the rocks

On a sunny autumn afternoon, I set off from the car park at Ryuokyo Gorge. As I went down the steps and closer to the valley, the sound of the river grew clearer. I drew my white jacket closed as I walked and made my way to Nijimi Bridge over the Kinu River. At the railing, I looked up: beyond the rock walls and autumn leaves, the valley stretched into the distance. I was so glad I’d made it all the way down here.

I rested one hand lightly on the brown railing and looked upstream. The river slipped around the rocks, turning white here and there. The rocks nearby had sharply defined edges, while trees covered the distant slopes. The sound I’d first heard on the way down seemed to rise from the water right in front of me now. I watched the water slip past the same rock for a while.

My friend joined me and said, “You get such a good view of the valley from the bridge.” I nodded, and we followed the river together, tracing its path between the rocks. Apparently, this gorge was carved over many years as the Kinu River wore away volcanic rock from an undersea volcano. I found myself intrigued by the gorge itself, not only the autumn leaves.

I adjusted the black jacket hanging over my shoulder and looked toward the mountains once more. Above, leaves swayed; below, the river ran, each with its own rhythm and sound. My friend and I agreed to linger a little longer before taking photos. Following the river with my eyes, I nearly lost track of time. I want to remember this view from Nijimi Bridge clearly when I get home.

On the way back to the car park, we talked about having river fish for lunch. Apparently, the nearby Drive-in Goko serves dishes made with sweetfish and char. I like the idea of a meal like that after watching the river. Next time, I’d like to include the loop walk to Musasabi Bridge, too. My friend and I walked back uphill toward the car park, thinking about the rocks and the sound of the river.