With a total length of 2km, Sekichu-kei is a valley located in the western part of Yamaguchi prefecture that has been designated both as a place of scenic beauty, and as a natural monument.  

This is the entrance to the valley. Beyond the signboard you can find a spacious parking area. 

I cross a narrow stream, and after climbing up a slope for a while I reach an information signboard, which is where the actual valley-walking course begins! 

 

Making it a refreshing forest-bathing route, the trail includes moderate ups and downs.

With the small waterfalls that appear along the route every some dozen meters or so, the surroundings echo with the soothing sound of water! 

Among other spots, you can see stone columns on the cliffs of the river pools and along the riverbed, which makes the scenery beautiful yet mysterious.

The columnar joints of Sekichu-kei valley were formed around the late Cretaceous Period (65 million years ago).

Rather than basalt or andesite, they are made of a much more rare quartz-porphyry (volcanic) rock, making them invaluable geology-wise, as well. 

A legend of tragic love is associated with Kanzan Waterfall, which flows down a cliff face of columnar joints.

 
"Otsuu", a young local woman, fell in love with Kinugasa Bansaku, the feudal retainer of Choshu, and this was the place they would come to vow their mutual love.

However, after realizing that they could never be together due to the difference in their social status, Otsuu threw herself into the rapids. After learning of this, Bansaku committed seppuku at the waterfall to follow her… 

Because of this legend, Oshidori Kannon temple was built within the valley. 

On the last leg of the route, I reach Shosen Bridge, which is located about 1km from the starting point.