Kannosekyo Prefectural Natural Park

The Kannosegawa River basin, which stretches from Takano-cho in Shobara City to Kimita-cho in Miyoshi City, is home to many beautiful natural landscapes and precious natural features, and was designated as the prefecture's sixth prefectural natural park in April 1998. With an area of 2,736 hectares, it is the largest in the prefecture, and boasts a majestic gorge that is approximately 300 meters deep due to the vigorous erosion of the Kannosegawa River. One notable plant is the San'in Shirokanesou, which is only found in Kannose Gorge in the prefecture and has been designated as an "endangered species" and efforts are being made to protect it. There is also a large amount of wild life, and compared to areas with similar environments in the prefecture, the variety of wildlife in Kannose Gorge is far greater than in other areas, demonstrating the biodiversity of the area.