When you come down from the mountains, you can spend a few pleasant hours sightseeing the Sounkyo gorge itself (the "kyo" is the the character for gorge). Although the noisy road parallels the gorge, there are plenty of sections that avoid the main road (like the one shown in this photo), giving you the peace and quiet you need to contemplate the dramatic cliffs. There are also hot springs in the area.

This photo was taken at the transfer point between cable cars going up the mountain. Very seldom do you have the opportunity to look DOWN on a rainbow...