Along the Ochozu Falls Hiking Trail

Natural sights grace the path

Tristan Scholze Jun 02, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Japanese freshwater crabs, or sawagani, can be found all along the river</p>

<p>Mosses cover stone and wood all around you</p>

<p>A small shrine near the main waterfall</p>

<p>This bloom is just centimeters above the fallen leaves of the previous autumn</p>

<p>A friendly young grasshopper, or batta in Japanese</p>

Ochozu Falls has been known by mountaineers since the Muromachi period (1333-1573) as a legendary sacred place for cleansing. The name derives from the washbasins, or ochouzu, at shrines for visitors to wash upon entering the grounds. The hike (video) from the parking lot to the waterfall is easy, passes a campground, and takes under an hour. From there, turn back or follow the trails for several additional kilometers through the forest to Mt. Ishitani and Mt. Kusenbu for more adventure.

御手洗の滝—ochouzu no taki—Ochozu Falls

Tristan Scholze @tristan.scholze

I'm also known as Faer Out. I love learning about people and nature. I've traveled around the world and throughout Japan, and I hope to continue seeing and experiencing the wonder of this planet as long as I live.Based in Japan for nearly two decades, I'm a Japan Travel expert for Fukuoka and Sag...