Waterfalls. How to create a beautiful Japanese waterfall in a suburban area with your own hands Waterfalls of Japan

general information

Every year, a large number of tourists come to Kegon Falls to see its amazing beauty. This natural object is famous for its impressive size and picturesque landscapes. At its foot you can find a tea house, as well as use the lift, which allows you to easily climb to the top in order to fully enjoy the amazing panoramas. Kegon Falls is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan, being in the top three along with Fukuroda and Nachi waterfalls. In summer, flying swallows can be seen near the waterfall, and in winter it forms a picturesque ice cascade. This is a place with unsurpassed mountain beauty, where you can experience real aesthetic pleasure.

• Twelve small waterfalls located on the sides of the main stream give special entertainment to Kegon. All of them also make their way through the hardened remnants of the lava flow.
• Kegon acquired its name thanks to the Buddhist school of the same name (which, in turn, is named after one of the Buddhist sutras). Since 1930, a lift has been operating at the waterfall.
• Kegon Falls is also notorious. The fact is that this place is very popular among Japanese suicidal teenagers.

Waterfalls are not in vain considered one of the most fascinating phenomena on earth, as well as an integral part of nature. They change the surrounding space so much that even devoted fans of the urban slums will not resist their beauty. After all, if we are asked to imagine the most magnificent scenery in the world, do we not imagine roaring waters crashing down from a high cliff?

In Japan, you can find dozens of different waterfalls, from small streams to powerful water columns that crush rocks. True, not all of these waterfalls are suitable for an autumn trip. For example, Nachi Falls - the highest waterfall in Japan - is not very suitable for admiring autumn colors. But along with it, there are dozens of other amazing places that any tourist who is going to Japan from September to November should visit.

After numerous trips and trips around Japan, we responsibly declare: trees glowing in all shades of red look great against the backdrop of roaring water flows. In this article, we have collected waterfalls that are perfect for admiring the autumn leaf fall. If you are more attracted to mountains and mountainous areas, take a look at our other top ten hiking trails suitable for autumn tourism. In Japan, to enjoy the scenery of a waterfall against the background of autumn leaves burning with gold, you have to go far from the city and climb into the very outback.

1. Fukuroda Waterfall in Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture

Would you like to know the best fall leaf spots in Ibaraki Prefecture? Well, we better suggest you a really cool place that is worth your attention. This is Fukuroda Falls, which is considered one of the Three Great Waterfalls of Japan along with Kegon and Nachi Falls. And he's incredibly handsome!

Fukuroda Falls is located in a rural area near the city of Daigo. The local autumn views are really magnificent. Yes, in many ways this place receives increased attention due to the waterfall, but its surroundings are very beautiful. We recommend driving around Daigo suburbs. Jokes apart, your gaze will be lost in the incredible mountain forests and rice fields that stretch along the road on the way to the Fukuroda waterfall.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a 120-meter waterfall, around which platforms and observation platforms are even built, from which guests can admire the autumn colors and powerful streams of the waterfall. Especially beautiful leaf fall awaits you from early to mid-November. If you want to tickle your nerves and marvel at the beauty of this place at the same time, we advise you to get to the highest platform. In addition, look out for local treats and delicacies, especially the famous daigo dango (Japanese rice dumplings).

2. Kegon Falls in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture

A trip to Kegon Falls in the fall can be life-changing. No, you certainly won't win the lottery or buy a Ferrari. However, from now on, you will proudly declare yourself the biggest nature lover in the world. It is from Kegon Falls that your journey to other famous waterfalls in the world can begin. The stunning scenery of reds, yellows, and golds of autumn, as well as the magnificent water that rushes down with all its might, will surely motivate you to visit this place again one day.

The 100-meter Kegon Falls is one of the most popular and revered waterfalls in Nikko National Park. The river, which falls down from the cliff, forming the Kegon Falls, is the main source of Lake Chuzenji. The incredible beauty of this place can be enjoyed from two observation platforms: one is free to visit, and the other is paid. But don't be discouraged to hear that the paid site offers the most incredible panoramas of the falls and autumn colors: you'll still enjoy the views of Kegon Falls even if you don't pay any money! The best time to plan your trip is mid-October, when the autumn leaves reach their peak of beauty.

3. Ryuzu Falls in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture

Near Nikko there is another waterfall that we would like to introduce you to. In addition, it is located not far from the previous one. A day trip to Lake Chuzenji is enough to get acquainted with both Kegon and Ryuzu. Unlike the former, Ryuzu Falls is slightly smaller; it would be more accurate to call it a cascade. It is located on the Yukawa River.

By the way, do you know how "Ryuzu" is translated from Japanese? In Russian, it means "waterfall of the dragon's head." Isn't it an interesting name? It appeared due to the shape of the waterfall, which really resembles the bowed head of a dragon.

The deciduous trees that grow nearby reach the peak of their autumn beauty in early October. Locals say that it is this place in all of Nikko that first of all meets autumn leaf fall. However, the trip planned for mid-October will not disappoint you either. Be sure to go up to the observation deck and appreciate the view of bubbling water streams against the background of golden-red crowns. In addition, if you would like to explore the waterfall and its surrounding areas a little more, we recommend that you walk from the waterfall upstream of the river, following the 300-meter walking route. Remember to take all precautions and capture beautiful views on camera.

4. Ryusei and Ginga Waterfalls in Sounkyo, Hokkaido Prefecture

If you want to be inspired by autumn colors in the Hokkaido region, we highly recommend you a wonderful place where you will find the so-called twin waterfalls known as Ryusei-no-taki and Ginga-no-taki. These twin waterfalls are located in a thriving hot spring recreation area called Seunkyo. Without a doubt, Sounkyo can be called a real treasure of the Daisetsuzan National Park and a very popular place to admire the autumn leaves in Hokkaido. To get to these twin waterfalls, you have to walk along the Ishikari River. We guarantee: the area near the waterfalls is so picturesque that you will want to spend a few more hours here. To fully enjoy these landscapes, explore the observation decks and look at Ryusei and Ginga from different angles.

5. Naena Falls in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture

Without any hesitation and without prejudice, we can say: Naena (55 m in height) is the best waterfall in Niigata Prefecture. Aren't the views of these waters crashing down from the cliffs magnificent? Aren't these bright, amazingly vibrant colors breathtaking? We assure you: if you are going to visit the Naena Falls for the first time, nothing is better than an autumn trip.

The atmosphere here is very peaceful and calm, yet people often refer to Naenu as an earthquake waterfall. The thing is that due to the full flow of the river, a stream so powerful is discharged from above that the sound it produces can be heard for kilometers.

The best time to travel is definitely the beginning of November. By the way, keep in mind that Naena Falls is listed in the top 100 waterfalls in Japan.

6. Minoo Falls in Osaka

In the autumn season, one of the most important sights of Osaka is Minoo Park, located on the northern outskirts of the city. The park will offer you all the fun: there is something to do and see. And, of course, the magnificent Minoo Falls, surrounded by golden-red flashes of crowns, deserve the most attention! The autumn colors here are truly beautiful. You, too, will surely be captivated and inspired by this picture. In addition, you can enjoy the view of leaf fall and roaring water streams from various platforms where observation platforms are located. If you are interested in the photo of the waterfall attached above, come here in early November to catch the best panoramas.

7. Komadome Falls in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture

Komadome Falls (Komadome-ga-taki) is one of Japan's lesser-known fall foliage spots, a hidden gem of the prefecture. The wild nature surrounding it, where no human has set foot, in autumn is literally immersed in bright colors. All in all, anyone planning a fall trip to Nasu should discover this secret wealth of Japan. The place where it is located is very quiet, it literally sets you up in a philosophically peaceful way, but most of all you will be struck by the deep blue color of the water.

Nasu may also appeal to those who love active tourism: hiking, trekking and cycling. And until you see the autumn mountain slopes of Nasu with your own eyes, you will not feel all the incredible beauty of this place.

8. 48 Akame Falls in Nabari, Mie Prefecture

Where can I go for a couple of days from Tokyo? I answered this question for myself like this - in Fuji and in Nikko. About Fuji I, and in this final entry from my Japanese cycle I will try to show and describe Nikko- one of the oldest religious and pilgrimage centers in Japan. This city will interest both history buffs and those who want to get acquainted with Japanese nature, since the national park of the same name is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

There is a direct train from Tokyo to Nikko, so getting there is much more convenient than getting to Fuji, despite the distance of 140 km. On the way, you can look at the Japanese hinterland - the villages are very close to the tracks and are pleasantly reflected in the mirrors of the rice fields.

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Surrounded by mountains, Nikko is radically different from Tokyo at first glance. However, there is a fairly large train station and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.

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In Tokyo, I bought a special multi-day ticket that includes a round-trip train ride and unlimited use of local buses. We sit down in one of them and go towards the temples. The first temple is a majestic Buddhist temple Rinnoji. Unfortunately, it will be restored until 2021, and its facade is covered with a cap (however, quite well done).

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Japanese tourists set fire to a stick of incense at the entrance to the temple.

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The complex includes more than a hundred cultural objects on the territory of three temples recorded in the World Heritage List. Around - an incredible cedar forest, fresh air and birds singing.

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The students came on a field trip. Nikko is extremely popular in Japan. There is even a saying: "Don't talk about beauty until you see Nikko."

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Visitors.

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If you like Japanese stone lanterns, Nikko has plenty of them.

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They are here for every taste and size.

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The most picturesque are the old ones, covered with lichen and moss.

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Although there are more modern, metal ones.

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A whole alley of lanterns leads from one temple to another. Fabulous place.

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The monks confirm that it is worth coming here.

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The territory of the complex is quite large and contains many different buildings, tombs, monuments, etc. It is impossible to visit everything in two days, especially if there is a desire to go to the national park, to the mountains.

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Pearl of Nikko - mausoleum temple Toshogu dedicated to the shogun and commander Tokugawa Ieyasu.

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The buildings are richly decorated with polychrome ornaments, carvings and gold.

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A long staircase leads up a hill, past tall cedar trees.

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It turns out that the bronze tomb of the shogun is located here.

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It is much quieter and calmer here than below, because the stairs discourage many people from climbing here.

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Temple donations. Here you can see what the Japanese yen looks like.

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The entrance to different parts of the complex is symbolized by ritual gates - torii.

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Magic forest - almost like in Miyazaki cartoons.

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Mausoleum Taiyuinbyo dedicated to the grandson of the shogun Ieyasu - Iemitsu Tokugawa. The tomb is similar to the Toshogu Shrine, but deliberately made more modest.

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The mausoleum closes quite early - at 5 pm, so the photos are already completely deserted. By the way, this is another reason why it is worth coming to Nikko for a few days.

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The entrance to the tomb (quite cute) looks like a Chinese character. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside most buildings, so I only show the views from the outside.

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When entering buildings, it is customary to take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance. It's cool and quiet inside. I was looking at one of the temples when elderly Japanese men entered and sat on the floor. The rector came out to them and began to tell something (probably about the history of the temple), and I joined those sitting, although I did not understand anything. At the end, the monk made some ritual movements (probably blessed the visitors), and the Japanese dispersed just as quickly, and I bought a talisman in the form of a small bundle from a young servant.

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At 17:00 the temples closed, but the sun had not yet set, so there was still time to walk around Nikko. It is felt that around the mountain - you suddenly come across a stormy river with picturesque rapids.

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A sacred bridge is thrown across the river Shinkyo- so sacred that they only let him in for money and only during working hours.

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Legend has it that the founder of Nikko, the Buddhist priest Shodo, performed a prayer here, thanks to which the god of the Jinja-Dayo river descended to him and threw two snakes over the seething stream, which formed the bridge.

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I spent the night in a private European-style boarding house with a very kind host, and the next morning I got on a bus and went to the national park. The road takes about 45 minutes and passes through a picturesque, but rather steep mountain serpentine - so steep that the traffic on it is one-way, and the descent passes along a duplicate road. Near the first bus stop high in the mountains is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Japan - Kegon.

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This 100-meter waterfall flows from the high-mountain lake Chuzenji, which I will show a little further.

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The waterfall is especially beautiful in autumn, surrounded by colorful leaves, but also not bad in spring.

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Nearby formed a lot of small cascades.

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Lake Chuzenji located at an altitude of 1271 meters above sea level, but at the same time it has an excellent tourist infrastructure - restaurants, souvenir shops, hot spring baths, boat trips, yacht clubs ...

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You can just sit and contemplate the calm expanse of the lake and from time to time passing boats.

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In fact, there are two waterfalls separated by a stone block.

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Directly above the cascades is a tea house where you can sit and have a bite to eat with a view of nature.

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Dozens of Japanese come to the open terrace with tripods and huge “SLRs” (mostly with Nikons, I noted with pleasure to myself) to capture such a shot.

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I didn’t have a tripod, so I had to get out of position with the help of a fence. 1/8 second is enough to beautifully blur the water and at the same time not let your hand flinch.

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After Nikko, there was a long drive back to Tokyo, relaxed walks around the capital, and an even longer drive home. With this entry, I complete the cycle of stories about Japan. I hope you were interested. In the meantime, more than two months have passed since that trip, so it's time to talk about something else, especially since I have a lot of materials and impressions. Stay tuned and see you soon!

How to get there: by train from Tokyo station Asakusa. A travel card (four days: 4520 yen, 33 euros, 1575 rubles) can be bought directly at the station. Travel time - 2 hours 20 minutes. In Nikko itself, you can travel on buses 2A, 2B and 2C for free (if you buy a travel card). Entrance to the temples is paid separately.

The nature and cultural and historical riches of Japan are very multifaceted, everyone here will find something interesting for themselves. The richest culture of the country, cherished and sacred traditions are wonderfully combined with the extraordinary pace of development of high technologies, huge skyscrapers side by side with graceful pagodas, and the noise of cars - with the murmur of small waterfalls in quiet gardens.

The beauty of Japan is hard to imagine without its waterfalls. After all, the jets of falling water sparkling with glare are truly beautiful. If you carefully consider the hieroglyph of the word "waterfall", then it is visually divided into two components, meaning the concepts of "water" and "dragon". It probably has a deeper meaning. The Japanese, who had never seen this outlandish beast live, were reminded of the dragon by the swirling and shaking the surroundings with their menacing roar, streams of water falling from a height to the ground. At the same time, the inhabitants of the Japanese islands are quite familiar with this extraordinary natural phenomenon. The water bodies of the country of the Rising Sun are famous for their "burrow", for the most part they do not flow on a flat surface, but on mountainous terrain. We can say that a calm river for Japan is an exception to the rule. According to specially made calculations, the territory of Japan contains almost two and a half thousand waterfalls, while their height is five or more meters! Almost every river can boast of its own waterfall, in extreme cases - rifts. To this we must add that, according to an old religious tradition, the Japanese consider waterfalls to be the habitat of spirits. The higher and more formidable the waterfall, the more powerful and respectable the deity who chose this place for his dwelling. Hence the deepest respect of people for such natural phenomena. More than once, they tried to build a single value vertical on which one could place - above or below - the most famous waterfalls of the country. The problem is with what criteria to approach the choice of "most-most".

Most often, waterfalls are compared by the height of the fall of the jet. But even here there are doubts. As you know, some of them are represented by a single stream falling into the abyss; others have a cascading character, where water, like a naughty child, jumps from ledge to ledge, filling the surroundings with a cheerful murmur; the third, disintegrating not small jets, like a white cloak cover the steep slope of the mountain ... It is quite difficult to compare such waterfalls, all the more so to build them in a hierarchy.

If we apply the generally accepted criterion - in height, then the leader among Japanese waterfalls is Hannoki-but-still, located on one of the small streams running down from the high plateau of Midagahara in Toyama Prefecture. Its height is 497 m. It is considered the highest not only in Japan, but throughout Asia, although it occupies only 88th place in the global ranking. However, even in Japan itself, the primacy of Hannoki no-taki is questioned. The fact is that the waterfall functions only 4 months a year - from April to July, when the snow melting on Midagahara replenishes the channel with water. The rest of the time, the "dragon" Hannoki prefers to rest in silence, hiding from prying eyes. And then the palm among Japanese waterfalls is taken over by the "twin" Hannoki-no-taki - a waterfall Shomyo-daki. These two waterfalls are called “twins” because, falling down in different ways, they bring their waters into one river, and their jets against the backdrop of a mountain resemble a giant Latin letter V. But Shomyo-daki, unlike his lazy “brother”, works without respite all year round. Its height is 370 m. Water falling from the top produces a sound similar to the muttering of a monk offering a prayer to the Buddha. Hence the name - Shomyo (prayer offering).

Third on this list is Hagoromo-no-taki, considered one of the attractions of the island of Hokkaido. The height of this waterfall is 270 m. Flowing down in seven ledges, the water stream resembles (at least, so the locals say) a dancing “star maiden”, whose snow-white outfit sparkles in the sun with water jets. The “Star Maiden”, who has chosen these places in ancient times, is considered the patroness of rice growing, since she generously supplies peasant fields with life-giving moisture.

This could complete the story about the "most-most" among the waterfalls. But the Japanese have other criteria for superiority. So, there is a list of "the three most beautiful waterfalls in the country."

The first of the most beautiful waterfalls Nachi-but-still located in the mountains of Kumano, an area sacred to Japanese Shintoists. A 133-meter water column, tumbling down the mountain against the backdrop of the evergreen needles of the forests that cover the slope, serves as a magnificent backdrop for religious ceremonies held at the local temple. Sacred notes in the round-the-clock roar of the waterfall are heard quite clearly.

Second on this list is the waterfall. Kegon-no-taki(or simply Kegon) - also located in a sacred place for the Japanese - in the Nikko National Park, where a powerful burial complex was built in memory of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the military ruler of Japan, who made a lot of efforts to unite the country. From Lake Chuzenji, located next to the memorial, flows the Daiyagawa River. Once upon a time, the lava of an awakened volcano blocked the flow of the river, directing it along a new channel. Now, having barely left the limits of the lake, the river plunges down in a 97-meter stream. The beauty of the waterfall is supported and set off by 12 more smaller jets falling along the sides of the main stream. However, the beauty and sacred nature of this phenomenon formed a not entirely pleasant glory for Kegon. The falls became infamous as a site of frequent suicides among young Japanese starting in May 1903, when 18-year-old philosophy student Misao Fujimura jumped from it. Before his suicide, Fujimura left a poetic suicide note on a tree trunk, which was subsequently replicated by the media.

The height of another representative of the three most beautiful waterfalls - Fukuroda-but-still- reaches 120 m, and the width of its jets spreading along the slope is 73 m. Unlike the Nachi and Kegon waterfalls, it is cascading (4 steps). In winter, jets of water freeze, forming whimsical white laces on the chest of the mountain.

On the Shiretoko Peninsula, overlooking the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, there are waterfalls replenished by water that comes from nowhere. Nearby there are no lakes, no rivers, not even streams, and jets are beating from the mountain slopes, as if from a water tap, which the negligent hostess forgot to close. Like a waterfall Furepe-no-take. Its source is located right on the cliff of a mountain jutting into the sea. A jet that shoots out of the ground, breaking up into several streams, forms a beautiful waterfall, which is sometimes called "Girl's Tears".

No less amazing is the waterfall located on the same peninsula. Kamuiwakka-but-still. It is formed by underground mineral springs that splash hot sulfurous water onto the surface. It flows into the ocean in a cascade, forming small reservoirs at each step. The lower the step, the colder the water. Local residents and visitors willingly take baths in these reservoirs. Healing water is able to quickly heal scratches and bruises received on the way to the waterfall.

Among the "strange" waterfalls, one should also mention a 30-meter jet pouring inside one of caves of the karst labyrinth Otaki Shoonyudo in Gifu Prefecture. This is the largest underground waterfall in Japan - the height of a 10-story building.

I also want to pay attention to Shirato. As a rule, the fact of visiting this waterfall evokes ordinary feelings among tourists - well, a waterfall is like a waterfall, what is special about it. But at first glance at Shiraito, it becomes clear that this waterfall is unusual.

Shiraito surprises everyone with his unconventional approach to waterfall business. Its height is only 3 meters, and its width is 70! Shiraito means "white thread" in Japanese. Many who have visited this miracle of nature speak of it as the most unusual waterfall they have ever seen. What is strange about him is that he is wide and even. Its waters do not rush down the cliff, but come out of the mountain gap. This is a product of groundwater. Countless thin streams ooze from the mountain and merge into a single motley waterfall. Thanks to these jets, the attraction got its name - White Threads. It is best to admire Shiraito in autumn - then an absolutely magnificent sight opens up.

Another beautiful creation of nature, which is located in the vastness of Japan, is the Fukivare Falls. It is called the Japanese Niagara and not without reason - its shape does indeed resemble Niagara, although on a much smaller scale. The waterfall is not large, its height is only 7 meters and its width is 30 meters, but it is very unusual, here the Japanese god took the cork out of the river and lowered the water down. This place is exceptionally beautiful. The waterfall is considered a national treasure in Japan. Walking along the cliffs along the river can be quite dangerous, but there are ropes here to keep people out. Fukivare Falls is located along the romantic road that leads from Nikko to Nagano.