Minamiashigara City is known as the birthplace of the Kintaro legend.
The legend of Kintaro is told all over Japan, and this place is one of its important settings. “Yuhi no Taki” is said to be the place where Kintaro was bathed after birth.
There is also a famous anecdote about how Kintaro, when he grew up, wrestled with a bear on Mt. Ashigara. The sound of water hitting the rocks, the rising mist, and the cool air that envelops your whole body.This is not just a waterfall,Source of life,andA place of prayer and trainingIt has been treasured by people as a place of healing. This waterfall is said to be where Kintaro was born, and the “original Japanese landscape” that goes beyond just a fairy tale flows quietly here. In this article, we will introduce the charm of “Yuhi no Taki” waterfall, where the legend of Kintaro remains in Mt. Ashigara, and the waterfall is also famous as a spot with excellent water.About the spectacular waterfall “Sakemizu Falls” that can be reached by climbing 226 wooden stepsWe will introduce it in an easy-to-understand way. Mt. Ashigara is a place where nature and legend intersect – let’s explore its deep story together.
- ① What is “Yuhi no Taki” (Sunset Falls), the waterfall known as the source of life?
- ② A famous waterfall selected as one of Japan’s 100 best waterfallsAt the end of the 226 steps,SprinklingWaterfall!!
- ③ Access information to Sunset Falls
- Summary | A journey through Mt. Ashigara, where legend and nature intersect.
① What is “Yuhi no Taki” (Sunset Falls), the waterfall known as the source of life?
Yuhinotaki Falls is a famous waterfall located in Yagurasawa, Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Located near the trailhead for Mt. Kintoki, it is a popular place to stop by on your way to mountain climbing or hiking. It takes about two hours to walk from the area around Yuhinotaki Falls to the summit of Mt. Kintoki. Visiting this waterfall before heading into the mountains will help you to relax and enjoy the perfect start to your journey.
❶ The meaning behind the name Sunset Falls.
The name “Sunset Falls” is said to come from the fact that the waterfall shines beautifully when illuminated by the setting sun. Another theory remains that the name comes from the fact that the sun sets in the middle of the waterfall’s mouth every January 15th.It was once also known as “Yuhi no Taki” (Yuhi Falls), because the spectacular spray of water splashing against the rock face gave it a brave and masculine appearance.
❷ The characteristics and power of Yuhinotaki Falls.
Sunset Falls is a waterfall on the Uchikawa River, a tributary of the Sakawa River, which has its source in Mt. Kintoki.
It is about 23 meters high and 5 meters wide. When you stand near the base of the waterfall, you can hear the roar of the falling water and your whole body will be enveloped in negative ions.The water volume remains stable throughout the year, making the impressive sight of the falls one of its attractions.
❸ “Yuhinotaki Falls” known as a place of training!!
Sunset Falls is also known as a place where people practice waterfall asceticism. Waterfall asceticism is held all year round, but the dates and times are irregular, so we recommend contacting the local waterfall asceticism instruction association in advance.A donation is required to participate, and karate uniforms, walking sticks, sake, salt, incense, etc. will be provided on site.
Things you should bring with you include a towel, beach sandals, underwear, and any necessary clothing.
❹ What is Takigyo? | The culture of purification by surrendering oneself to water.
Waterfall training is a practice of purifying the mind and body by being splashed with water from a waterfall. It is a type of purification ritual and is meant to harmonize the mind.Its origins date back to the Nara period, and it spread throughout the country as one of the training methods of Shugendo, which was founded by En no Ozunu. Sunset Falls is one of the places that continues to convey this culture of training to the present day.
❺ A campsite where you can enjoy nature near a waterfall
There is a campsite called “sotosotodays CAMPGROUNDS” near Sunset Falls.
The waterfall is just a few minutes’ walk away, allowing you to fully enjoy nature.
Main facilities
- Cabin Site
- Tent site
- Toilet
- shower room
- parking
This is a popular spot for nature-loving campers, as it allows you to enjoy the scenery of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls all at once.
② A famous waterfall selected as one of Japan’s 100 best waterfallsAt the end of the 226 steps,SprinklingWaterfall!!
SprinklingShasui Falls is a famous and historic waterfall located in Yamakita Town, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa Prefecture. Located on the Takizawa River in the Sakawa River system, it is known as a place where training, faith, and natural beauty come together. This waterfall is one of the “100 Best Waterfalls in Japan”It has also been selected as one of the “100 Famous Waters of Japan,”It has been designated as one of the “50 Scenic Spots of Kanagawa” and is one of the most highly acclaimed waterfalls in the country.
❶ The origin of the name Shasui Falls and the history of training.
SprinklingThe name of the waterfall comes from the esoteric Buddhist term “kouzui,” which means “perfume poured with the intention of purification.”During the Kamakura period, famous monksMonk MunkakuBut in this placeHe practiced waterfall training for 100 days.It is said that,
Since ancient times, it has been treasured as a place of training and prayer.
❷ The structure and highlights of the three-tiered waterfall.
Sakamizu Falls is made up of three tiers of waterfalls.
- Ichinotaki Falls：69m drop
- Ninotaki Falls16m drop
- Sannotaki Waterfall29m elevation difference
The total drop is a spectacular 114m.It boasts a large amount of water, and you can see the whole thing from the wooden deck.
You can experience the power worthy of being one of Japan’s 100 best waterfalls.
❸ A panoramic view from a 226-step wooden deck.
At Sakamizu Falls, there is a waterfall along the mountainside.226 steps of wooden deck stairsBy climbing these stairs, you can reach the observation deck, about 40 meters above ground. The view opens up as you climb the curved stairs, and from the observation deck you can get a more three-dimensional view of the trajectory of the water cascading from the waterfall’s outlet. This place, where the sound of the waterfall intersects with the silence of the forest, is not just a tourist spot, but also gives you time to face nature.
▲Built along the mountainsideA wooden deck with 226 steps…it’s hard to climb to the top, but a spectacular view awaits.
▲Official website
③ Access information to Sunset Falls
The address of Sunset Falls is:Yagurasawa, Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefectureis.
Access by car (from Minamiashigara City Hall)
Minamiashigara City Hall
⇒ Minamiashigara Post Office Entrance (intersection)
⇒ Hakone Kintaro Line
⇒ Prefectural Route 731
⇒ Sunset Falls
The distance is approximately 9.2 km and the journey takes approximately 18 minutes.
▲Official website
Summary | A journey through Mt. Ashigara, where legend and nature intersect.
The legend of Kintaro is passed down on Mt. Ashigara, and Yuhinotaki Falls is said to be the source of life. If you go further from there, you will find Shusui Falls, which is steeped in the history of ascetic training. Yuhinotaki Falls has a stable water flow throughout the year, and is a place where you can experience both a refreshing feeling and a powerful impact at the same time. This place, where nature, legend, and prayers intertwine, will quietly soothe the souls of those who visit. If you have the opportunity to visit Minamiashigara City in Kanagawa Prefecture, be sure to visit Yuhinotaki Falls to experience the profound story of Mt. Ashigara.
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