1 Sep 2016

Fudo Waterfall

Saitama waterfall used for ascetic discipline

Oleh Cathy Cawood

Community writer

A small shrine just before the track down to the waterfall

We arrived in time to watch a group of disciples preparing to take on the waterfall

Tethered by a safety rope, a disciple made her way to the main flow of water

A dry summer meant it was narrower than usual

Narrow suspension bridge over a river crossed by the trail

Although not far, don't attempt this in unsuitable footwear!

Driving along the Sai-Kai Highway in Saitama will take you past the trail entrance for Fudotaki, a Saitama waterfall used for practicing ascetic discipline. The waterfall trail is steep and a bit rough. It leads over a suspension bridge crossing the Arakawa River, down into a valley and up the other side, where a small shrine stands at the top of some stone steps. Just past the shrine, a track leads down to the waterfall. We arrived just in time to see a disciple secured by a safety rope make her way under the flow of water, where she remained for a surprisingly long time, crying out in a loud voice. My Japanese friend said the purpose of the ceremony is to "strengthen the heart".