Further Beyond the Waterfall... - Walking the Hidden Regions Behind Nachi Falls 2 [Mystic Walk] -

Let's take a break.

After walking the mountain path for about 30 minutes, our guide, Yu-san, comes to a stop.

Phew. The first 30 minutes of a climb are always the toughest.
Spring in Kishu is warm, so wearing light clothing was the right choice. Also, the silence is so profound it makes the spring storm from the day before yesterday feel like a lie.
This is a sacred realm. The taut air adds tension to the relaxed spring warmth. The crisp, sharp air feels pleasant against my sweaty body.

Yu-san takes a piece of straw rope out of his backpack and says,
Please wrap this around your feet.

Following his lead, I wrap it around my shoes from the arch to the instep, tying it in a knot. It's what you call a 'clove hitch.'
He explains that by placing this rope, which is tied around the arch of the hiking boots, onto the rocks, you can get a firm grip without slipping on the wet moss.

I see.
That's the wisdom of our predecessors. That means we'll be walking along the mountain stream from here on out, which makes me feel a bit more focused.

■ It's a Mystic Walk

Yes, this edition of Nagu-Nagu Tourist (Nagu-Tsu) is a continuation of the last one.For those who missed the previous postlet me explain!

Right now, we are walking upstream from Nachi Falls.

Huh? You can go above the waterfall?

Yes, we are climbing even further up the path along the upper stream.
Aiming for the phantom waterfall that lies ahead!
(Well, maybe it's not exactly a phantom...)

Actually, if you join the 'Mystic Walk' tour, you are permitted to enter this sacred area.

From here on, I'll be sending you lots of photos!

After descending from the spot where we tied the ropes, we reached the stream. We immediately cross the river.

Step, step, step, hop.

I cross to the other side with a good rhythm. Phew, I didn't fall in, at least.

I look back.

I no longer have the luxury of keeping my camera hanging around my neck. I put it away in my daypack. Then, I click the waist belt of my daypack shut again. I've entered serious mode.

Following Yu-san's lead, we walk along the stream.

■ Impact of High Water Levels

The wooden plank used as a bridge had been washed away.

However, a rope was tied to the wood. We pull the rope in.

Heave-ho, heave-ho.

We place the wooden board back over the rocks, and there, the path is restored.

■ The Second Waterfall

Crossing the meandering river again and climbing over a hill... Oh, finally, the waterfall came into view!

I gaze at the waterfall, lost in thought.

The oldest people to have visited this spot were a couple in their 80s. It seems the guides acted as their hands and feet, even entering the river themselves to lead them.

“I simply responded to their desire to go.” Hearing Yu-san speak so calmly, I learned what it means to have a professional mindset.

■ Three-Point Support

In mountaineering terms, this is what you call a 'bypass path.' To reach the area above the second waterfall, we climb a detour. For some reason, stone steps have been laid out. The path, once permitted only for ascetics and priests, was surprisingly well-maintained.

Or so I thought!

After climbing the steep slope, I was back on a pathless path. Moreover, the terrain was U-shaped with steep cliffs on both sides. It wasn't quite rock climbing, but I had to place my hands on the walls and maintain three-point contact. I carefully advanced one step, then another—no, half a step at a time—slowly and steadily across the mossy, slippery rocky ravine.

At times like this, my calves start to tremble a little. It's a mix of tension and yesterday's fatigue. I shouldn't have pushed myself so hard on the Kumano Kodo yesterday.

Regret comes too late.

■ Third Waterfall

My posture was acrobatic. The stiffness in my lower back and ankles only accelerated my exhaustion. From now on, I'm going to stretch every day!

And then, after climbing for about 30 minutes,

Ta-da!

Nachi Falls is the sacred object of Nachi Taisha Shrine.
The waterfalls further upstream are, of course, sacred objects as well.
I offer a prayer.

May the world be at peace,

And in that moment, 'that place I want to visit once' turned into 'this place I want to visit again.'

I don't know how many years it will be, but I will definitely come back. A life full of places you want to visit again is interesting, isn't it?
I'll continue such journeys with my wife.

■ Afternoon Session

The walk back along the stream was just as heart-pounding as before, but in the blink of an eye, I was back in the lower world.

Finally, paying my respects to Nachi Falls (the First Waterfall).

Ah, I'm starving! Time to eat.

And with that, the morning session is over!

Wait, the afternoon?

No way...

Hehe, my calves are shaking a bit, but I'm going to push through the afternoon too.

Actually, I heard about a recommended spot at an izakaya I visited in the pouring rain the day before yesterday. I decided to go there this afternoon. There are just so many places I want to visit at least once.
Travel is all about going with the flow, after all.

Yes,
I'd love to talk about the afternoon journey and the izakaya (a paradise for sake) that recommended this place, but it's time to say goodbye here...

Did you feel like going there yourself?
See you later!

(The end...)

<Reference>
This guided tour is called the "Mystic Walk." It's a place you can only enter from February to June each year, when the water volume is low. To participate, please contact the following (Updated with information for spring 2024).

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