Beyond the Waterfall... - Walking the Unexplored Region Behind Nachi Falls [Mystic Walk] -

I walk into an izakaya in the pouring rain. I slide open the door. As I am shown to the counter and wipe my hands, which are wet from the rain, I happen to check my mobile phone and see a missed call. It is from Yu-san, my guide for tomorrow.

I have a bad feeling about this.
I listen to the sound of the rain lashing down as I return the call. About two hours ago, Yu-san had told me that with this rain, we might have to turn back halfway tomorrow.

However, Yu-san's suggestion was to postpone it until the day after tomorrow.
Having resigned myself to a cancellation, I was grateful for this proposal. Now, I can drink my beer in peace...

■ It is mysterious

This time, Nagu-Nagu Tourist (Nagu-Tsu) is a test of physical strength. We will guide you on a "Mystic Walk" where you can experience mysterious scenery.

The itinerary is,

is the plan.
Please meet at the Nachisan Tourist Center at 8:30 AM.

■ Do you remember?

Do you remember the guide for our first Nagu-Tsu trip of 2022? Yes, it was the story that Awaji Island is the center of the world, as we discussed.

And in the travel diaries that followed, we introduced the shrines surrounding the center of the world (Awaji Island), didn't we? Ise Jingu, Suwa Taisha... So, this time, we will guide you on a trip around "Kumano Nachi Taisha." Or perhaps, a trip around "Nachi Falls." This is because the object of worship at Kumano Nachi Taisha is the Nachi Falls itself.

The items to bring this time are trekking shoes, drinking water, and a daypack.
In particular, don't forget your daypack so that both your hands are free. At worst, choose your clothing prepared to get wet.

Huh? Get wet?

Hehe, Nagu-Tsu pushes the boundaries of the strike zone, you know.

■ First of all

When you arrive at Nachi Taisha, go to the shrine office to submit your mountain entry form and apply for a purification ritual. A purification ritual? A mountain entry form?

The place we are visiting this time is further upstream than Nachi Falls. That's right, you must not bring any impurities into the depths of the waterfall, which is the object of worship. Only those who have received purification are permitted to enter the mountain. When you enter the worship hall,

Shrine maiden dance

Priest's prayer

Japanese drums

A solemn time flows within the worship hall. Together with the priest who is bowing, I lower my head. Usually, I would pray for the health of my wife and son, but now I have a request before that. In these days when the whole world is in turmoil.

"May the world be at peace..."

I prayed for thirty minutes. Please, God, I'm counting on you.

■ Setting off

Worshippers were even allowed to view the main hall behind the worship hall up close. Not only the main hall, but you can also take photos up close of things like the rock where the legend of the Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) remains. Wow! How generous!

And now, the moment has finally arrived.
I tighten my hiking boot laces, and here we go!

From here on, it's time for our guide, Yu-san, to take the lead.
We form a line with Yu-san, my wife, and then me, and enter the mountain trail.

There's no sign of the heavy rain from the day before yesterday, so it looks like it will be a comfortable hike.

Actually, my calves were feeling a bit tired from muscle soreness. Because I postponed this "Mystic Walk" to today, I ended up walking the Kumano Kodo trail yesterday. Maybe I was a bit too enthusiastic...

■ Is a guide necessary?

"Travel is about going with the flow."

That's what I believe. It's about the spontaneity of the moment. Even though I organize tours, I've tried to avoid guided tours as much as possible. I'm not good with fixed itineraries.

However, for this course, a guide is essential, even for experienced hikers. Those who hike will know, but there are paths that run along streams. There are no paint marks or flags to guide you, so there is a risk of going off-course.

Also, the benefit of a guide is that you can gain comprehensive knowledge about the local nature and history. Since we were a small group, they were able to be flexible, and we had a great time. Thank you, Yu-san.

■ The Mystic Forest

In the past, this was a place where only limited ascetics like Yamabushi could enter. However, due to the Meiji government's "Shinto and Buddhism Separation Policy," the Yamabushi were oppressed. It seems the locations of the waterfalls and the routes, which had been passed down orally, were lost. It wasn't until the Showa era that exploration resumed, and these waterfalls are being rediscovered.

Because of that, untouched nature remains. It's the world of "Princess Mononoke." See, you want to come here now, don't you?

Yes, now that we've gotten all excited
That's all for today

Eh~~!!

☆ Next Episode Preview! ☆

Will the Nagu-Nagu gang reach the waterfall safely?
What has become of the swollen river? And what about my calves...

Cha-cha-chan, cha-cha-chan ♪

I'm going to keep you in suspense

( To be continued... )

Click here for more