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".
Fudo Waterfall
Saitama waterfall used for ascetic discipline

커뮤니티라이터

Trail through the trees

Don't trip over exposed roots

Stone steps leading to the shrine

Ojizo in a mini-cave beside the steps

A small shrine just before the track down to the waterfall

It is cool and shady under the trees

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

The fall tumbles down over rocks

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!
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