Shiokawa Falls, Waterfall in Aikawa, Japan
Shiokawa Falls drops in two main cascades through the Minamiyamasawa Mountains, creating a striking water display. The Takigami Bridge spans across the area to provide several vantage points for viewing the falls from different angles.
A priest from Todai-ji Temple established a shrine here during the 720s to honor Seiryo Gongen. This marked the beginning of the waterfall's role as a spiritual site.
You may see practitioners standing under the water to meditate, a spiritual practice rooted in Japanese traditions of purification. This ritual persists at the site and shapes how local people relate to the falls.
The falls are reached through marked paths that lead to several viewing spots along the bridge area. The ground can be slippery, especially when wet, so wear shoes with good grip.
The falls feed into a second smaller cascade further downstream, creating an extended water display along the river. This makes the spot special for visitors who walk beyond the main viewing area to see the complete water system.
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