桃尾の滝, Natural waterfall in Tomo, Nara Prefecture, Japan
桃尾の滝 (Momoo no Taki) is a waterfall in the eastern part of Nara prefecture, within the city of Tenri. The water drops about 23 meters over a layered rock face that follows the line of a geological fault.
The nearby Ryufukuji Temple used this waterfall as a place for Buddhist training and ritual from early times. That connection between the temple and the water has continued for centuries.
A Buddhist trinity is carved directly into the rock face on the left side of the basin, and visitors still come here to pray in front of it. The carving sits close enough to the falling water that it is often wet with spray.
The site is within walking distance of Tenri Station, and parking as well as restrooms are available on location. The path to the waterfall can get slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
In winter, when temperatures drop far enough, the falling water can freeze into large columns of ice that completely change how the waterfall looks. This only happens during the coldest spells, so it is far from guaranteed even in winter.
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