Hitsujigataki Falls, Waterfall in Shisō-shi, Japan
Hitsujigataki Falls is a waterfall in the city of Shisō-shi, in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The water flows over mossy rocks and drops into a small basin below, surrounded by forest and rocky slopes.
The area around the falls has long been used by local people as a place to walk and rest, well before it became known to outside visitors. Because it sits away from major roads and settlements, the surrounding landscape has changed little over the generations.
The name Hitsujigataki means 'sheep waterfall' in Japanese, and it refers to the way the water slips down the rocks in soft, scattered streams. Visitors often pause to look at the moss-covered stones and the way the light catches the water as it moves.
A short walking trail leads to the falls and is manageable for most visitors, though the ground can be uneven in places. Going in the early morning or late afternoon gives you softer light and a quieter experience.
Shisō-shi is known for having one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in Hyogo Prefecture, and Hitsujigataki is often visited as part of a route that links several of them together. After heavy rain, the sound of the water changes noticeably, becoming much fuller and more powerful than on dry days.
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