Nachi Falls, Waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Japan.
Nachi Falls is a waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Japan, that drops 133 meters (436 feet) through dense forest as a single column with a width of 13 meters (43 feet). A small red torii gate stands directly in front of the falling water, marking the sacred space visitors approach along a narrow stone path.
Monks traveling through the Kumano mountains discovered the waterfall during the Heian period and built a shrine beside its base. Excavations in the early 20th century uncovered mirrors and statues left by pilgrims over many centuries.
The name Hiryū Gongen translates as "flying dragon," reflecting the water's downward movement through the rock face. Local priests come here before dawn to perform rituals that connect the mountain, forest and falling water into one spiritual practice.
Visitors reach the waterfall by taking a bus from Kii-Katsuura station and then descending stone steps that can become slippery after rain. A small viewing platform allows close observation of the water without standing directly beneath the falling stream.
Two rocks at the top of the cliff mark the seat of guardian spirits according to local tradition, watching over the water below. Most visitors do not notice these stones because they are barely visible from the viewing platform at the base.
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