Jun 2, 2014 - 1 min read

Along the Ochozu Falls Hiking Trail

Natural sights grace the path

By Tristan Scholze

Community writer

Japanese freshwater crabs, or sawagani, can be found all along the river

Mosses cover stone and wood all around you

This bloom is just centimeters above the fallen leaves of the previous autumn

A friendly young grasshopper, or batta in Japanese

Ochozu Falls has been known by mountaineers since the Muromachi period (1333-1573) as a legendary sacred place for cleansing. The name derives from the washbasins, or ochouzu, at shrines for visitors to wash upon entering the grounds. The hike (video) from the parking lot to the waterfall is easy, passes a campground, and takes under an hour. From there, turn back or follow the trails for several additional kilometers through the forest to Mt. Ishitani and Mt. Kusenbu for more adventure.

御手洗の滝—ochouzu no taki—Ochozu Falls

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By Tristan Scholze

Community writer

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Tristan Scholze Photographer 10 years ago

The crab was quite cute. Thank you Miyuki and James!

James Forest 10 years ago

Nice photos. My favorite was the little crab!

Miyuki Teramachi 10 years ago

I do love all of the photos! They are sharply focused, draw out the beauty of the plants and living things. I feel like even sensing the breath of the water flow. Thank you always for featuring on the places in Saga!

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