Driving along the Sai-Kai Highway in Saitama will take you past the trail entrance for Fudotaki, a Saitama waterfall used for practicing ascetic discipline. The waterfall trail is steep and a bit rough. It leads over a suspension bridge crossing the Arakawa River, down into a valley and up the other side, where a small shrine stands at the top of some stone steps. Just past the shrine, a track leads down to the waterfall. We arrived just in time to see a disciple secured by a safety rope make her way under the flow of water, where she remained for a surprisingly long time, crying out in a loud voice. My Japanese friend said the purpose of the ceremony is to "strengthen the heart".
- 1 min read
Fudo Waterfall
Saitama waterfall used for ascetic discipline
![Cathy Cawood Cathy Cawood](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1713/240x240!/61d020bdef751f611f5e3c02.jpg)
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
![Trail through the trees](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154219/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154219.jpg)
Trail through the trees
![Don't trip over exposed roots](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154220/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154220.jpg)
Don't trip over exposed roots
![Stone steps leading to the shrine](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154221/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154221.jpg)
Stone steps leading to the shrine
![Ojizo in a mini-cave beside the steps](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-155920/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-155920.jpg)
Ojizo in a mini-cave beside the steps
![A small shrine just before the track down to the waterfall](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154222/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154222.jpg)
A small shrine just before the track down to the waterfall
![It is cool and shady under the trees](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154223/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154223.jpg)
It is cool and shady under the trees
![We arrived in time to watch a group of disciples preparing to take on the waterfall](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154224/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154224.jpg)
We arrived in time to watch a group of disciples preparing to take on the waterfall
![Tethered by a safety rope, a disciple made her way to the main flow of water](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-155919/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-155919.jpg)
Tethered by a safety rope, a disciple made her way to the main flow of water
![The fall tumbles down over rocks](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154225/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154225.jpg)
The fall tumbles down over rocks
![A dry summer meant it was narrower than usual](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154226/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154226.jpg)
A dry summer meant it was narrower than usual
![Narrow suspension bridge over a river crossed by the trail](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154227/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154227.jpg)
Narrow suspension bridge over a river crossed by the trail
![Although not far, don't attempt this in unsuitable footwear!](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/30679-154228/1000/saitama-fudo-waterfall-154228.jpg)
Although not far, don't attempt this in unsuitable footwear!
Join the discussion
Sleiman Azizi
5 years ago
Saitama is sadly either underated or undersold. Either way, it's a shame. Would love to visit Fudotaki. I note a soba noodle restaurant on the map. That would seal the deal for me.
I think you are right. I have only done one trip in Saitama - but I was really impressed with the places I visited.
Sleiman Azizi
5 years ago
Chichibu region is particularly impressive but even closer to Tokyo, there is still space. Very easy to have a visit that is properly your own.
Relinda Puspita
7 years ago
Calm and peaceful.
4 comments in total
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