Misuzu Otaki and Ishigami Jinja

Driving south from central Aomori City, passing through a small village and pressing on along a rugged mountain road, you reach Misuzu Otaki and Ishigami Jinja, hidden away. Misuzu Otaki, falling in two separate streams, is about fifteen meters high. The basin, ringed by deep mountains, is full of negative ions and wraps visitors in fresh, clean air. In recent years it has gradually become known as a scenic retreat.

Ishigami Jinja, enshrined beside the falls, holds a tale that a villager who once suffered from an eye ailment dreamed that water welling from a great stone would cure the illness, found that very stone, and truly recovered. It is still known as a place for waterfall training, and a steady stream of people come to purify body and mind.

Highlights

- Misuzu Otaki, about fifteen meters high, falling in two separate streams. - Ishigami Jinja, holding the legend of curing eye ailments. - The cool basin space full of negative ions. - The atmosphere of a training site where waterfall practice is performed.

Enjoying the Seasons

From fresh greenery into summer, the green around the falls deepens, making it the best season to visit in search of cool. Autumn colors the falls with foliage. In winter the mountain road is sealed by snow, so the snow-free seasons are recommended for a visit.

Access and Basic Information

- Located in the mountainous backcountry of Aomori City. - Drive from the center, beyond which the route becomes a rugged mountain road. - The way can be hard to follow, so checking in advance is recommended.

A Quick Tip

Because it takes some effort to reach, the sense of achievement and freshness upon arriving at the falls is all the greater. Since you will walk a mountain road, visit with comfortable shoes, easy-to-move clothing, and plenty of time to spare.