Shasui no Taki

Echoing with a powerful roar in the hills of Yamakita Town, Shasui no Taki is a celebrated waterfall chosen among the finest waterfalls of Japan, with its water also selected among the finest waters of the country in 1985. It falls in three tiers, the first drop about 69 meters, the second about 16 meters, and the third about 29 meters. The name Shasui is said to refer, in esoteric Buddhism, to the scented water poured while praying for purity. The famed early-Kamakura monk Mongaku is said to have trained for a hundred days beneath this fall, and nearby stands a Fudo hall associated with him, the Jojitsu-bo, also called Ana-fudo. Wrapped in pure spray and a thunderous roar, it is a natural power spot that seems to wash the body and mind clean.

Highlights

• A celebrated three-tiered fall, whose first drop boasts a height of about 69 meters
• Pure spring water and clear streams chosen among the finest waters
• The Fudo hall (Jojitsu-bo, or Ana-fudo) where Mongaku is said to have undertaken his austere training

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of fresh greenery the contrast of green trees and white spray is beautiful, and in summer the area around the fall is cool and refreshing. Autumn foliage colors the waterfall, and in the clear winter air the sound of the water rings all the more crisply. Each fourth Sunday of July a waterfall festival is held, bustling with water austerities, a fire ritual, and drum offerings.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Hirayama, Yamakita Town, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Access: From Yamakita Station on the JR Gotemba Line, take the Yamakita loop bus, get off at Hirayama, then about 10 minutes on foot. By car, walk the trail from the parking area
• Hours: Open for viewing (the trail and observation deck may be limited by opening hours or weather)
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: Early summer's fresh green and autumn's foliage are the most rewarding. After rain the water volume swells for added power. The forenoon, with sunlight filtering through, is good for photos too
• Avoiding crowds: The festival day and autumn weekends are busier. For a quiet view, weekdays are recommended
• Time needed: About an hour for the round trip from the parking area or bus stop and taking in the fall
• Nearby spots: Yamakita Town is known for the nature and hot springs of the Tanzawa foothills and as a railway town, and pairs well with a stroll around Yamakita Station
• Budget sense: Viewing is free. If you draw the famed water, bringing an empty bottle is handy

A Quick Tip

The trail, long restricted by rockfall, was redeveloped in 2022 along with a new observation deck, allowing a close view of the fall once again. Since you walk a trail to reach it, easy-to-walk shoes are recommended. Footing is slippery after rain, so take great care. There is a place to draw the famed water, so bring an empty bottle to taste it.

📚 Sources

This information is based on public materials from local governments such as Yamakita Town and tourism associations, and on on-site guidance for the walking path and viewing platform. As an outdoor waterfall, the accessible area can change with weather and path conditions. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About an hour round trip from the parking area or bus stop to the falls, including viewing
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes for the path; take care after rain, as footing is slippery; bring an empty bottle if you draw the spring water
• Suggested route: View the three-tiered falls and the viewing platform from the path mentioned in the article, and visit together with Taki-Fudoson
• Access: From JR Yamakita Station, take the Yamakita loop bus to the Hirayama stop, then about 10 minutes on foot; by car, walk the path from the parking area
• Budget: Viewing is free; only transport costs apply