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
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
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
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Haneda Airport Ranked World's Cleanest
Transportation -
2
2024 Grand Sumo Tournaments
Culture -
3
Valley of Witches: a New Ghibli Park Attraction
Aichi -
4
Mount Omuro
Shizuoka -
5
Sapporo Beer Opens New Brewery in Tokyo’s Ebisu
News -
6
Tokyo One of the World's Most Walkable Cities
Transportation -
7
Anime Museums in Tokyo
Culture -
8
Two New Demon Slayer Attractions Are Opening at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka -
9
Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route to Link with Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
News -
10
Guide to Golden Week
Planning
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
Guide to Golden Week
Planning -
4
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
5
Hachiko Statue in Shibuya
Tokyo -
6
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
9
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo -
10
Guide to Suica Cards
Transportation