A hidden gem in Japan that tour groups don't visit

This attraction is located very close to Magome-juku in Nakatsugawa City—just about a 20-minute drive away. However, it's absolutely impossible to reach without a car.

The final stretch of the uphill road is a narrow single-lane path. If a bus 🚌 tries to pass another vehicle, it becomes quite a challenge. Personally, I dislike crowded tourist spots, especially when it involves squeezing in with fellow countrymen.

Even Japanese 🇯🇵 locals rarely know about this spot. We discovered it through Instagram. On the day we visited, it was raining ☔️, and the fresh earthy scent accompanied us as we ventured deeper into the mountains.

In Japan 🇯🇵, there's a belief that everything in nature has a spirit. Water has water gods, mountains have mountain gods, and even the national flag represents the sun. The highlight of this spot is a waterfall (see photos 4-5).

According to legend, the mountain god takes the form of a white dragon. At the entrance to the mountain, there's a small shrine, and you must pass through a spiritual boundary to reach the waterfall. A Japanese local guided us through the proper rituals 🙇. There's even a photo on the wall showing the waterfall's shape resembling a dragon.

The mountain air is rich in negative ions and oxygen. The closer you get to the waterfall, the more you can smell its freshness. The water is crystal clear, with not a trace of sediment. A suspension bridge surrounds the waterfall, connecting the entire scenic area. The natural beauty here remains untouched by tourists.

Along the way, there are signs warning about potential bear 🐻 sightings. The pristine mountain scenery is truly breathtaking. The suspension bridge is adorned with small light bulbs, making it tempting to visit again at night.

Post by 走跳碰 | Jul 31, 2025