NIGHT WATERFALL TOUR “NIGHT ADVENTURE TOUR AIMING FOR A SUPERB WATERFALL FROM REAL DARKNESS” - Make Your Way in the Dark Alongside a Rushing Mountain Stream to See Fudo-daki

Caption:The second footbridge had no handrail.

The sound of the water truly was amazing. It was the definition of surround sound without any technology needed. The sound bounced off of the stones in a non-stop surge that was quite mesmerizing in the moments when we weren’t using any lights to give us our bearings.

Caption:The water poured down the mountain relentlessly.

The pathway narrowed at some points and there was no room for a misstep. It was a short and exhilarating journey up to the viewing point near Fudo-daki. I’m sure it was only about 10-15 minutes from the trailhead, but it had felt like a much longer hike in the total darkness.  

Caption: We used the flashlights on our phones to guide our steps.

Fudo-daki is about 20 meters from the viewing platform on the trail and I did not possess the required technology to get a good night photo. In fact, it was nearly impossible to see the falls with my naked eye. However, the power of Fudo-daki was unmistakable and it took me back to when I had been able to clearly see the water smashing down on my previous visit. At night, it sounded even more powerful than I remembered and the cool mist it produced gave me a slight chill in the dark night.

Caption:Fudo-daki in the day and at night.

As we turned to make our way back down the trail, I found myself using the available handrails along the trail more. I wanted to avoid slipping or turning an ankle by stepping into the darkness in the wrong spot. Again, Noda-san guided me along the trail expertly and with the confidence of someone who could do this hike without the aid of a light if she had to.

Caption:Heading back down the trail required even more care.

Just down from the falls and off to the right of the path is a small shrine dedicated to the deity of Fudo-daki. We stopped and lit up the shrine with our camera flashes a few times. The sudden bursts of light only made the darkness that came after even thicker.

Caption: We stopped at the small shrine near the falls on the way down.

The short trail to the falls is a really great day hike that anyone can enjoy. The stone steps that make up some sections are gorgeous and almost seem like they appeared naturally on the mountain. I suppose after all this time they are a kind of natural formation.

Caption: I took care when walking down the stone steps in the darkness.

I tried to take some interesting shots over the course of our hike, but most of them didn’t come out well. However, some of the plant life in the forest looked great with different angles and shadows cast by the camera flash. I especially liked the small green foliage growing on some of the trees.

Caption:There were flashes of beauty all through the hike.

Before crossing over the footbridges on the way out, we stopped and just let the power of nature wash over us. It was incredible how immense everything seemed in the blackness. The mountain had a life of its own in the night and I was so glad that I decided to try this experience while in Mie.

Caption:Noda-san took a moment to listen to the water on the way down.

At the end of the hike, it was nice to exit the darkness and return to the light and warmth of Okuise Forestpia. It had been a special journey and I would definitely consider night hiking again if I have a guide as good as Noda-san. To finish off a wonderful experience, the package included a ticket to the onsen at the hotel. A hot bath was exactly what I needed after spending 1.5 hours outside on the side of a mountain.

Caption:Back at the trailhead after a very interesting experience.

Caption: The outdoor area of the onsen was amazing and relaxing.