Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
88 mm ISO 800 for 1/13 sec. at ƒ/5.6
Small Falls on a Tributary to the Nakatsu River
Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:04 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 165.2 m
On this photo shoot, I visited Shiokawa Falls in the Minamiyamasawa Mountains, a part of the rural town of Aikawa in western Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
During my journey to Shiokawa Falls, I discovered a charming scene of smaller falls (approx. 2 meters in height) fed by the Shiokawa Falls, when then flows downstream into the Nakatsu River.
Nakatsu River is a popular spot among locals for fishing, picnics, barbecues, and riverside camping. It's also located in the rural town of Aikawa. If you plan to visit on a family outing to beat the summer heat, keep in mind that driving is recommended as bus access is limited.
The tiny falls in this shot can be found about 6 meters downstream from Shiokawa Falls. The path to the falls is well-paved and easily accessible.
To capture this shot, I used a tripod and positioned the camera close to the water's surface, aiming to enhance the visual scale of the falls. Additionally, I utilized a circular polarizer to reduce reflections from the rocks and water surface.
The chilly water was refreshing, providing a welcomed break for both me and my dog after our journey under the scorching sun earlier in the day.
References:
- Google Maps—Shiokawa Falls (塩川滝)
- Aikawa Town—Sightseeing Locations (Japanese)
- Atsugi City—Sightseeing Locations (Japanese)
- Wikipedia—Shiokawa Falls (Japanese)
- Force of Waterfalls—Shiokawa Falls
- Aiko Shokokai Corp.—Aikawa Town (Japanese)
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
31 mm ISO 100 for 8.0 sec. at ƒ/11
Vermillion Takigami Bridge to Shiokawa Falls
Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:18 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 138.5 m
After photographing the smaller waterfalls, I proceeded downstream to the top of a third set of falls. From this vantage point, I aimed to capture a wider shot that not only included the cascading water but also the striking steel vermillion bridge in the frame.
Due to the limited rainfall over the past week, the water flow was relatively modest. This worked to my advantage as it made it easier and safer for me to climb down into the stream to get this shot.
Most visitors climb the steps (right) up to Takigami Bridge where at the end they can admire the Shiokwa Falls from a height of approximately 7 meters above the ground. From that height, the view reveals about 14 meters or more of water cascading from above, offering a captivating sight with a soothing ambience of water crashing down below.
References:
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 1.6 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Sacred Waterfall to Cleanse Mind & Body
Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:29 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 169.3 m
Nestled in the mountains west of Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, lies Shiokawa Falls—a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Accessing the site through public transportation proves challenging due to its remote location, making a car or motorbike the more viable option.
Upon arriving at the waterfall, I found an elderly man meditating under the cascading waters, dressed in a traditional Japanese loincloth called fundoshi. To avoid disturbing or surprising him with my bulky DSLR, tripod, and border collie, I promptly changed direction and explored other picturesque spots downstream of the falls.
After the elder's departure, a younger man in his late 20s or early 30s, adorned with Japanese tattoos (irezumi), made his way to the falls. Undressing, he immersed himself in the cold water for his own meditative prayer. Once again, I chose to retreat downstream.
Unexpectedly, a teenager emerged next, equipped with a change of clothes and a towel. Once he departed, I ventured upstream for the fourth time to capture a series of shots just before dusk settled in.
I later discovered that Shiokawa Falls holds historical significance as the location where a high priest from Nara's Todai-ji Temple enshrined a female deity (Seiryo Gongen) during the Jinki Era (724 to 729). Since then, these falls have been revered as a sacred site as well as a training ground for practitioners of waterfall training (takigyo) and more specifically, Hasuge Shugendo—a spiritual way of life that emerged during the seventh century, blending beliefs, philosophies, and rituals from local folk practices, Shinto mountain worship, and Buddhism into a harmonious spiritual journey.
Takigyo, the practice of standing under a cold waterfall as the cascading water beats down upon your neck and shoulders while meditating or praying. This ancient ritual is believed to cleanse not only your body but also your mind and spirit. With unwavering dedication, it is even said to pave the path to enlightenment.
References:
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 4.0 sec. at ƒ/14
Downstream of Shiokawa Waterfall
Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:39 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 197.4 m
Shiokawa River as it gracefully flows downstream of Shiokawa Falls. The cascading mist from the waterfall leaves a sheen upon every inch of this canyon-like sanctuary, fostering lush greenery of vines, moss, and ferns adorn every rocky surface.
This shot was captured below the vermilion Takigami Bridge – a vantage point enjoyed by visitors seeking to savor the spectacle of the waterfall without having to trek through the flowing stream.
References:
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 5.0 sec. at ƒ/14
Downstream of Shiokawa Waterfall with a 5-Second Exposure
Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:42 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 196.8 m
View of the Shiokawa River, gracefully meandering downstream from the Shiokawa Falls. As the golden evening sunlight filters through the dense canopy, it illuminates the lush greenery of vines, moss, and ferns that adorn every rocky surface.
This scene was captured beneath the vermilion Takigami Bridge, a popular spot frequented by tourists. For a more intimate experience, I ventured upstream, wading through the water to embrace a closer view of the narrow valley carved out by the meandering stream.
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 5 sec. at ƒ/14
Base of Sacred Waterfalls (Landscape Orientation)
Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 17:44 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 196.9 m
Nestled amidst the mountains to the west of Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, you'll find Shiokawa Falls—an esteemed sacred site utilized by local Japanese practitioners who follow the ancient art of Takigyo.
This practice involves standing under a chilling waterfall, allowing the cascading water to beat down upon their neck and shoulders while they meditate or pray. The profound ritual is believed to purify not only the body but also the mind and spirit, leading the way to enlightenment through unwavering dedication.
In contrast, I've chosen photography as my means to cleanse my body, mind, and spirit. Immersing myself in the tranquility of nature before I press the shutter button has become my therapeutic refuge, helping me cope with the stresses of my day job and the responsibilities of caring for my Japanese father-in-law as his sole caretaker.
References:
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6
28 mm ISO 100 for 2.0 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Trail and Bridge to Shiokawa Falls
Location: Shiokawa River, Aikawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 18:06 on July 18, 2023
Elevation: 118.6 m
Shiokawa Falls, a tiered waterfall with a total height of 30 meters, presents a mesmerizing sight, especially if you climb upstream and view it from the base. However, the lower half of the waterfall, visible from the base, has an approximate 15-meter drop, captivating visitors with its natural beauty.
During the summer months, the splashes of the waterfall and the surrounding mist create a truly serene and refreshing experience for those who venture there.
Among some Japanese, Shiokawa Falls is regarded as a "power spot" – a place where one can absorb the Earth's energy, seek healing, attract good luck, and revitalize both body and soul.
With an official history dating back to the early Edo Period (1603-1867), Shiokawa Falls has been well-known among locals for generations. Today, the waterfall is easily accessible via a well-maintained paved path, and visitors can cross the vermilion Takigami Bridge to reach the site.
References:
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