Waterfall Meditation at Mount Ontake

At the base of Mount Ontake sits a series of waterfalls. One of these is Kiyotaki Waterfall. This towering 30m cascade is a very spiritual place. During the Edo Period (1603-1867), pilgrims would come from far away to climb Mount Ontake, one of the most sacred mountains in Japan. It is so sacred in fact, that it even has its own religious sect known as ontake-kyo. Before pilgrims climbed the great mountain, they had to cleanse themselves. They did this by performing takigyo (滝行), a ritual that involves meditating under the freezing cold waterfalls of Mount Ontake. The elevation is 1200m and the water is extremely cold.

As I approached, I felt confident in my ability to take the cold water. I changed into the traditional white color that represents purity and death in the Shinto faith. Under the waterfall, against the priest’s advice, I chose the spot with the heaviest flow. I was instantly shocked by the cold and took as deep breaths as I could. After what felt like an eternity but was in actual fact probably a very brief amount of time, I could stand it no longer and walked forwards away from the waterfall. It left me feeling fantastic afterward. All stresses and distractions disappeared and a brief moment of pure clarity emerged from the cold. Any depressive thoughts and anxieties are alleviated as only joy and gratitude can survive such a shock.

You can try this incredible experience for yourself in Otaki Village of the Kiso Valley. A local expert will show you how to perform the takigyo ritual correctly. The experience is available as a stand-alone short product or can be combined with a hike to make it a full-day adventure. I recommend the hike combination! The surrounding area is best described as an ancient mossy forest full of thousands of relics of the Ontake Faith. As you walk a local guide will explain all about the religion and its followers so that when you take the cold plunge and experience takigyo, it will mean that much more to you.

This experience is available through the Kiso Ontake Tourism Office or you can contact us and we can assist in making a booking.