Tsukimachi Waterfall

Tsukimachi-no-Taki is a waterfall on the Oose River, a tributary of the Kuji River. It is 17 meters tall and 12 meters wide. Normally it appears as a two-stream “”couple waterfall,”” but when water volume increases a smaller side fall appears, making it a “”parent-and-child waterfall.” Because of this, it has long been associated with the faith of Nijusan-yozon (the 23rd-night deity), known for safe childbirth. The name “”Tsukimachi-no-Taki”” is said to come from the custom of Nijusan-yo-kō prayers held while waiting for the moon of the 23rd night to rise, seeking good fortune. One rare feature of this waterfall is that you can go behind it without getting wet, feeling plenty of negative ions from the abundant mist. If you apply at “”Tsukimachi-no-Taki Momiji-en,”” you can also try waterfall meditation (takigyo). Because it is a gentle waterfall that becomes a summer play spot for children, it’s suitable even for first-time takigyo participants. Access is about 5 minutes by taxi or about a 30-minute walk from Shimonomiya Station. Note that Shimonomiya Station is unstaffed, so if you plan to take a taxi, it’s recommended to reserve in advance or get off at another station.