general information
Every year Kegon comes to the waterfall a large number of tourists who want to see it amazing beauties. The natural object famous for its impressive size and picturesque landscapes. At its foot you can find a tea house, as well as use the lift, which allows you to easily climb to the top in order to fully enjoy the amazing panoramas. Kegon Falls is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan, being in the top three along with Fukuroda and Nachi waterfalls. In summer, flying swallows can be seen near the waterfall, and in winter it forms a picturesque ice cascade. This is a place with unsurpassed mountain beauty, where you can experience real aesthetic pleasure.
- Twelve small waterfalls located on the sides of the main stream give special entertainment to Kegon. All of them also make their way through the hardened remnants of the lava flow.
- Kegon acquired its name thanks to the Buddhist school of the same name (which, in turn, is named after one of the Buddhist sutras). Since 1930, a lift has been operating at the waterfall.
- Kegon Falls is also notorious. The fact is that this place is very popular among Japanese suicidal teenagers.
The word "waterfall" sounds like "taki". And if we consider this hieroglyph, then it is visually divided into two components, meaning the concepts of "water" and "dragon". Probably this has deep meaning. The Japanese, who had never seen this outlandish beast live, were reminded of the dragon by the swirling and shaking the surroundings with their menacing roar, streams of water falling from a height to the ground. At the same time, the inhabitants of the Japanese islands are quite familiar with this extraordinary natural phenomenon. The rivers and rivulets that roll down from the mountain ranges of the country have never been distinguished by a calm character. Almost every river can boast of its own waterfall, in extreme cases - rifts. It is estimated that there are 2,488 waterfalls in Japan that are at least 5 m high.
To this must be added that according to the old religious tradition The Japanese consider waterfalls to be the habitat of spirits. The higher and more formidable the waterfall, the more powerful and respectable the deity who chose this place for his dwelling. Hence the deepest respect of people for the "water dragons". More than once in Japan they tried to build a single value vertical, on which it would be possible to place - above or below - the most famous. The problem is with what criteria to approach the choice of "most-most". Most often, waterfalls are compared by the height of the fall of the jet. But even here there are doubts. As you know, other waterfalls are represented by a single stream falling into the abyss; others have a cascading character, where water, like a naughty child, jumps from ledge to ledge, filling the surroundings with a cheerful murmur; the third, disintegrating not small jets, like a white cloak cover the steep slope of the mountain ... It is quite difficult to compare such waterfalls, all the more so to build them in a hierarchy.
If we apply the generally accepted criterion - in height, then the "champion" among Japanese waterfalls is Hannoki-but-still, located on one of the small streams running down from the high mountain Midagahara Plateau in Toyama Prefecture. Its height is 497 m. The waterfall is considered the highest not only in Japan, but throughout Asia, although it takes only 88th place in the global ranking. However, even in Japan itself, the primacy of Hannoki no-taki is questioned. The fact is that the waterfall functions only 4 months a year - from April to July, when the snow melting on Midagahara replenishes the channel with water. The rest of the time, the "dragon" Hannoki prefers to rest in silence, hiding from prying eyes.
And then the “twin” of Hannoki-no-taki takes over the palm among Japanese waterfalls - Shomyo-daki waterfall. These two waterfalls are called “twins” because they, falling down in different ways, bring their waters into one river, and their jets against the backdrop of a mountain resemble a giant latin letter V. But Shomyo-daki, unlike his lazy "brother", works without a break all year round. Its height is 370 m. Water falling from the top produces a sound similar to the muttering of a monk offering a prayer. Hence the name - Shomyo (prayer offering).
third in Japanese list waterfalls worth Hagoromo-no-taki, considered one of the attractions. The height of this waterfall is 270 m. Flowing down seven ledges, water flow resembles (in any case, so the locals say) a dancing "star maiden", whose snow-white outfit sparkles in the sun with water jets. The “Star Maiden”, who has chosen these places in ancient times, is considered the patroness of rice growing, since she generously supplies peasant fields with life-giving moisture.
This could complete the story of the "most-most" among the waterfalls. But the Japanese have other criteria for superiority. So, there is a list of "three most beautiful waterfalls countries". Here is their list: Nachi-no-taki (in Wakayama prefecture), Kegon-no-taki (in Tochigi prefecture) and Fukuroda-no-taki (Ibaraki prefecture). It was for this choice that 44.4% of the polled Japanese voted. The first of the most beautiful waterfalls is located in the Kumano mountains, a sacred area for. A 133-meter water column, tumbling down the mountain against the backdrop of the evergreen needles of the forests covering the slope, serves as a magnificent "backdrop" for religious ceremonies held in the local temple. Sacred notes in the round-the-clock roar of the waterfall are heard quite clearly. The second on this list - Kegon Falls - is also located in a place sacred to the Japanese - where a powerful burial complex was built in memory of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the military ruler of Japan, who made a lot of efforts to unite the country. Chuzenji Lake, located next to the memorial, flows dayagawa river. Once upon a time, the lava of an awakened volcano blocked the flow of the river, directing it along a new channel. Now, having barely left the limits of the lake, the river plunges down in a 97-meter stream. The beauty of the waterfall is supported and set off by 12 more smaller jets falling along the sides of the main stream. However, beauty and sacred character this phenomenon formed for Kegon, but still not quite a pleasant glory. It has become "fashionable" to commit suicide. The height of another representative of the three most beautiful waterfalls - Fukuroda-no-taki - reaches 120 m, and the width of its jets spilling down the slope is 73 m. Unlike Nachi and Kegon waterfalls, it is cascading (4 steps). In winter, jets of water freeze, forming whimsical white laces on the chest of the mountain.
You can try to form another list, including the "weirdest" in it. For example, on the Shiretoko Peninsula, overlooking the Sea of \u200b\u200bOkhotsk, there are waterfalls replenished from no one knows where the water that came from. Nearby there are no lakes, no rivers, not even streams, and jets are beating from the mountain slopes, as if from a water tap, which the negligent hostess forgot to close. Such is, for example, Furepe-no-take waterfall. Its source is located right on the cliff of a mountain jutting into the sea. A jet that shoots out of the ground, breaking up into several streams, forms a beautiful waterfall, which is sometimes called "Girl's Tears".
No less amazing is located on the same peninsula Kamuiwakka-no-taki waterfall. It is formed by underground mineral springs splashing hot sulfurous water onto the surface. It flows into the ocean in a cascade, forming small reservoirs at each stage. The lower the step, the colder the water. locals and visitors willingly take baths in these reservoirs -. healing water able to quickly heal scratches and bruises received on the way to the waterfall.
Among the "strange" waterfalls, one should also mention a 30-meter jet pouring inside one of the caves of the karst labyrinth Shoonyudo otaki in Gifu Prefecture. This is the largest underground waterfall in Japan - the height of a 10-story building. As mentioned above, Japan is rich in waterfalls. But these "water dragons" are so charming that the Japanese willingly multiply their number by constructing artificial waterfalls in the squares and even in the underground shopping arcades of their cities. Sparkling glare jets of falling water are truly beautiful. © A. Makhov
Water dragons are originally a Chinese phenomenon, more precisely, the legends about water dragons came from China, which also has its own magnificent waterfalls. Therefore, when planning a vacation in Japan to admire the Japanese water dragons, you should also think about holidays in China. After all, these countries are so mysteriously similar despite the fact that in fact they are so different.
It is very difficult to choose a criterion for comparing waterfalls, because you can evaluate them both in terms of the height of the jet, and in beauty, and in originality, and in many other ways.
Japan's highest waterfalls
If we consider the highest waterfalls, then the championship in Japan belongs to Hannoki-but-still(Hannoki). The waterfall originates in one of the streams on the high plateau of Midagahara, located in Toyama Prefecture, and reaches a height of 497 meters. But it is impossible to call it the highest with confidence, because it is valid only for 4 months out of 12.
During the lull of Hannoki, the palm goes to his brother, who flows into the same river - (Shomyo). Its height is 370 meters, and the name means "prayer", as the sound of the waterfall resembles the muttering of a monk.
The third highest is located on the island of Hokkaido Hagoromo-no-taki(Hagoromo). The height of the waterfall is 270 meters. Its appearance is also a feature: it flows along seven ledges, sparkling with splashes of moisture that irrigates nearby rice fields. Locals believe that Hagoromo looks like a dancing "star maiden", who is considered the patroness of rice cultivation.
The most beautiful Japanese waterfalls
Compared to waterfalls appearance, located in Wakayama Prefecture Nachi-but-still(Nachi no Taki). A 133-meter jet falls from a mountain cliff in the mountains of Kumano, surrounded by coniferous forests and temples.
The second place goes to the waterfall (Kegon) (97 m.), located in national park Nikko. Next to the main stream, there are 12 more falling jets, creating a beautiful sight.
Closes the top three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan Fukuroda-but-still(Fukuroda) (120 m). Unlike previous attractions, Fukuroda is cascading (4 steps) and spreads 73 meters wide. In winter, jets of water freeze, forming a delightful ice lace on the mountain range.
In general, statistics show that in Japan there are 2,488 waterfalls over 5 meters high, but this does not prevent the Japanese from creating new man-made reservoirs.
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Where can I go for a couple of days from Tokyo? I answered this question for myself like this - in Fuji and in Nikko. About Fuji I, and in this final entry from my Japanese cycle I will try to show and describe Nikko- one of the oldest religious and pilgrimage centers in Japan. This city will interest both lovers of history and those who want to get acquainted with Japanese nature, since the same name national park considered one of the most beautiful in the country.
There is a direct train from Tokyo to Nikko, so getting there is much more convenient than getting to Fuji, despite the distance of 140 km. On the way, you can look at the Japanese hinterland - the villages are very close to the tracks and are pleasantly reflected in the mirrors of the rice fields.
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Surrounded by mountains, Nikko is radically different from Tokyo at first glance. However, there is a fairly large train station and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
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In Tokyo, I bought a special multi-day ticket that includes a round-trip train ride and unlimited use of local buses. We sit down in one of them and go towards the temples. The first temple is majestic Buddhist temple Rinnoji. Unfortunately, it will be restored until 2021, and its facade is covered with a cap (however, quite well done).
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Japanese tourists set fire to a stick of incense at the entrance to the temple.
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The complex includes more than a hundred cultural objects on the territory of three temples, recorded in the list world heritage. Around - an incredible cedar forest, Fresh air and birdsong.
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The students came on a field trip. Nikko is extremely popular in Japan. There is even a saying: "Don't talk about beauty until you see Nikko."
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Visitors.
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If you like Japanese stone lanterns, Nikko has plenty of them.
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They are here for every taste and size.
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The most picturesque are the old ones, covered with lichen and moss.
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Although there are more modern, metal ones.
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A whole alley of lanterns leads from one temple to another. Fabulous place.
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The monks confirm that it is worth coming here.
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The territory of the complex is quite large and contains many different buildings, tombs, monuments, etc. It is impossible to visit everything in two days, especially if there is a desire to go to the national park, to the mountains.
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Pearl of Nikko - mausoleum temple Toshogu dedicated to the shogun and commander Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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The buildings are richly decorated with polychrome ornaments, carvings and gold.
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A long staircase leads up a hill, past tall cedar trees.
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It turns out that the bronze tomb of the shogun is located here.
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It is much quieter and calmer here than below, because the stairs discourage many people from climbing here.
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Temple donations. Here you can see what the Japanese yen looks like.
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The entrance to different parts of the complex is symbolized by ritual gates - torii.
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Magic forest - almost like in Miyazaki cartoons.
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Mausoleum Taiyuinbyo dedicated to the grandson of the shogun Ieyasu - Iemitsu Tokugawa. The tomb is similar to the Toshogu Shrine, but deliberately made more modest.
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The mausoleum closes quite early - at 5 pm, so the photos are already completely deserted. By the way, this is another reason why it is worth coming to Nikko for a few days.
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The entrance to the tomb (quite pretty) looks like Chinese character. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside most buildings, so I only show the views from the outside.
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When entering buildings, it is customary to take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance. It's cool and quiet inside. I was looking at one of the temples when elderly Japanese men entered and sat on the floor. The rector came out to them and began to tell something (probably about the history of the temple), and I joined those sitting, although I did not understand anything. At the end, the monk made some ritual movements (probably blessed the visitors), and the Japanese dispersed just as quickly, and I bought a talisman in the form of a small bundle from a young servant.
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At 17:00 the temples closed, but the sun had not yet set, so there was still time to walk around Nikko. It is felt that around the mountain - you suddenly come across a stormy river with picturesque rapids.
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A sacred bridge is thrown across the river Shinkyo- so sacred that they only let him in for money and only during working hours.
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Legend has it that the founder of Nikko, the Buddhist priest Shodo, performed a prayer here, thanks to which the god of the Jinja-Dayo river descended to him and threw two snakes over the seething stream, which formed the bridge.
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I spent the night in a private European-style boarding house with a very kind host, and the next morning I got on a bus and went to the national park. The road takes about 45 minutes and passes through a picturesque, but rather steep mountain serpentine - so steep that the traffic on it is one-way, and the descent passes along a duplicate road. Near the first bus stop high in the mountains is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Japan - Kegon.
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This 100-meter waterfall flows from the high-mountain lake Chuzenji, which I will show a little further.
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The waterfall is especially beautiful in autumn, surrounded by colorful leaves, but also not bad in spring.
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Nearby formed a lot of small cascades.
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Lake Chuzenji located at an altitude of 1271 meters above sea level, but at the same time it has an excellent tourist infrastructure - restaurants, souvenir shops, hot spring baths, boat trips, yacht clubs ...
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You can just sit and contemplate the calm expanse of the lake and from time to time passing boats.
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In fact, there are two waterfalls separated by a stone block.
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Directly above the cascades is a tea house where you can sit and have a bite to eat with a view of nature.
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Dozens of Japanese come to the open terrace with tripods and huge “SLRs” (mostly with Nikons, I noted with pleasure to myself) to capture such a shot.
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I didn’t have a tripod, so I had to get out of position with the help of a fence. 1/8 second is enough to beautifully blur the water and at the same time not let your hand flinch.
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After Nikko was long haul back to Tokyo, relaxed walks around the capital and an even longer drive home. With this entry, I complete the cycle of stories about Japan. I hope you were interested. In the meantime, more than two months have passed since that trip, so it's time to talk about something else, especially since I have a lot of materials and impressions. Stay tuned and see you soon!
How to get there: by train from Tokyo station Asakusa. A travel card (four days: 4520 yen, 33 euros, 1575 rubles) can be bought directly at the station. Travel time - 2 hours 20 minutes. In Nikko itself, you can travel on buses 2A, 2B and 2C for free (if you buy a travel card). Entrance to the temples is paid separately.
Water and stones in the famous gardens of Japan are the eternal embodiment of the unity and opposition of yin and yang energies, symbols of the transience of time and the inviolability of the Universe. DIY Japanese waterfall and island wildlife on a suburban area they will give the landscape a mysterious oriental flavor and transform it. To the quiet music of falling water jets, harmoniously merging with the sounds of nature, it will be nice to dream in solitude or enjoy leisurely communication with dear people.
Creating a Japanese corner with a waterfall
According to the device, an artificial Japanese waterfall is no different from others. Thin East style compositions are given a special arrangement of stones at the source and design elements.
The device of a decorative source and a bowl
The waterfall consists of two elements located at different heights: an upper decorative source and a lower receiving reservoir - an artificial pond, a garden stream combined with it or a specially constructed bowl.
A pump is installed at the bottom of the reservoir and, using a hose or flexible pipe connect it to the waterfall. The upper end of the pipe is fixed among the composition of stones. Flowing down their surface, the water flow enters the pond, and then, with the help of a pump, is sent to the source.
Before you make a Japanese waterfall, you need to prepare a bowl. To do this, they dig a shallow (15-20 cm) pit in the ground. irregular shape and layer-by-layer cover the bottom with fine gravel and sand. Having tightly tamped them, the bowl is lined with a PVC cloth or a suitable plastic container is installed in it. The edges of the reservoir are decorated with cobblestones or pebbles.
Construction of a stone waterfall
Japan is a country of volcanic islands. When creating a waterfall, it is desirable to use stones of igneous origin: iron ore, andesite, gabbro, perlite, porphyry, granite, basalt, tuff, rhyolite. Combining them in shape and size, you can achieve amazingly spectacular overflows of flowing water.
From stones to free order form a low (60-80 cm) pyramid and fasten with concrete. At the same time, it is important to avoid clear lines and shapes, trying to reproduce the natural harmony of nature. The second stone from the top should be fairly wide and flat. When laying a Japanese waterfall, it is pushed forward a little - it forms and directs the flow.
Smoothly processing the outer edge of the stone, it is easy to get the effect of a wide water band, and making notches - to divide the stream into many sparkling jets. By directing the waterfall through a narrow gap between two flat stones, it will be possible to increase the movement of the stream and it, foaming and making noise, will rush down.
Composition in Japanese style
In the design of the waterfall, paraphernalia, decorative elements and plants typical of the Japanese garden are used. When creating a decorative source, it is important to take into account the principles of Japanese landscape culture:
- lack of symmetry and clear forms;
- discreet colors;
- conciseness;
- restraint;
- naturalness;
- harmony.
Decorating an artificial waterfall
For the design of the waterfall and coastal zone ponds use volcanic stones, fine gravel, sand and sea pebbles. Near the source or behind it, you can vertically place tall stone- the symbol of the rock. Around it - to single-place a few more stones of different sizes - symbols of the mountains. By tradition, their number should be odd.
The element of the Japanese rock garden will also effectively fit into the landscape - an irregularly shaped area strewn with fine gravel or sand with wavy lines (a symbol of the sea) or concentric circles (a symbol of eternity). They will decorate the Japanese-style waterfall and small paths leading to it, lined with flat large pebbles.
Japanese paraphernalia in design
The composition will be successfully complemented by the usual attributes of a Japanese garden: melodious bells on the branches of trees, a miniature pagoda, stone sculptures, a small bamboo fence or a bench made of raw wood.
General style compositions will complement the traditional Japanese landscape design stone lantern - oki-gata or yakimi-gata. It is placed in close proximity to an artificial reservoir. The final oriental touch will be tsukubai - a bowl for washing hands and face with a ladle - a symbol of purity.
Selection of trees and plants
According to Eastern philosophy, plants, unlike stones symbolizing immutability and constancy, help to contemplate the natural changes in nature. Their location is determined only after the design of the Japanese waterfall, in order to give the composition harmony and completeness.
There are usually few flowers in Japanese gardens. When choosing plants for a waterfall, it is better to give preference to evergreen trees and shrubs with beautiful crowns and elegant leaves. This will help create a characteristic discreet color scheme and keep the attractiveness of the composition at any time of the year.
A single dwarf pine, coniferous or deciduous bonsai plants will look harmoniously against the background of flowing water: boxwood, thuja, juniper, cypress. Purple Japanese maple, rhododendron shrub and hydrangea successfully shade the natural natural palette. In the spring, wild plums and decorative cherries will enchant with their flowering, like Japanese sakura.
You should not strive to supplement the landscape with many details - deliberateness and piling up are unusual for the Japanese style. To create a harmonious composition, a few successful touches are enough.
