points of interest

 

 furusato kan - folk art museum

 

situated along the town's main road of higashi naruse mura is the furusato kan. the furusato kan is home to the village's history and culture. the way of life in this village is brought to you from simple farm implements to samurai armory and clothing. presented here too, is a wide array of pictures and books detailing the village.

located in the eastern grounds of the furusato kan is a 5.8 meter high statue. this statue is of a sennin - mountain man. at one point in history, the hills of higashi naruse were populated with mountain men bent on solitary training and way of life. today, the memory of such individuals is still rooted deeply in the heritage of the community.

  

akataki - red waterfall

while the ph makes it difficult for fish to live in the waters of akataki, it creates a beautiful red rock the sits quietly under the flowing fall. in the month of august the akataki matsuri, festival, is held. this festival commemorates not only the beauty of this natural wonder but also finishes off sennin shugyo, or mountain training. presented to you at the site of akataki is a traditional mountain shrine. the shrine located at this spot is set aside for the god of rain. the beauty of this shrine is set off by its natural surroundings.

 

tensho no taki - heavenly waterfall

as you descend the steps to tensho no taki you begin to feel and hear the waterfall. the majestic roar of this fall takes on a different vigor depending upon the time of year and the amount of rainfall. regardless of the season, as you make your way to the base of this fall you are welcomed by the sound and mist that lightly wraps around your body. be prepared and be in good condition. a hike of this nature, if done a at a moderate pace, can take up to an average of thirty minutes. for those that are not wanting to partake in the full hike, there is a viewpoint midway that provides a beautiful vantage point from above to view the fall.

fudotaki - immovable waterfall

the bridge of fudotaki offers a gateway to breathtaking beauty. this waterfall is home to sennin shugyo's misogi, or body cleansing exercise. participants set off into the water to sit under the down pour of fudotaki. while this is a challenging event, the chilling water can take your breath, participants feel a sense of accomplishment upon its completion.

this waterfall is also home to many of the village children where they can find solace from the summer heat. one can often travel past during the summer months to find young ones at play in the waters of the beautiful fudotaki.