Hienadz Vardanyan 
Japan is not solely a place of bustling cities, bright lights, quick train rides, or nightlife. It is also a place where nature and spirituality are inseparable. Spirituality has been practiced in Japan for thousands of years. So you, too, can reconnect with nature, soak under a waterfall and freshen your spirit – all through the practice of Takigyo meditation.
Strengthen your spirit with Takigyo
Takigyo is an ancient form of meditation and spiritual training which takes place in nature, under a waterfall. The purpose is to strengthen the mind, body, and soul through a purification ritual. With many waterfall mediation benefits, a few of them being increased mental clarity, emotional stability, or a sense of well-being.
To help you get a glimpse into the realm of temples and takigyo meditation, we have put together a list of takigyo places in Japan for you to explore. All you need to do is let the journey unfold.
1. Ryujin falls and Kuzuryu falls (龍神の滝, 九頭龍の滝)
To ease yourself into the many takigyo places in Japan, the Ryujin falls and Kuzuryu falls are the perfect place to start. Nestled in beautiful nature, with crystal clear freshwater, this is a place you have to visit at least once.
Both Ryujin falls and Kuzuryu falls are located near the Kuzuryu Shrine, and with only a 20-minute walk between each waterfall, it is worth visiting at least one. From the end of May to October, takigyo is held at Kuzuryu falls, and from November to the end of May, it is held at Ryujin falls.
During this ascetic practice, there are instructors to help ease you into the challenge. The waterfall is usually entered three times. The first time is to ease your body into the cold water, the second to wash away impurities, and the third is to ask for blessings.
Those who have treaded in these waters have found the visit a healing, purifying experience and have also loved the cascading waterfalls. During the summer, the sunlight filtering through the trees is particularly mesmerizing. However, be sure to make your reservation in advance as this is not a large group event.
From foreign or regular tourists, the Kuzuryu Shrine welcomes all visitors and provides guidance for your journey through waterfall meditation in Japan. These waterfalls have become increasingly popular, with people making repeated visits. These waterfalls are worth visiting.
Website: https://hinohara-kankou.jp/spot/kuzuryunotaki/
Phone number: 042-598-6135
Address: 2478 Kazuma, Hinohara-mura, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo
Access information: About 10 minutes on foot from “Kazuma” bus stop
Opening hours: Open weekdays and based on the season. So please make a reservation in advance
Map
Ryujin Falls
Kuzuryu falls
Tips
- There is also a shrine with the same name as the Kuzuryu shrine in Hakone, Kanagawa prefecture, but it’s a different shrine. (https://hakonejinja.or.jp/)
- Waterfall practice is also a Shinto ritual for purification and purification in Shinto and a part of training in Buddhism. People from other religions such as Christianity, the Jodo Shinshu sect, and foreigners also come.
- For men, they will lend you a loincloth and headband (Seawater pants are fine). For women, they will lend you a white robe and headband. The robe is made of thin material, so please wear a swimsuit underneath or a black T-shirt and leggings.
- Price
- Men 5,000 yen per person
- Female 5,500 yen per 1 person (5,000 yen + 500 yen for washing clothes)
- On weekdays, it is possible for 3 people or more. Please make a reservation in advance. (telephone number: 090-4597-0320 Chief Priest of Kannonji Mr.Chiba)
2. Ayahiro falls, Nanayo falls, Seizan-so( 綾広の滝,七代の滝, 静山荘)
Seizanso offers a temple lodging experience as part of its takigyo retreat in Japan, allowing you to reset and delve deeper into your spiritual journey. You can also experience meditation, a fasting experience, practice takigyo, and enjoy vegetarian cuisine at the same time.
Located at the top of a mountain, Seizanso cannot be reached by car, but instead by a short walk or cable car. While this may seem like an inconvenience, this temple is secluded from traffic for a reason. However, you can park at Takimoto train station or take a short 8-minute walk from the cable car – Mitakesan station.
You will find the accommodation at this takigyo Japan Inn comforting, and the nature serene. The meals are traditional and include mountain vegetables, river fish, and sashimi. Twice in the evening and early morning, you can participate in takigyo, held at Mount Mitake. Experience waterfall training, meditation, or a fasting course, which all includes meditation under a waterfall.
Guests who have visited Seizanso temple for the takigyo practice found the experience refreshing and light. Nature seems to have amazed and relaxed the minds and bodies of most visitors, while the cold waterfall experience has been enlightening for a lot of people.
While a trip to Seizanso temple may seem like a retreat for experts, it in fact welcomes all guests. You will be guided through breathing methods, as well as through the takigyo practice and the mountainous tracks to the waterfall. All you need to do is spend a night and let your spiritual journey unfold.
Itinerary
Day 1
Please come to Seizanso by 15:00.
After the instruction of Takigyo and the breathing method, we will depart for Takigyo. (The time may vary depending on the number of people, the season, etc.)
The waterfall will be Ayahiro Falls or Nanayo Falls. *Takigyo time varies depending on the season. The mountain path to the waterfall takes 30 minutes, so please wear comfortable shoes. [What to bring] Backpack, bath towel
At 17:00, return to the lodging and take a bath.
18:30-19:30 Dinner
19:30 Meditation, breathing method, crystal ball healing
21:00 sleep
Day 2
6:20 Takigyo
8:00 Return to the lodging / take a bath
8:40 breakfast
9:30-10:20 Meditation, crystal bowl healing
11:00 End
Websites:
Seizanso- https://www.seizan.gr.jp/
Ayahiro falls- https://www.omekanko.gr.jp/spot/81001/
Nanayo falls- https://www.omekanko.gr.jp/spot/81101/
Phone number:0428-78-8445
Address:43 Mitakesan, Ome City, Tokyo
Access information: Seizanso is on top of a mountain and cannot be reached by car, so please park your car at Takimoto Station. Seizanso is about an 8-minute walk from the cable car Mitakesan station.
Opening hours: (Seizanso check-in time 2:00 PM, check-out time-11:00AM)
The average cost: 3,000 yen-14,000 yen
Map
Ayahiro falls
Nanayo falls
Seizan-so
Tips
- Takigyo course (Takigyo/meditation) 14,000 yen (tax included) 1 night with 2 meals, 2 visits to a waterfall, 2 meditation/crystal bowl healing sessions (60-80 minutes)
- Meditation course (no waterfall practice, meditation only) 13,000 yen (tax included) 1 night with 2 meals, meditation/crystal bowl healing (60-80 minutes) twice
- Fasting Course (Takigyo/Meditation) 9,900 yen (tax included) 2 visits to waterfalls, meditation/crystal bowl healing (60-80 minutes) twice *There are no enzyme drinks during fasting. You can drink water, tea, hot water, etc.
- Day trip to the waterfall: 3,000 yen
3. Jataki waterfalls, Biwa falls,Takaosan Yakuo-in(蛇瀧, 琵琶瀧, 高尾山薬王院)
Take a breather, escape the city life, and head over to Mt Takao, where you can experience takigyo places in Japan at two waterfalls – Jataki waterfalls and Biwa falls. Known as Takigyo of Mount Takao, this has become a popular spot for all visitors.
Located in the city of Hachioji, it is one of the closest nature recreational parks near Tokyo. While it is often a popular hiking or tourist spot, it is also a place of religious importance. To reach the mountain, you can hike from the base, take a cliff railway or cable car ride, which reaches the halfway point of the mountain.
As a beginner, your first visit to one of the waterfalls is guided by an instructor. However, as your experience grows, your practice can take place on your own. On the mountain is also the Yakuo-in, a temple two hours from Tokyo station. If you are a beginner, visiting the temple is an easy way to try Takigyo in Tokyo.
Visitors at the Jataki waterfalls and Biwa falls find this to be the perfect place to escape city life, recharge their batteries and engage in traditional practice. On the way, you can take a break at a teahouse and enjoy dumplings and soba noodles.
With three different spots, you can choose which waterfall appeals to you. You can also explore the eighteen-century temple, soak up the atmosphere, and experience Japan’s traditions and religious practices.
Website: https://www.takaosan.or.jp/taiken/suigyo.html
English website: https://www.takaosan.or.jp/english/
Jataki waterfalls
Phone number: 042-665-7313
Address: 2173 Takaocho, Hachioji
Access information: From the north exit of JR Takao Station, take the Keio Electric Railway bus (bus #2 bound for Kobotoke), get off at Jatakiguchi, and walk for about 15 minutes.
Opening hours: Reception time: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM and the lecture will start at 12:00 PM.
Price: without lecture- 1,000 yen, include lecture -3,000 yen
Date: the first Saturday of every month, the 17th of every month, the 27th of every month
Map
Biwa falls
Phone number: 042-667-9982
Address: 2180 Takaocho, Hachioji
Access information: Get off at Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line. About 25 minutes on foot from Mt. Takao Trail 6 (There is no need to ride the cable car)
Opening hours: Reception time: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM and the lecture will start at 12:00 PM.
Price: without lecture- 1,000 yen, include lecture -3,000 yen
Date: the first Saturday of every month, the 18th of every month, the 28th of every month
Map
Tips
- If you don’t have your own cloth for Takigyo(Gyoui), you can borrow them.
- size M or L – 6,000 yen
- size LL – 7,560 yen
- There will be no instruction from January 1st to February 3rd. Since the instruction day may change, please confirm at the time of reservation. Beginners and those who wish to be coached should make a reservation by phone. (between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.)
4. Ryusenji (龍泉寺)
For year-round takigyo places in Japan, Ryusenji temple is the perfect place to freshen up the mind and body. The spiritual waterfall practice has taken place since ancient times and is the place where you will find sacred waterfalls and guidance from Buddhist monks.
Located in Okayama City, and designated as an Okayama Prefectural Natural Park, it is also home to rare wild grasses and dragonflies. Known for the takigyo history and the popular Ryuo Pond, a picturesque and serene pond where you can also relax and let your spirit shine.
The waterfall practice at Ryuo no Taki is open to all visitors, including the general public. This is where water flows from the dragon’s mouth all year round. It is believed that participating in takigyo on the coldest day of the year, which falls on January 20th in the winter months, brings both physical and spiritual benefits. Guidance and training of Takigyo are available for individuals to practice deep breaths, enhancing mental and physical training.
Visitors have described Ryusenji as Okayama’s strongest power spot. Ryusenji has been a healing retreat for some, and a refreshing physical and spiritual practice for others. The Ryo Pond is also a popular attraction.
With many takigyo experiences scattered around Japan, Ryusenji holds a special atmosphere and is the perfect place to experience a powerful mountain waterfall. Just picture sitting under a waterfall, and walking away feeling serene, and empowered with new energy.
Website: https://ryusenji.jpn.org/
Phone number: 086-295-0130
Address: 900 Shimoashimori, Kita Ward, Okayama City
Access information:
7 km from Bitchu-Takamatsu Station on the Kibi Line (10 minutes by taxi)
14 km from Sanyo Shinkansen Okayama Station (30 minutes by taxi)
7km from Okayama Airport (10 minutes by taxi)
Opening hours: Call to check in for open hours
Price for Takigyo: 5,000 yen ( Reservation required: 086-295-0130 )
Map
Tips
Be mindful not to confuse it with the temple of the same name located in Nara Prefecture.
FAQ
Why meditate at a waterfall?
Takigyo is the practice of entering and meditating at a waterfall. Since ancient times, the reason that this occurs in waterfalls, under cold water, is based on the idea of purifying the body and mind, the water being a natural way of supporting spirituality. Today, people expect that this ritual will clear their minds, relieve daily stress, and improve their mental strength.
In the modern-day, we are seeing some of these waterfall mediation benefits being backed by science. Cold water exposure, for example, has been shown to enhance immune function. However, the practice is still held by the belief that takigyo can create harmony with ourselves and nature.
Is it safe to sit under a waterfall?
Takigyo is practiced with great caution. This method can be practiced under the guidance of a master who can help you navigate the practice as a beginner. Keep in mind that the seasons and changes in water flow can impact practice. This is why a Buddhist monk can help you navigate how to approach the practice, how long to stay in the water, what clothing to wear or how to prepare. Clearly, there can be risks, such as injury from slips, water temperature, or water pressure. This is why the practice should never be approached on your own.
What does Misogi mean in Japanese?
While Takigyo and Misogi are both practiced for the purpose of purifying the body and spirit, there is one difference that separates the two. Misogi is simply the practice of stepping into the water, without getting your face or head wet. In comparison, takigyo is when the entire body, including the face and hair, is submerged in water. Traditionally, Misogi is also believed to cleanse impurities and act as a restorative balancer between mind, body, and spirit. However, with Takigyo being the popular practice, there is no place to practice Misogi officially.
Conclusion
- Nestled in beautiful nature, Ryujin and Kuzuryu falls are the most popular spots to ease yourself into takigyo and a waterfall meditation experience. You will be completely guided and taught how to approach the practice. Regardless of the season, you will be able to attend at least one of the waterfalls. Just be sure to book in advance.
- To get a more in-depth takigyo experience, temple lodging at Seizanso gives you the opportunity to experience waterfall meditation, fasting, takigyo, and vegetarian cuisine. The Seizanso is a welcoming temple to all people, and this is where you can truly escape, and reconnect with your spirit and nature.
- If you are looking for something closer to Tokyo, the Jataki waterfalls and Biwa falls are easily accessible and give you the opportunity to practice takigyo. This is the place to escape the city, re-charge, and immerse yourself in spiritual practices.
- There is something special about finding yourself at sacred waterfalls – and that is exactly what you will find at Ryusenji. This historical place is where takigyo has been practiced for thousands of years and is filled with a special atmosphere. All visitors are welcome, and your practice will be guided in safe hands.
