Experience waterfall & forest sauna in Ise Shima, Mie Prefecture! A relaxing time for your body and mind in nature

1. What is Shirataki oaki?

Funatsu-cho, Toba TobaCity, about 30 minutes by car from IseCity.
​Shirataki oaki, located there, deifies the entire mountain that spreads throughout this area.
Since ancient times, it has been a place of training for those seeking truth and salvation, and has been deeply believed as a place where many people pray and communicate with God.

2. Experience the waterfall and forest sauna at Shirataki oaki!

As you go deeper into Shirataki oaki, you will see the waterfall that gives it its name, and it is a place where people who come to worship pray.

With a sacred atmosphere and a feeling of stretching your spine, it's time to take on the challenge of going to the waterfall!

Waterfall walking allows you to experience nature with your whole body by concentrating on the water lapping in the clear air, and it also has the meaning of washing away your daily thoughts and cleansing your mind and body.

After completing the reception, change into the special white costume and prepare to go to the waterfall.
To get ready, you can use the changing rooms located right next to the waterfall area.
Wearing a headband, you're in great spirits!

First, bow toward the waterfall and head down below.
At first, you will feel some pain due to the coldness and the force of the water, but as you are repeatedly hit by the waterfall, the sensation gradually becomes pleasant.

Additionally, the massage effect of the water hitting your head and shoulders will make you feel warm in the area where you were hit. ``My shoulders are lighter!'' My body and mind feel lighter.

After going to the waterfall, head to the sauna nestled in the forest.
It is a healing location rich in nature, filled with negative ions from the forest.

Sauna ponchos can be rented, so even beginners can easily enjoy an authentic sauna experience.
Inside the tent sauna, you will warm up and relax your body after being hit by the water.

The pleasure of gradually sweating!
You can also raise the temperature you feel even further with the Roryu.

After warming up in the sauna, you can take a cold bath here under a natural waterfall or river.
Cool down your flushed body while being soothed by the soothing sound of water flowing.

Then, soak up the fresh air in a hammock set up in the forest.
The feeling of being in the middle of nature is the best feeling.

When you look up, you'll see tall trees overhead, and a 360-degree view of nature.
You can quietly close your eyes or lie down and relax as much as possible.

You can also take a break on the deck next to the sauna tent.
Enjoy a luxurious time where you can completely surrender to the nature in front of you.

3. Many power spots related to Shugen monks

In addition to the waterfall walk and sauna experience, Shirataki oaki has many power spots that you should visit.

Gyoja Oiwa (Kobo Stone)

Legend has it that Kukai, the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, meditated on the rock that towers over the riverside.
The unevenness of the rock's surface looks like the word ``paradise'' for those who wish for the happiness of their families, and the word ``nothing'' for those who wish for good health.
It is said that a god resides in this rock, and many people believe in it.

There are many places around Shirataki oaki where you can clear your mind and indulge in meditation, while looking at this large rock, as well as the surrounding trees, listening to the chirping of birds and the sound of the waterfall. It's also nice to spend time relaxing and meditating.

Mikasazuka and the 100-degree pilgrimage stone

​Mikasazuka, located on the way to the waterfall, is a recommended spot for women who wish to find fulfillment in love.

During the Edo period, a girl named Sato and a monk from a Zen temple on the remote island of Toba fell in love. Eventually, the two left the world and moved to the land of Shirataki oaki, where they lived for over 50 years until Sato passed away.
Mikasazuka is inscribed with a haiku of love written by a Zen monk at the time of Sato's death.

The character ``Kasa'' in Mikasazuka has the meaning ``something that hides and hides,'' and it is said that it may have meant the secret love and life of the two.

Next, as you walk further towards the waterfall, you will see the ``Hyakudo Mairi Stone''.

There is a legend that a mother visited Shirataki oaki 100 times to pray for her child's illness to be cured, and gave it to Shirataki Daimyojin as a token of gratitude for his complete recovery.

4. Shirataki oaki access information

Photography model: Ike-chan profile

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