Lie down on the rocks
quietly under the starry sky on a summer night watching
the fire bugs flying around, and you will feel as if you are dissolving into
the sound of the water crashing against the rocks. This
spectacular view is the result of the rushing water which
has eroded the soft part of the rock for thousands of
years. In the 17th century there used to be a Buddhist
stone monument under the waterfall. It was later washed
away by a flood. There used to be azaleas growing all
over it and other kinds of flowers making it a
breathtaking sight. These days it is well known for its
fireflies lighting up the atmosphere over the pure stream
on balmy summer nights. It is also famous for its
sweetfish which swim up and hang about at the base of the
waterfall. to the top
As legend has it, once upon a time the spirit of
this tree one day appeared in Dr. Kusaka Shunsai's dream.
It told him that it was in danger of being cut down soon,
but that it would serve the people if its life was saved.
The next day the doctor talked to the village people in
detail about his dream, and they decided not to cut down
this tree. Because of this we can still see this huge
tree which has roots which hang in the air just like
woman's breasts. According to this legend if you touch
these roots and pray for a baby, your wish will soon come
true. It is said that if you lean against this tree,
which is some 30m in height and 7m in diameter, and close
your eyes, you will remember your mother's breast when
you were a child. to the top
Wadagawa Kyo, blessed with pure and abundant
water, is rich in river fish like sweetfish, eel, and
river shrimp. The gorge is surrounded by lush evergreen
trees which make a beautiful backdrop for the pristine
waters of the gorge. It is a photographer's delight.to the top
The Great
Rock of Koza is like a natural pyramid growing out of the bowels of the
earth. Near the centre of the great rock the In-yo (Yin/Yang) Waterfalls
pours out and down into the Koza River below. In some years the flowers
near the waterfall bloom throughout the four seasons. The Great Rock of
Koza is considered to be a Japanese National Monument and is said to be a
kind of natural ‘power spot’ where the gathering energy of earth can
be tangibly felt. The monolith is approximately 100 meters high and 500
meters wide and seen from afar it looks like a veritable mountain in
itself. to the top
While
kayaking or canoeing in Kumano you can take in the mountain views and absorb
yourself in the sound of the wind on the river. Kumano River is perfect for
canoeing because unlike most rivers in Japan, there are no obstacles like dams
or concrete embankments all the way from Dorokyou Gorge to where the river
empties into the Pacific. 
