Mindful Japan Tours can arrange for you to experience Japan’s ancient tradition of waterfall purification at the foot of Mt. Ontake under the guidance of a local teacher.

What is Takigyo?

Ascetics and pilgrims have purified themselves beneath Mt. Ontake’s waterfalls for centuries. In the old days, practitioners of the Shugendo tradition known as yamabushi could only begin climbing Mt. Ontake after 75 to 100 days of austerities at the falls, accompanied by the appropriate rituals and long periods of fasting and meditation. With the spread of the mountain’s unique Ontake-kyo faith in the 1800s, the tradition evolved to allow for much shorter periods of purification under the instruction of advanced practitioners. Today, you can still encounter pilgrims of both traditions preparing themselves, body and soul, for the ascent of Mt. Ontake.

The currents that feed Mt. Ontake’s waterfalls flow from the peak itself. During takigyo, or traditional waterfall austerities, practitioners stand beneath icy cascades. This cleanses the mind of extraneous thought, enhancing the clarity of meditation. It also has symbolic value, linking the world of human society to the heights, the dwelling place of the sacred. As a purification practice, it’s believed to cleanse practitioners of the negativity accumulated in the course of daily life.

Your Experience

Takigyo takes place at 30-plus-meter Kiyotaki Falls. It’s between the 3rd and 4th stations of the pilgrimage trail climbing from Otaki Village. The kanji characters for Kiyotaki (清滝) literally mean “Purification Falls,” and it’s always been one of Mt. Ontake’s most important sites. Experiencing takigyo here is a unique opportunity to connect with the mountain, the natural world, and a tradition reaching back hundreds of years.

Season: Typically May to late October, with some flexibility. The water is chilly year-round, but spring when the falls are largely snowmelt straight from the mountain is particularly cold.

What to Expect: An encounter with the mountain through takigyo is a singular experience. The full program, including time spent exploring the area around the falls, changing clothes, instruction, ceremonies, and takigyo itself, generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Time actually spent in the falls varies according to the individual.

Takigyo is offered exclusively through local Japanese teachers of the practice as part of our guided Ontake Pilgrimage Trail walking tours. These waterfalls are sacred sites and proper ceremony and etiquette are required before entering them. This ensures your safety, respect for local tradition, and a meaningful experience.

Add-on Price: 13,000 yen per group + 3,000 yen per takigyo participant.
(Example: group of 4 with 2 people trying takigyo = 19,000 yen total)

What we provide: Instruction, English interpretation, traditional takigyo robe (hakui), towel. Your guide will be glad to take photos / video for you.

Precautions: Keep in mind, this is not a refreshing time cooling off under a waterfall. It’s a taste of an ancient ascetic practice. The falls are high and the water is cold. It can be quite intense. Those with heart conditions or other serious medical issues should avoid this experience. If you are unsure or have questions, please let us know when booking your tour.

Takigyo teachers

We work with two highly experienced local instructors in the Mt. Ontake takigyo tradition.