Experience Japan’s ancient waterfall meditation tradition in its authentic setting—the sacred falls of Mt. Ontake.
What is Takigyo?
Mt. Ontake’s waterfalls have been sacred places of purification for ascetics and pilgrims for centuries. The currents that feed them flow from Mt. Ontake itself. During takigyo, or traditional waterfall austerities, practitioners stand beneath icy cascades to cleanse the mind of extraneous thought, enhancing the clarity of meditation.
In the old days, pilgrims 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. The practice also has symbolic value as a kind of mountain baptism, linking the world of the village below to the heights, the dwelling place of the sacred.
Today, the practitioners of Ontake-san’s mountain faith still visit the falls to perform their rituals, if for shorter periods.
Your Experience
Waterfall meditation experiences take place at 30-plus-meter Kiyotaki Falls. The kanji characters for Kiyotaki (清滝) literally mean “Pure Falls.” It’s always been one of Mt. Ontake’s most important purification sites. Experiencing takigyo here is a unique opportunity to connect with Mt. Ontake and the natural world while engaging in a tradition performed by hundreds of years of pilgrims.
Takigyo is offered exclusively through local Japanese teachers of the practice as part of our guided Ontake Kodo Pilgrimage Trail walking tours. These waterfalls are sacred sites and proper ceremony and etiquette are required before entering the falls. This ensures your safety, a meaningful experience, and respect for local tradition.
Otaki Experience 