According to Kojien, "purification ceremonyWhat is,To wash and purify oneself in a river or the sea when one is guilty or unclean, or before following important Shinto rituals, etc.It is noted that.

In the old days, all who entered Mt. Atago had to pass by the second torii gate of Mt.Misogi was performed at Kiyotaki RiverThat's what it means.

It has been a while since I visited Kiyotaki. The Kiyotaki River is a clear stream, and in early summer one can hear the clear cry of sculpin and see schools of ayu fish. Some years ago, after a heavy rainfall, I came across the Giant Salamander, a special natural treasure!

Kiyotaki River habitat animal sign

The pleasure of visiting Kiyotaki in summer is not only the chance to see nature's creatures. The temperature is about 5°C cooler than in the city, and standing on the Kinrei-kyo Bridge or the Toenkyo Bridge downstream of Kinrei-kyo, the cool breeze blowing down from Atago's sacred mountain cools you as you cross the river, making you feel comfortable.

As I looked downstream from the Kinrin Bridge with its cool breeze, I found myself in the middle of a mountain stream where strange rocks of various sizes sat,The tallest and most eye-catching rock formation in the worldI noticed that there was a It looks as if it is protruding from the root rock toward the sky. Its appearance is that of Dosojin.

Moreover, in the shallows beside the strange rock, we could see a mark that looked like a circle surrounded by stones. When I asked a local resident about it, he replied, "That big rock looks just like the shape of 'Nozoki Iwa' on Mt,ascetic practice rockThat's what they call it. And what looks like the remains of a puddle of water by that rock,The remains of misogi or mizugori (purification ceremony)It's a very beautiful place. In the old days, people used to go up the mountain to Atago Shrine after purifying themselves there," he told us. It's a pity we can't see that scene anymore.

Gyoja-iwa of Kiyotaki River

Entrance to Atago Shrine

There is also a place in Kiyotaki where one can still meet people performing misogi.

It is said that Kuya Shonin practiced the asceticism in the past.Kuya WaterfallThe sacred waterfall was located halfway up Mt. Atago, about 30 minutes from the Kanazubashi Bridge in the direction of Gekirinji Temple.

Approach to Kuya Waterfall

On the way to the waterfall, there is a junction. Stepping on moss-covered rocks and climbing up stone steps against the flow of water, the area gradually becomes cooler and the atmosphere more somber. By the time you pass through the torii gate of the eight great dragon kings of the water god and the torii gate marked "Kuya," you can hear the cool sound of the waterfall. Then we came upon the splashing Kuya Falls.

Kuya Waterfall and Torii Gate

A statue of Fudo Myoo and a statue of Yaku Gyoja flanked by two demons, the former and the latter, are erected beside the waterfall.Standing by the waterfall, the cool air and the spray of the water seem to wash away the grime that has built up in the body and mind over the years.

Statues of Yaku Gyoja and Mae and Gogo Oni guarding Kuya Falls

We were able to talk to a martial arts master who was being hit by a waterfall here. He said that he always performs misogi here before paying a visit to Atago Shrine. I also remember that more than 10 years ago, when I first visited here, I met a mysterious elderly woman. What she said to me still remains in my memory.

Everyone lives with their own fate. Every family, no matter how big or small, has its own worries, illnesses, and sparks of strife. When you are hit by this waterfall, you will feel light and refreshed. Just visit ......."

She then cut off her words and said, "I have been bathed in the waterfall for so long that I can even see other people's karma. She said that after being bathed in the waterfall for a long time, she began to see other people's karma.

Look, yours looks good, too.

Needless to say, I was aghast.