Atera no Nanataki Falls and Kokakaishi (Child-Embracing Stone)

According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Cultural Heritage Online database, the falls are described in the 1934 designation document as: 'A waterfall situated in the upper reaches of the Atera River, cascading in seven stages over a fault cliff of Tertiary basal conglomerate, with a total height of approximately 70 metres... It is a rarity among Japanese waterfalls in falling over conglomerate and in possessing enormous cylindrical potholes (ōketsu).' Cultural Heritage Online. Designation as a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument took effect on January 22, 1934, with the management body being Shinshiro City (then-village designation dated August 28, 1934). The city's official website records the individual stage heights as: 1st 9m, 2nd 13m, 3rd 7m, 4th 25m, 5th 2m, 6th 4m, 7th 2m — total 62m. Shinshiro City Official. The conglomerate bedrock accumulated approximately 25 million years ago (Oligocene), with rounded pebbles averaging 20cm in diameter mixed with sandstone, mudstone and granite. The potholes in the 2nd and 5th plunge pools reach depths of 7m and 4m respectively. A local legend holds that the onmyōji (yin-yang diviner) Abe-no-Seimei (921–1005) conducted ascetic training here in his youth, and that the well he used survives to this day. Wikipedia This claim is folklore-based; no documentary evidence has been confirmed.

The designation 'Kokakaé-ishi' (Child-Cradling Stone) for the conglomerate at the base of the falls reflects a folk belief that embracing this rock will grant a child — a type of stone-worship (ishi-gami shinkō) and child-blessing ritual recorded also at other Japanese sacred stones. Inspiring-Scener, Jalan. The dragon deity of the falls is also revered as a rain-calling deity, connecting the site to agricultural ritual. Wikipedia. The remote mountain setting in the depths of Okumikawa situates the falls within the broader landscape of Shugendo-influenced holy places throughout the Tenryū River watershed, of which mountain waterfalls were characteristically venerated as portals between the human and divine realms.

The site is managed with Shinshiro City Tourism Association as the contact authority (tel: 0536-21-0015), and a paid parking area (¥300/vehicle) is provided. As of July 2025, Google Maps incorrectly shows the prefectural road as closed; the Okumikawa Tourism Navigation site explicitly notes that Route 442 is in fact passable. Okumikawa Tourism Navigation. The site draws visitors throughout the seasons for spring greenery, summer Iwatabako (Chirita tamiana) wildflowers, and autumn foliage. The Kokakaé-ishi belief is reproduced in local tourism literature, confirming its continued vitality as shared folk knowledge.

Spring greenery (April–May), Iwatabako flowering season (July–August), and autumn foliage (October–November) are all rewarding. Immediately after the rainy season ends (early July) offers the highest water volume and the most dramatic falls. Winter access may be restricted by road icing; warm clothing is essential.

The 4th stage (25m drop) is the tallest and most powerful, but all seven stages must be climbed in sequence. A vertical composition capturing the 3rd–4th stages together conveys the scale well. The unusual rounded-pebble texture of the conglomerate face rewards close-up work. Framing moss-covered rock alongside white cascading water communicates the wet, lush atmosphere of the gorge.

The mountain path from the parking area to the falls is approximately 1km (about 15 minutes); hiking shoes are recommended. Wet rocks are slippery. When touching the Kokakaé-ishi, do so with respect for the folk belief and the natural monument designation. As of summer 2025, Google Maps may incorrectly show the prefectural road as closed; confirm current conditions with the Okumikawa Tourism Navigation site or Shinshiro City Tourism Association (tel: 0536-21-0015) before departure.