#003 Tsunocho is home to many nature-rich spots, and among them Mt Osuzu stands out as particularly special. Now, let me introduce Mt Osuzu, a symbol of Miyazaki Prefecture. On the west side of Tsunocho rises Mt Osuzu, one of Japan’s 200 famous mountains. Within Mt Osuzu is an area designated on March 7, 1944 (Showa 19) as the scenic Osuzu Mountain Waterfalls. Many waterfalls cluster there. First, here is an introduction to the waterfalls by valley. ◆ Keyaki Valley (Keyakidani) ・Momiji Waterfall (Momiji no Taki) ・Shakunage Waterfall (Shakunage no Taki) ・Sudare Waterfall (Sudare no Taki) 100 m ・Sagiri Waterfall (Sagiri no Taki) ・Sarasa Waterfall (Sarasa no Taki) ・Yasuragi Waterfall (Yasuragi no Taki) ・Hagakure Waterfall (Hagakure no Taki) ・Suzukaken Waterfall (Suzukaken no Taki) ・Shirataki (Shirataki) 75 m ・Akebono Waterfall (Akebono no Taki) ◆ Amacha Valley (Amachadani) ・Iwami Waterfall (Iwami daki) ・Ajisai Waterfall (Ajisai no Taki) ・Jiro and Shiro Waterfalls (Jiro and Shiro no Taki) ・Taro Waterfall (Taro Taki) ・Hachinosu Waterfall (Hachinosu daki) ・Enoha Waterfall (Enoha Taki) ・Senjo Waterfall (Senjoda Ki) ・Amacha Waterfall (Amacha Daki) ・Small Amacha Waterfall (Amacha Kotaki) ・Giboshi Waterfall (Giboshi Taki) ・Mankichi Waterfall (Mankichi Daki) ◆ Yatogi Valley (Yatogidani) ・Suzumi Waterfall (Suzumi Daki) ・Futami Waterfall (Futami Daki) ・Aoba Waterfall (Aoba Daki) ・Wakaba Waterfall (Wakaba Taki) ・Shigure Waterfall (Shigure Daki) ・Ichimai Waterfall (Ichimai Daki) ・Godan Waterfall (Godan Taki) ・Yatogi Waterfall (Yatogi no Taki) 73 m ・Uodome Waterfall (Uodome Daki) These are the main falls of the Osuzu Mountain Waterfalls. Even within this waterfall cluster, there are so many individual falls. In summer a waterfall-hopping event using the Keyaki Valley course draws many mountaineers, waterfall enthusiasts, and beginners each year. 【Two Waterfalls I Recommend】 Next, I will introduce two waterfalls I recommend. ◆ Shirataki Historically, the Osuzu Mountain Waterfalls served as training sites for ascetic practitioners. At Shirataki, a man named Kongo-in Seiyu is said to have secluded himself in 1822 for seven days and nights to undertake a fasting austerity in Keyaki Valley. A story tells how a sudden storm swollen the river, sending driftwood and even a 4 kg stone downstream, yet the stone struck the conch shell he wore and he escaped unharmed. Compared with Yatogi Waterfall, Shirataki has less water volume and drops diagonally in four tiers, so it lacks overwhelming impact when viewed directly from below. From the south-side trail (Shirataki observation deck), however, its distant view harmonizes with steep cliffs and surrounding trees like a classic landscape painting. In summer, the Shirataki turnaround features in the Osuzu Mountain Festival’s waterfall-hopping event. ◆ Yatogi Waterfall The representative fall of Mt Osuzu is Yatogi Waterfall. Until recently the access road was closed for paving work, but since reopening many visitors come to see it, including foreigners. I have visited twice since it reopened, and Yatogi Waterfall remains truly breathtaking. The smell, the roar, the vastness of the view, and the way light falls cannot be captured in photos—you must experience them in person to grasp the fall’s power. The name “Yatogi Waterfall” comes from a legend that Emperor Jimmu sharpened his arrow with the water of this fall during his eastern expedition; an explanatory signboard stands near the fall. Also, on the cliff to the left-front when facing Yatogi Waterfall, the two characters “Kamisakannari” are carved. These characters were written by Lord Akizuki Tanejyu after he admired the fall’s majestic mystery in the Meiji era, and were carved into the cliff in 1940 (Showa 15) as part of a commemorative project. 【The Name and Etymology of Mt Osuzu】 Why is it called Mt Osuzu? Today the area and nearby town are known as the Osuzu district, but how did the name originate? Originally Tsunocho and the surrounding area were called Niiroin, and Mt Osuzu was called Mt Niiro. Various theories exist, but one enduring tale remains. Long ago Tsunocho kept horse pastures and bred fine horses. One white horse in particular would not be caught and wandered into Mt Osuzu, where it became a sacred horse. The mountain deity is said to have ridden this white horse at times, flown above Tsuno Shrine, and paid respects at the beach in Tsunocho. The bell attached to that white horse rang, so people called the deity “O-suzu-sama” (Lady Bell), and over time the mountain came to be called Mt Osuzu. However, some villagers at the mountain’s foot still refer to it as Gozenkami. Mt Osuzu is also famous for its diverse plant life. 【Plants of Mt Osuzu】 The Osuzu range hosts several rare plants found nowhere else in the world and some species that originated here and later expanded their ranges. ◆ Kibana no Tsukinukehototogisu This exceptionally precious plant grows only in the Osuzu range. As the name suggests, its stem pushes through the leaves. It hangs down on moist, shaded cliffs such as those around Yatogi and Shirataki. Its yellow flowers bloom from late September to early October. ◆ Cold-Season Orchid (Osuzu Cold-Season Orchid) The orchid’s main natural habitats are warm regions influenced by the Kuroshio Current such as Shikoku, the Kii Peninsula, and Kyushu. Within these areas the Osuzu range has an especially wide, high-quality habitat, earning it a reputation as an orchid treasure trove. The orchid thrives in dim, humid, well-drained broadleaf forests. Unfortunately, during the Showa-era orchid boom these plants were traded at extremely high prices, causing dramatic declines. ◆ Tsukushi Shakunage Blooming from May through early June, these pale pink flowers open in a morning-glory-like shape and cluster at branch tips. Bloom timing varies by year, but when they burst into bloom together the sight is spectacular. Many climbers come specifically to see them. So, how did you like this introduction to Mt Osuzu? The mountain holds many more charms. Whether or not you usually enjoy hiking, Mt Osuzu offers something for everyone. With campgrounds available, I hope to post about those activities in the future.