Walking among the autumn colours at Akame 48 Waterfalls Listening closely to the water in front of Senju Falls

In mid-November, I followed the walking path at Akame 48 Waterfalls to Senju Falls. Autumn-coloured branches reached over the stream, and white water spread across the dark parts of the rocks. The sound I’d heard along the path now matched the flow right in front of me. I drew my coat together and first took a good look at the falls.

The water divided along the shapes of the rocks, then came together again as it fell. Even when I tried following one stream with my eyes, the one beside it caught my attention. Where the water plunged down, it churned white, yet just beyond that, the pool held its deep colour. I kept looking over the same view, from top to bottom.

For the break, I’d brought katayaki biscuits from Nabari. I took out one round biscuit wrapped in paper and some small pieces I’d broken off beforehand. Holding the main biscuit, dotted with black sesame, I tried a little piece. It had a toasted flavour and a much firmer crunch than I’d expected. Even a small piece made me want to take my time tasting it.

“It really lives up to its name,” my driving friend laughed. After swallowing, I answered, “It really does.” I found it funny that, amid the sound of the falls, there was a different sound happening just inside my mouth. I checked my brown coat’s sleeve for crumbs and adjusted the paper wrapping in my hands. Even while eating and talking to my friend, my eyes went back to the water.

After finishing, I looked up at the branches of autumn leaves reaching overhead. Their colours had drawn me here at first, but perhaps it would be the movement and sound of this water I’d remember back home. Before walking on, I took one more look at where the water fell into the pool. Having left the car to walk through the gorge, I wanted to give myself proper time to stop and look as well.