Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture
Exploring Mount Inunaki Listening to the sound of Gyōja Falls beside the bridge
On an afternoon in mid-October, I walked on Mount Inunaki, where some green still lingered, to Gyōja Falls. It's the kind of trip where you can take a breather in front of the falls and look forward to the hot springs at the foot of the mountain, too. Izumisano City's guide lists a 1.5-kilometre walking route from the Mount Inunaki bus stop to Gyōja Falls. I'll share the sound of the water I heard beside the bridge and one of the stories passed down about the mountain.
I folded my hands and listened to the waterfall. I'll share the view I saw that day and a little of my story from the trip.
AutumnAfternoon in mid-October
Hands folded as I listened to the waterfall
By the time I reached Gyōja Falls, the sound of water tumbling over the rocks was closer than I expected. It was an afternoon in mid-October, and some green still lingered in the trees. I wore a pale pink dress under a cream coat, with tights and white sneakers. As I stopped beside the vermilion bridge, I could feel myself settling down after the walk.
The waterfall drops from high on the rocks, then changes direction partway down. I expected a single straight stream, but the water takes a different shape at each ledge. I gently laid one hand over the other in front of my waist and followed the flow with my eyes. I didn't want to say anything; I just wanted to keep listening. The steady sound of the falling water made me feel I could stay there for a while.
Mount Inunaki is still visited by Shugendō ascetics, and they train at Gyōja Falls, too. Apparently, it's also called the “Women's Ōmine,” where women can practice as well. I was only there to watch the waterfall, but knowing that people had listened to that same sound for so long made the familiar view of the water feel a little different.
There's a local legend that a hunting dog saved its owner from a giant serpent. The story goes that the dog barked to warn its owner of the danger approaching. When I first heard the name Mount Inunaki, I pictured dogs' barks echoing across the mountain, but there was a different story behind the name. With the legend in mind, even the time I spent beside the waterfall seemed to hold a deeper meaning.
As I kept looking, I started noticing everything: the bridge railing, the rocky ledges, even the spot where the water spilled down. I'd come just to see the waterfall, but soon I loved the whole view around it. After taking a photo, I lowered my hands and listened to the water for a little longer. I nearly lost track of the time I'd planned to head back.
The hot-spring town at the foot of the mountain extends from the temple town around Shippōryūji Temple. On my way back, I started wanting to make time for a soak in the hot springs, too. I also found myself thinking about bringing home some Senshū water eggplant. The article lists places to buy pickles made with it, so I had a local treat to choose for home. Even after my mountain walk, it felt like the trip was still going.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Senshū Water Eggplant Pickles
There are also pickles made from Senshū water eggplant, a local specialty. Osaka Prefecture’s guide lists places to buy them, including the Kōtarīna farmers’ market in Izumisano. After a visit to the falls, I find myself looking forward to picking out something to enjoy at home, too.
Highlights
Gyōja Falls, still a training site today
Mount Inunaki is a sacred site for Shugendō, and ascetics still gather at Gyōja Falls. It's also called the “Women's Ōmine.” I listened to the falls and took my time standing there.
The legend of the dog that saved its master
A legend says a loyal dog saved a hunter from a giant serpent, and the story is tied to the mountain's name. Once I'd heard it, I understood the name differently, and found myself thinking about the story again on my way back.
Inunaki Onsen at the foot of the mountain
The hot-spring town at the foot of the mountain continues from the temple town around Shippōryūji Temple. After walking to the falls and taking in the view, I wanted time to unwind in the hot springs, too.
Route Details
Walking Route from the Mount Inunaki Bus Stop to Gyōja Falls
- Distance
- 1.5km
Izumisano City's guide lists this as a 40-minute walk. Once I reached the falls, I took a little extra time to enjoy the scenery.
Make time in your plans to stop and enjoy the views.
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