Ryuou-no Taki couldn't be more isolated - I just happened to stumble-across the site by accident when on one of my 'getting lost/no plan' bikerides - and isn't even located on any of the internet maps.
This post was the only indication there was something of interest further ahead.
The post has a barcode, for those of you with a cell or smartphone, to scan, that provides data of Ryuou-no Taki.
Upon leaving the sign-post, the trail changes from a sealed lane, to an unsealed and, if there has been some rain, muddy. It's not steep and, like in this image on the left, provides some great scenery. If you are on two-wheels, like I was, pushing your bike would be advised.
About 500m in you reach the end-of-the-track. Before proceeding, take care, especially if there has been some rain. The ground can be slippery, especially when ascending the steps to the waterfalls & shrine. But, before proceeding, take in the serenity that is abound. It's quite deafening.
Once you cross the bridge, you can't help but hear the sound of the waterfall and, as you proceed, you will be confronted with this vermillion-colored Torii to pass-through first.
From here it's just a few steps to the waterfalls & shrine. Once at the top the scenery down below is spellbinding. To one side of the shrine is another set of waterfalls that are the source of the main 'falls. Before departing, don't forget to offer-a-prayer at the shrine.
Waterfalls in Japan hold some spiritual significance and, in most cases a religious icon, in the form of Fudo, the God of Waterfalls, may be found.
When you have recrossed the bridge, look up to your left and, in amongst the crag-of-rocks, you should see the two icons pictured above.
The carving on the left is Fudo, the God-of-Waterfalls and, on the right is En no Gyoja (634 - 700) who was a Japanese ascetic and mystic.
The carving on the left is Fudo, the God-of-Waterfalls and, on the right is En no Gyoja (634 - 700) who was a Japanese ascetic and mystic.
If you plan to take a closer look at the images, there is a track leading to their location but, I must warn you, tread very carefully. It's a very-narrow path, likely very-wet, and the drop is long.
In the above images, a closer look at the shrine, a concrete lantern, a waterfall (to the right of the shrine) and the Torii looking down from the top.
Access to Ryuou-no Taki - if you are travelling by car, I suggest you park in the town somewhere. The access lane to the site is very narrow. By public transport - there are regular bus-services to/from both Kyotanabe & Uji cities. Hopefully this map will go somewhere to aid you. The access lane is situated midway along the route-62 bypass road, which commences off route-307.
A few images from the immediate vicinity of Ryuou-no Taki - rural scenery at it's very best, tea plantation (just before you enter the forest) with a track that leads to the next image, concrete lantern and, yours truly & friend.
Hopefully the above video will convince you to place Ryuou-no Taki on your 'must see' list, when in search of a shrine, waterfall or just some very-beautiful Japanese scenery.