Kegon Waterfall
On the Daya River near the Japanese city of Nikko is one of the best natural attractions – Cagon Waterfall. The river paved its way from the high mountain lake Tüdzenji. Once upon a time, volcanic lava blocked the channel, and a waterfall formed.
Water flow with a width of about 7 m collapses from a height of 97 m. Almost three tons of water fall every second down. The depth of the dome reaches 4.5 m. In the spring, during snow melting, and during the rainy season, the power and flow volume increase. Near the main waterfall, through lava and cracks in the rocks, another 12 smaller streams flow.
In total, there are 48 waterfalls in the city area. Cagon of them is the most famous. It is one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in the country. In 1900, a tea house was installed at the foot of the waterfall. Until that time, approaching the turbulent stream was quite difficult. You can admire the shifting streams of water from two equipped observation platforms. Free located near the parking lot. It offers a magnificent view of the waterfall from above. Since 1930, there has been a lift that delivers travelers to the observation deck at the very base of the waterfall. The elevator is located near the parking lot. Less than a minute is required for descent from a hundred meter height. To get to the observation deck, you need to go through the underground tunnel. Even on the hottest day, the temperature in it does not rise above 15 degrees. The site is located at the bottom point of drop of the waterfall and has three levels. The waterfall itself, the surrounding rocks and the picturesque valley are perfectly visible from it.
On the Aketidaira plateau is the observatory. From a height of the plateau, a magnificent panorama of Cagon and Tudzenji opens. A cable car leads to Aketidaira. The waterfall is located 500 meters from the lake, and annually approaches it by almost 2 cm. The name « Cagon » is borrowed from Buddhist sutras. The name of the waterfall was given by a wandering monk who accidentally found it.
Since mid-October, during the Momiji-gari period, Kagon is particularly impressive. The foliage of the trees framing it acquires bright autumn colors, and gives the already picturesque appearance a special beauty. In spring, the rocks around are covered with delightful azalea colors. There is a version that the waterfall got its name from them, because « Cagon » means « flower garland ».
In summer, among the huge fan of water splashes of the waterfall, Cagon surrounds many swallows. The rays of the sun, reflected in the drops, form an amazing rainbow. In winter, the waterfall freezes, taking fabulous ice outlines. Along the river, water from the dome of the waterfall passes through the gorge and forms another waterfall – Nekhan, which means « Nirvana ».
In May 1903, a young poet, a student of the Faculty of Philosophy M. jumped from the waterfall. Fujimura. Before the deadly jump, he left a note, later she hit the media. This is far from the only case of suicide. Cagon received the sad glory of the place where they settle the last scores with the life of a suicide.
