Red Patina and Chatsubomi Moss
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Rust Red Patina and Chatsubomi Moss of Oshidori-Kakushi Falls
錆びた石とチャツボミゴケ・おしどり隠しの滝
Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 06:49・2024/09/11
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
28 mm ISO 100 for 1/4 sec. at ƒ/11
Overlooking the upper reaches of the Shibu River, this tranquil waterfall is embraced by the lush greenery of Yokoya Gorge in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, offering visitors a connection to both nature and history.
Yokoya Gorge, known by locals as the "Iron Valley," has long been revered for its mineral-rich springs. The waters that flow through the gorge contain high levels of iron carbonate, which oxidize upon contact with air, tinting the rocky riverbeds with a distinct reddish-brown hue. This rust-colored patina reflects on the valley’s long geological history, a history that locals and travelers have admired for generations.
Adding to its beauty, the gorge is home to acidic hot springs, which give life to a unique species of moss known as chatsubomi. This velvety moss thrives in the gorge’s harsh, acidic waters, carpeting the rocks and riverbed in a lush, emerald green. The juxtaposition of the moss against the reddish rocks creates a scene that is both intriguing and vibrant.
For over a century, the nearby Meiji Onsen Ryokan has welcomed travelers seeking both healing and rest. Many of these guests, after a long day of bathing in the rejuvenating hot springs, would wander down to the falls, marveling at the beauty that remains unchanged despite the passage of time.
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