Hot as hell and the A/C is feeling less than adequate? You could go hang out at the local Youme Town and rot under the fluorescent glow of consumerism, or you could hitch a ride to Ryutosen. Located between Ureshino and Omura-shi, Nagasaki, Ryutosen boasts an 18-meter high waterfall (minus the patented Japanese cement job) which cascades into a pool that reportedly measures 23 meters in depth. I’m not sure exactly how deep it is, but I do know you can dive from the water’s edge without fear of un-doing thousands of dollars worth of pre-pubescent orthodontic work. Not up for diving or even swimming? Then just relax on the stone floor that encircles the water’s edge.

Is the waterfall a bit to tranquil for you? Wander about 90 meters downstream and behold a second deep pool surrounded by rocks of various heights. This is the place for those seeking adventure, the place where the men are separated from the boys. Start with the rope swing and work your way up. The “jumps” range from about four to ten meters. The jump next to the staircase, which requires a running start, is a personal favorite and is highly recommended to anyone out there who hasn’t felt alive in years.

A word of caution: People have died at Ryutosen. In June of 2004, A U.S. serviceman fell to his death while trying to climb the cliff along the waterfall. I’ve seen others successfully do this climb and the subsequent jump, but do so at your own discretion and risk. Also, never swim alone. Duh.

A word of false caution: There are numerous signs along the approach to the waterfall that say swimming is prohibited. I wouldn’t worry about this, as enforcement seems to be non-existent against both Japanese and foreigners. The reason they give for not swimming is that “the water temperature is too low”. In other words, swimming here equals hypothermia. Unless you’re stupid enough to go swimming in the dead of winter, I wouldn’t give a second thought to this preposterous warning. Enjoy yourself.

Getting there

From Route 34 in Ureshino:

  1. Take a left at Route 6. You will stay on this for about a 20 minute drive through the countryside. Marvel at the Japanese cement work.
  2. Eventually, you will see a school. Turn right here.
  3. Follow the road as it curves to the right.
  4. You will see a brown farmhouse on your right. Turn left right after/at this house.
  5. This road will take you through some lovely grasslands, most of which belong to the Japanese Self Defense Forces. Follow the road.
  6. Turn left at the tea farm, following the signs for “Ikoi no Hiroba”. Stay on this road (ignore the smaller turn offs).
  7. After about two minutes, you’ll see a sign for Ryutosen spelled incorrectly as “Rytosen.”

You’ve made it! Park your car and walk down the stairs to what will hopefully be a wonderful experience.