Hirayama Waterfall

Hirayama Waterfall (掌山彩; hirayama-fushi) is a waterfall located on the southern face of Mount Hirayama in the Ikumo Mountains. It is the highest waterfall in the range, descending more than three-quarters of the way down the summit of Hirayama.

The waterfall has often been sited as the most well-known and popular mountain waterfall in west Kanton, mostly due to its impressive height and the shrine which sits nearby. The shrine itself was constructed 350 years ago, and is dedicated to Shanshen, the most powerful mountain deity. In wintertime, access to the shrine is prohibited due to safety risks; when ice and frost form on the rocks it becomes extremely hazardous. However, in summer the waterfall sees a large number of visitors. The area has been classified as a National Treasure by the Kanton government.

In local legend, the Hirayama waterfall is said to be the birthplace of the benevolent spirit Mizuma, whose travels across ancient Kanton created all the springs and rivers in the land.