Enchanting Nomizo Waterfall and Cave in Chiba, Japan: A breathtaking natural wonder.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Nomizo Waterfall and Cave in Chiba, Japan.

Nomizo Falls: The Heart of Light

6.30am and Nomizo is quick to reveal itself. Little by little, a streak of light is emerging. Pretty impressive.

Five o’clock in the morning, I set off from Tokyo. It’s March, the weather looks good. This is the perfect time to visit a destination close to my heart: Nomizo Falls.

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I cross Tokyo Bay (from Tokyo – Kawasaki in truth – to Chiba) via the Aqua-Line, an insane expressway 14 kilometres long, 10 of which are under water! This must be one of the longest submerged highways in the world.

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I ease off the accelerator and run the old crate at a less frantic pace towards the heart of Chiba. Our waterfall is near the village of Kimitsu.

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Nomizo no Taki

There’s already a certain ambiance. Japanese blokes with one eye glued to their camera settings (which never seem to be right) and the other on the young girls basking in the early morning light. The girls coo like turtle doves and I can see love hearts flying round their heads.

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At the risk of ruining such an enjoyable experience, I won’t hide the true nature of the site: it’s a man-made cave that sees a lot of traffic! Even if everything makes you believe you’re in the Totoro heartlands, unfortunately, you’re not.

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6.30am and Nomizo is quick to reveal itself. Little by little, a streak of light is emerging. Pretty impressive. The reflection gives us a warm glow despite the morning freshness.

cave, chiba, japan, japanese, kanto, natural, nature, sunrise, waterfall

No need to be a hopeless romantic to fall in love, is there? But it’s true that in a slightly different setting, it’d be easy to see a monstrous face, or some sort of demonic heart!

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Next to the falls is a little shrine with countless ema (絵馬) attached to chains. These aren’t feckless young girls but bits of wood on which visitors write their wishes. Lovers have fun with them: forever, onegai!

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At 7.30am, the show is already over. I know some abandoned sites in the area so I take the chance to see them again.

Sōjiin Shrine

As I wandered around the south of Chiba, I also came across this pretty shrine at Tateyama. Sure some of you will like it 🙂

Well, must go home. And again through that dark tunnel under the bay. Not very exciting but get on with it! Keep your spirits up!

Want to see a little more nature and magic in Chiba? Go and see my favourite tree: The Giant Maple Tree of Oihara. If you love waterfalls, you’ll love the pretty Nikko Falls (Nikko: Beautiful Waterfalls in Autumn).

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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Petals dance on air, Pink and gold in April's light— Sakura whispers.花びら舞う 四月の光に 桜の囁き。#hanami #sakura #japanesecherryblossom #springinjapan #offbeatjapan #japan #naturebeauty #landscapelovers
Pines whisper secrets, Under curved tiles and clear skies, Stone lanterns in peace. 松が囁き 曲がる瓦の下、 石灯籠、静かに。 #offbeatjapan #japan #traditionandnature #dojospirit #japanesearchitecture #peacefulplaces #serenesettings
Golden sun descends, Terraced greens meet forest hues— Nature's gentle quilt. ---黄金の陽、 段々畑の緑、 自然の優しき織物。 ---#offbeatjapan #ricefields #shirakawago #japan #sunsetvibes #naturelovers #serenitynow #mountainlife
Sunlight weaves through wood, Chaos in lines, shadows dance, Nature’s art revealed. 光が木を通り抜け、 乱れた線に影が踊る、 自然の芸術が現れる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #natureart #abandonedbeauty #architecture #lightandshadow #hiddenwonders
Crimson gates align, Hearts carved on love's scarlet path, Pines bend to dreams' sea. ---真紅の門 愛の道に刻み 松は夢の海へ曲がる ---#ShintoSpirit #ToriiGates #LoveInJapan #CoastalBeauty #SereneJapan #offbeatjapan #Japan
Lanterns softly glow, Timber frames embrace the snow, Silent warmth below. ランタンの光、 木枠に雪が舞い、 静かなる温もり。 #offbeatjapan #japan #snowyvillage #japanesearchitecture #tranquilbeauty #winterserenity #lanternlight
Crimson gate stands bold, Where verdant hills kiss the sea, Spirits rest at peace. --- 紅い門 緑の丘と海の 平和な魂 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #coastlines #spiritualpeace #naturephotography
Scarlet sunlit hues, Torii whispers to the dawn— Nature's quiet shrine. --- 緋色の光、 鳥居は夜明けに囁く― 静かな神社。 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #spiritualjourney #sunrisevibes #hiddenjapan #natureandspirit