Sacred Rope Replaced over Nachi Falls ahead of New Year

Shinto priests replaced a “shimenawa” sacred rope over Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, ahead of the New Year. The waterfall, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, is worshipped as a deity at a subsidiary shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha.

The rope, replaced twice yearly in July and December, measures 26 meters and was carried to the top along a 30-minute path. Priests entered the ice-cold water, secured lifelines, and hung the rope between trees, tying a white cloth and tightening it. Senior priest Koga Maki said the replacement was conducted in hopes of a bright year for all worshippers.