Ryutosen is a series of waterfalls outside of Omura, Nagasaki-ken. The largest waterfall, called "Ryutosen" is about 30 feet tall. It feeds an extremely deep pool that must have been a cave that became a sink hole that became the pool that it is now. You can literally dive from the rock edge, a mere two inches aove the water, with no fear of injury. Several other pools and waterfalls also exist down river. All are deep and great for jumping.My personal favorite is 25 foot jump that requires a running start. The catch is that you can't see the water from where you start your run. By the time you see the water, the wheels are in motion. To stop in mid sprint would only mean injury and your body seems to instinctively know this, though your mind is thinking "oh shit, oh shit, oh shit....". You're passed the the point of no return, so you do only what any sane person would: scream like a madman, gallop one last time, and fly. The adrenaline rush that occurs is undescribable; it reminds you that you are alive.
I'll try to get a photo of someone in action for a future posting. In the interim, here's a shot of Ryutosen on a foggy day, a bit of a surreal image if you've been there when the sun is shining.
