Amid the pounding of the waterfalls, the mist is cold. It clings to the skin, catches the sun, forming rainbows in clear weather. It tastes like ice in the mouth, and it hides the beauty of Hātoreikusu.
At this legendary site, four lakes flow into each other, connected by subterranean rivers and waterfalls. This Jewel of Ikaiguchi is considered one of the most beautiful places anywhere on the islands, all brilliant cascades and undisturbed old-growth.
Hātoreikusu features in many of the legends of Ikaiguchi. For some, it is the teardrops of grieving Chinami, while others believe it is the source of all of Ikaiguchi’s seas. Because of the immense sanctity of the location, peace treaties are traditionally held in its waters, for to spill blood would be sacrilege to all peoples.