Otaki & Metaki Waterfalls

Last weekend, I embarked on a journey through one of Japan’s most scenic historical trails—the Nakasendo, walking the well-preserved path between Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku. This route, once traveled by Edo-period merchants and samurai, still holds the charm of the past, with its cobblestone paths, towering cedar trees, and the peaceful sounds of nature accompanying every step.

One of the mesmerizing stops along the trail was the Otaki and Metaki Waterfalls. Nestled in the dense forest, these twin waterfalls symbolize balance in nature—Otaki (Male Waterfall) with its powerful, rushing flow and Metaki (Female Waterfall) with its gentle, graceful descent. The crisp mountain air, the scent of cedar trees, and the rhythmic sound of cascading water created a truly meditative moment in the heart of the Kiso Valley.

But this time, my adventure didn’t just stop at admiring the waterfalls from the ground—I took the DJI Avata 2 into the air. Flying FPV above and along both waterfalls’ rivers was nothing short of exhilarating. The moment I launched, the drone weaved through the forest canopy, tracing the winding riverbanks, skimming just above the surface of the water. I flew up each waterfall, climbing the rushing currents, capturing the sheer beauty of nature from an entirely new perspective before swooping back down, feeling the immersive thrill only FPV can provide.

Here’s the video: