5 Waterfalls in Yamagata worth your time

One of Japan's top 100 waterfalls featuring an 80-meter drop over rhyolite rock in the mountains of Yonezawa.

What it is

• A massive waterfall measuring 80 meters high and 40 meters wide.
• One of the officially designated Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan.
• A natural site situated at an altitude of 860 meters on rhyolite geology.
• A location featuring a temporary secondary waterfall called Nunobiki during high water.

What to see

• The main 80-meter drop cascading over ancient volcanic rock layers.
• A new 20-meter suspension bridge installed for visitors in 2022.
• An observation point overlooking the falls and surrounding mountain landscape.
• The waterfall basin accessible via a 20-minute trail from the lookout.

When to go

• Periods of high water to see the temporary Nunobiki waterfall appear.
• Outside of the winter season when local access roads are fully open.
• Winter months only if prepared for a three to four hour hike.

Getting there

• Walk 20 minutes from Namekawa Onsen to reach the main observation point.
• Park near Namekawa Bridge as the local inn parking is restricted.
• Hike three to four hours from Toge Station during the winter closure.

Read more about Namekawa Great Falls

Yamagata's tallest single-drop waterfall features a 63-meter plunge discovered by the monk Kukai and a shrine at its base.

What it is

• The tallest single-drop waterfall in Yamagata Prefecture with a vertical drop of 63 meters.
• One of the three famous waterfalls of the Akumi region.
• Discovered and named by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai.
• A natural site featuring Mitake Shrine enshrined directly in front of the falls.

What to see

• A dramatic 63-meter vertical drop of water into the basin below.
• Mitake Shrine located at the base of the waterfall.
• A 450-meter walking path leading through the natural landscape to the site.
• An impressive ice fall when the water freezes in mid-January.

When to go

• Mid-January to see the waterfall frozen into a solid ice fall.
• Golden Week and summer holidays for special evening illuminations.
• Winter weekends and holidays when the access roads are plowed for visitors.

Getting there

• A 40-minute drive from JR Sakata Station to the local parking lot.
• A 450-meter walk from the 47-space parking lot to the waterfall.

Read more about Tamasudare Falls

A wide waterfall on the Midare River featuring a massive ancient katsura tree and seasonal illumination events.

What it is

• A ten meter high waterfall also known as Otaki located in Higashine City.
• A natural landmark situated on the upper reaches of the Midare River.
• A roadside destination located along National Route 48 near the Sekiyama Tunnel.

What to see

• The waterfall measuring fifteen meters in width.
• A large katsura tree designated as a prefectural natural monument.
• A drive-in facility located in the immediate vicinity of the falls.

When to go

• Visit during scheduled illumination events to see the water lit up.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Sendai Station to the Otaki bus stop.
• Drive twenty-five minutes from Sakuranbo-Higashine Station.
• Drive thirty minutes from Yamagata Airport.

Read more about Sekiyama-otaki Falls

A historic waterfall in Mogami Gorge featured in classical literature and ranked among Japan's top one hundred scenic falls.

What it is

• The largest of the Mogami Forty-eight Falls located in Tozawa Village.
• A scenic site featured in the literary work Oku no Hosomichi and the Gikeiki.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls situated at the western end of Mogami Gorge.
• A natural feature where water flows directly into the Mogami River.

What to see

• A Fudo-do temple hall standing at the base of the falls.
• Sennindo Hall located on the bank near the waterfall.
• Views of the Kusanagi Hot Spring on the opposite bank of the river.

Read more about Shiraito Falls

A scenic waterfall on the Tamugi River recognized as one of Japan's top one hundred falls for its geological beauty.

What it is

• A waterfall located on the Tamugi River in Tsuruoka City.
• One of the designated Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan.
• A former rest stop for pilgrims traveling along the Rokujurigoe-kaido Road.
• An area historically home to several inns serving Dewa Sanzan practitioners.

What to see

• The waterfall situated upstream from the Gassan Dam.
• A nearby cliff face reaching a height of one hundred meters.
• Canyon walls composed of dacite and mudflow deposits.

Read more about Nanatsu Falls