Waterfalls · Ibaraki
Fukuroda Falls
袋田の滝ふくろだのたきFukuroda no TakiA four-tiered fall for all four seasons
Fukuroda Falls (Fukuroda no Taki) in the town of Daigo, northern Ibaraki Prefecture, cascades 120 metres over four broad tiers of rock. Counted among the three great waterfalls of Japan, it is known for changing character with the seasons and for freezing in very cold winters.
Overview
Fukuroda Falls lies in the hills of the Okukuji region in northern Ibaraki, in the upper Kuji valley near the border with Fukushima. The Taki River, a tributary of the Kuji, falls some 120 metres over a broad cliff in four distinct steps, giving the fall its alternative name Yodo no Taki, 'four-step fall'.
With Kegon and Nachi, Fukuroda is traditionally counted among the three great waterfalls of Japan. Unlike the plunging falls of Nikko and Kumano, it spreads wide across the rock, and its appearance changes strongly through the year – from fresh green and summer spray to autumn colour and, in severe cold, a wall of ice.
A tunnel leads from the approach street to viewing platforms at the base and at a higher level, and a small suspension bridge crosses the river just below the falls.
Landscape and formation
The falls cut through volcanic breccia and related rocks formed by submarine eruptions around 15 million years ago, when this area lay beneath the sea. Differences in hardness between the layers produced the stepped profile. The river's low flow in winter and the valley's cold air allow the falls to freeze in exceptionally cold spells.
Highlights
Viewing tunnel and platforms
袋田の滝観瀑台Fukuroda no Taki KanbakudaiA tunnel through the hillside leads to a lower platform facing the falls and an elevator to an upper deck showing all four tiers.
Fukuroda Falls suspension bridge
袋田の滝吊り橋Fukuroda no Taki TsuribashiFootbridge across the river below the falls, leading to a path up the opposite bank.
Hyōbaku
氷瀑hyōbakuThe frozen fall, which forms only in exceptionally cold winters, usually in late January or February.
Ecology
The valley is covered in mixed forest with maples that colour in November. The Okukuji hills around the falls are a region of apple orchards, cedar plantations and konnyaku fields.
Flora
Maples
Frame the falls in red and orange in mid-November.
Fauna
Ayu
アユayuSweetfish of the Kuji River, grilled with salt at stalls along the approach.
Culture
According to local tradition, the Heian-period poet-monk Saigyō praised the falls and said they should be seen in every season to be truly appreciated – hence the nickname 'four-seasons fall'. Local foods include Okukuji shamo game chicken, konnyaku and apples.
Saigyō
西行Saigyō12th-century poet-monk traditionally associated with the saying that the falls must be seen in all four seasons.
Okukuji shamo
奥久慈しゃもOkukuji shamoLocal breed of game chicken served in hot pots and rice dishes in Daigo.
History
12th century
Tradition links Saigyō with praise of the falls.
2008
A new upper viewing deck with an elevator opens.
Through the seasons
Spring
Fresh green and spring flowers in the valley from April.
Summer
Cool spray and illumination on summer evenings.
Autumn
Maples colour in mid-November, the busiest season.
Winter
In severe cold the falls freeze partly or fully into a wall of ice.
Routes and trails
Approach and tunnel
A walk of about 10 minutes from the car parks along a street of shops to the tunnel entrance.
Tsukiore-san trail
Hiking trail from the falls area into the Okukuji hills, with views over the valley.
Practical notes
- Fukuroda Station on the JR Suigun Line is a short bus ride from the falls; Daigo is about an hour by train from Mito.
- The frozen fall is unpredictable; it needs a prolonged cold spell.
- The upper platform is reached by elevator from within the tunnel.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Fukuroda Falls?
About 120 metres over four tiers, with a width of about 73 metres.
Does Fukuroda Falls freeze every year?
No. It freezes fully only in exceptionally cold winters, usually in late January or February.
How do you get to Fukuroda Falls?
By JR Suigun Line from Mito to Fukuroda Station, then a short bus ride.
Why is it called the 'four-seasons fall'?
Tradition says Saigyō claimed the falls must be seen in all four seasons; its four tiers also suggest the name.