Kawarage Oyutaki

Kawarage Oyutaki is a rare natural hot spring waterfall in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, where thermal water springs from underground approximately 1 kilometer upstream, merges with a mountain stream, and cascades dramatically from a height of 20 meters. The waterfall basin and surrounding mountain stream form a natural open-air bath, making this one of the most unusual bathing spots in Japan.

The site is located near Kawarage Jigoku, one of Japan's three major sacred places alongside Mt. Osore in Aomori and Tateyama in Toyama. Kawarage Jigoku was founded by Priest Gesso in 807 during the Daido period. The mountain surface is covered in gray-white lava rock that reveals its volcanic past and present activity. The absence of vegetation, billowing steam, and strong sulfur smell create a desolate landscape that earned the area its name "Jigoku," meaning "hell" in Japanese.

Visitors can bathe in the waterfall's natural pools, though swimsuits are required. The best time for bathing is from early July to mid-September when water temperatures and flow rates are optimal. The water temperature varies depending on how much cold river water mixes with the thermal water, and the acidic nature of the hot spring can occasionally cause minor skin irritation. The parking lot is just a 15-minute walk from the falls, making it accessible for hikers and hot spring enthusiasts. The surrounding area features hiking trails through Kawarage Jigoku's volcanic landscape.

There is no public transportation directly to Kawarage Oyutaki, so driving is the best option. The site is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Yuzawa Station, about a 45-minute drive through scenic countryside and mountain roads to the Banzawa Takamatsu area. Free parking is available near the trailhead. Alternatively, a local bus runs from Yuzawa City to nearby Doroyu Onsen, from which it is a 3-kilometer hike to the waterfall. Yuzawa also offers a shuttle service that can be booked in advance. Doroyu Onsen, located approximately 2 kilometers from Kawarage Jigoku, is a therapeutic hot spring village with a history dating back 1,200 years. Admission to the waterfall area itself is free.