When is the best time to visit Hotai no Taki?

The falls are accessible from late May through October. Spring offers maximum water flow from snowmelt, while late September to mid-October provides autumn foliage. The access road closes from November to late May due to snow.

How difficult is the hike to the waterfall?

The trail from the parking area takes approximately 20 minutes on maintained paths. The difficulty level is easy to moderate, suitable for most visitors. Proper footwear is recommended as sections can be slippery.

Can I reach Hotai no Taki without a car?

No practical public transportation exists to the falls. Private vehicle is necessary as the site is 50 kilometers from Yuzawa City with no bus service. Taxi hire or car rental from Yuzawa are the only alternatives.

Are there facilities near the waterfall?

Parking and restrooms are available at the Kawarage Jigoku trailhead. No restaurants or shops exist at the falls. The nearest services are at Kawarage Onsen village or Yuzawa City.

Can I combine Hotai no Taki with other attractions?

Kawarage Jigoku geothermal area is on the same trail, approximately 20 minutes from the falls. Kawarage Onsen village offers hot spring baths. Other attractions in Kurikoma Quasi-National Park are accessible via Route 108.

Hotai no Taki

4.7 (19)Natural FeatureEstablishment

Hotai no Taki, or Hotai Falls, is a 75-meter-high waterfall located in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. The falls are situated within the scenic Kosugi Valley and form part of the Kurikoma Quasi-National Park, an area recognized for its dramatic mountain landscapes and pristine natural environments. The waterfall's name references Hotei, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese Buddhism, as the shape of the falls is said to resemble the deity's rotund belly.

The waterfall holds cultural significance as a natural monument and spiritual site. Historically, the surrounding area has been associated with mountain worship practices common in rural Japan, where natural formations like waterfalls were venerated as sacred spaces. The falls cascade down a volcanic rock face, creating a powerful display particularly impressive during the spring snowmelt season when water volume increases dramatically. The autumn months transform the surrounding forest into vibrant displays of red and gold foliage, making it one of Akita's notable autumn viewing spots.

Visitors can access the falls via a well-maintained hiking trail that begins from the parking area near Kawarage Jigoku, a geothermal area with bubbling hot springs and sulfurous vents located approximately 20 minutes' walk from the falls. The trail offers views of both the volcanic landscape and dense beech forests. A viewing platform near the base of the falls provides the best vantage point for photographs and appreciating the waterfall's full height. The combination of the waterfall and nearby geothermal features creates a unique landscape experience within a single visit.

Access to Hotai no Taki requires private transport, as public transportation options are limited. From Yuzawa City center, the falls are approximately 50 kilometers away, requiring roughly one hour by car. Visitors should drive along Route 108 toward Kawarage Onsen, following signage toward Kosugi Valley. Admission to the waterfall area is free, though parking fees may apply during peak seasons.

What other travelers are saying about Hotai no Taki

Crystal clear water! 💎💨

Bernice Librea

Aug 6, 2023

October 27, 2024 The autumn leaves are still at their peak! I've been to Hotai Falls several times, and the autumn leaves were spectacular again this year. However, the bridge was under construction, so I couldn't cross it.

There is a large parking lot. The basin at the base of the waterfall was such a beautiful blue that it made me wonder how it could have turned such a color. I went in the summer, but it looks like it would be beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.

The mountain path also includes narrow sections. There are also many parking lots in open campground-like areas, and beautiful views unfold before you. Cross the bridge to the observation deck halfway up the mountain, where you can get a good view of Hotai Falls, but it involves climbing a steep and narrow staircase, so it may be difficult for elderly people or those with knee problems. But it is a very beautiful place.

When I went there at the end of April, the amount of water was amazing because of the melting snow. However, there was still snow on the ground from the parking lot to the falls, so I wore rain boots.

Hotai no Taki

The area

What other travelers are saying about Hotai no Taki

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