Yaetaki area of Ryuzu Yaetaki Prefectural Natural Park.
Yaetaki features eight waterfalls of varying sizes. The scenic views of Yashio Falls and Yashio Falls, the final waterfalls on the tour, are particularly beautiful. You can enjoy the beauty of the eight waterfalls and the abundant water flow of the gorge in about an hour round trip.
Yaetaki is part of the Minoya River gorge, which originates from Mt. Omanoki (1218m).
Yaetaki and Ryuzu Falls, both within the Prefectural Natural Park, are collectively one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. They are located 5.5km apart in a straight line and originate from different mountains, but their streams merge downstream.
Yaetaki/Minoya River → Mitoya River.
Ryuzu Falls/Takidani River → Mitoya River.
Mitoya River → Hii River → Lake Shinji → Lake Nakaumi → Sea of Japan.
Designated as Ryuzu Yaetaki Prefectural Natural Park in 1967.
Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls in 1990.
This is the collective name for the eight waterfalls of the Minatani River. Of the eight waterfalls, only Yashio Falls, Yashio Falls, and Uba Falls are truly impressive. Uba Falls doesn't have a good vantage point; you can only cross a bridge just above it. Yashio Falls and Yashio Falls, located at the very back and consisting of two tiers, are quite impressive. It's 1.2km from the parking lot, and the path isn't great, making it somewhat difficult, but it's well worth the effort. The stream flowing over the rocky cliffs along the way is also very calming.
As of November 24, 2024, the riverside route from the fork near Sawajiri Falls is closed due to a landslide. Sawajiri Falls is only slightly visible from the edge, and cannot be seen up close. Taking the mountain route from the fork will take you to Yashio Falls, but immediately after the fork, you'll be climbing a slippery mountain path covered in fallen leaves. Not recommended for those with mobility issues.
The parking lot is large enough to accommodate about 30 cars. It's unclear if the rest area in the parking lot is open. Since this is a habitat for Asiatic black bears, it's safer to bring a bear bell just in case.
These are the waterfalls located in the Yaeyama Valley, across the Yaeyama River which flows into the Mitoya River along Route 54.
For more details, please check the website, etc.
November 8, 2024: The Yaeyama Waterfall walking trail along the river is closed due to what appears to be a rockfall.
The bridge planks are damaged, so only the mountain route is open.
The area around the waterfalls is easy to descend, and it's relatively easy to take photos of the waterfall's edge, but be careful as it can be slippery. Everything is at your own risk.
The autumn foliage was just as pictured (ᗒᗩᗕ)
