In a mountain valley in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, there is a waterfall that quietly flows down. Its name is Fudo Falls. The waterfall has a drop of about 15 meters. But it is more than just a waterfall. Once you step inside, the sounds of birds, the greenery of the trees, and the cool air from the spray of the waterfall will resonate with your five senses, and you will truly feel glad you came.
In this issue, we will introduce you to Fudo Falls as if you were on a relaxing trip. Please take a moment to enjoy the sounds and sights of nature with your camera in hand.
The path leading to the waterfall and the moment of encounter
Takahata District, Hachimantai City, or by address "Takahata, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, 028-7542. The waterfall is located deep within the grounds of the Sakuramatsu Shrine (Sakuramatsu Shrine).
Follow National Route 282 and enter a narrow forest road for 3 to 4 km, marked by a waterfall sign and a torii (shrine gate), to reach a well-maintained parking lot. Walking along the path in the quiet forest with a walking stick and the sun shining through the trees, you can see the white spray of the waterfall in the distance with the cool air.
The view of the waterfall makes you want to take a deep breath the moment you stand in front of it. A vermilion-lacquered bridge near the basin of the waterfall is accented to harmonize with the waterfall, making it a great photo opportunity.
Attractions of waterfalls: Silence, sound of water, cool feeling
There are three main attractions of Fudo Falls.
1. silence
Because it is located deep in the forest, there are few sounds of cars or other noises, and the area surrounding the waterfall is filled with "low sound. The only sounds are the rustling of the trees, drops of water falling on the leaves, and the sound of the waterfall itself falling. During the season when there are few visitors, it is as if you have the place to yourself.
2. power of water
The 15-meter drop may not seem huge to some, but the volume of water falling, the whiteness of the water, and the contrast with the rock surface are impressive and make you realize, "Ah, I've come to a waterfall.
3. changing seasons and colors
Visitors can enjoy the seasonal aspects of the falls: fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and icefalls in winter. Especially in autumn, the colors of the rock surfaces and leaves intersect with the white of the falls, creating a memorable scene as "a picture of nature.
Points of Worship and Walking
Since the waterfall is located within the precincts of the shrine, it is recommended to visit the shrine in the form of a visit plus a stroll. Please calm your mind on the approach to the shrine, put your hands together at the hall of worship, and then proceed slowly to the waterfall at the back of the shrine.
- ParkingParking is available adjacent to: Sakura Matsusho Shrine. It is reported to be paved.
- Condition of boardwalk/pathFrom the parking lot, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the waterfall. The route is a mixture of dirt, gravel, and stairs in the forest. Be careful when it rains or in winter, as it is slippery.
- time zoneThe best time to visit is from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. The time when the light shines through the trees and illuminates the waterfall, the scenery is beautiful.
- Clothing and personal belongings: The air is mountainous, so a cloak is a good idea. If you are shooting with a camera/smartphone, legwear that can be put on and taken off at hand is also comfortable.
My moment visiting the waterfall
One early fall afternoon I headed to the falls. It was a little early for the autumn leaves, but there were few sounds of insects, and the time spent quietly moving through the forest was pleasant. After passing through the approach, I saw a red bridge and the main body of the waterfall was waiting behind it.
Stopping in front of the waterfall, the sound of water sliding down the rocks, sunlight shining through the leaves, and the color of the damp rock surface. In no time at all, I felt as if the time of reality had slowed down. I sat in front of the waterfall for a while and repeated deep breathing, feeling the cool air as I brought my face close to the spray.
Afterwards, I looked at the stone carved statue of Fudo Myoo set up beside the waterfall and felt the atmosphere of a place where Shugenja practiced here in the past.
On the way back to the parking lot, I turned around and looked at the waterfall again. The evening light was shining at a slight angle, the rock surface was slightly tinted a warm color, and the red bridge reflected in the waterfall was clearly visible. It was one of those moments that made me think, "I will come back again.
Places to stop by around the falls
Here are some places you can stop by "on the side" of visiting the waterfall.
- Sakuramatsu Shrine: The shrine is located at the entrance of the waterfall. It is featured as a power spot and is recommended to visit the shrine together with the waterfall.
- Hachimantai Plateau and Hot Spring Area: If you go a little further, there are hot spring areas and highland walking trails in the vicinity. After taking a forest bath at the waterfall, it is nice to heal your body at the hot springs.
To close: surrender to the stream deep in the forest
Fudo Falls is a place that is worth visiting, not for its showiness, but for its quietness. Crossing the red bridge in the forest and listening to the sound of falling water in front of the waterfall. It is a moment of tranquility and purity that you cannot experience in everyday life.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Hachimantai, Iwate, please include this waterfall as part of your trip. It is a perfect destination for driving, between hikes, or as a destination for a camera walk.
Be sure to visit someday!
Location Information:
- Takahata, Hachimantai, Iwate 028-7542
- Access: Via Matsuo-Hachimantai IC and Route 282, there is a signboard around "Miso Chaya".
- Time required: 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot to the waterfall.
Deep in the forest, with the quiet sound of water. Please enjoy a wonderful waterfall trip.