VOL.204 JUNE 2025
JAPAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH WATER
Seasonal Beauty of Fukuroda Falls
Photo: ISHIZAWA Yoji
Located in the northeastern part of the Kanto region, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Fukuroda Falls is known as one of Japan’s top waterfalls. Attracting many visitors who come to admire the breathtaking natural scenery that changes with the seasons, the falls remain a popular destination year-round. A member of the Daigo Tourism Association spoke with us to highlight its appeal.
Ibaraki Prefecture is located in the northern part of the Kanto region, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and blessed with vast plains to the south. It is a region known for its thriving agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries. The northern area, characterized by its valleys and waterfalls, offers scenic views that change with the seasons—among them is Fukuroda Falls in the remote hills of the town of Daigo. KATO Kimiyoshi of the Daigo Tourism Association shares insights into Fukuroda Falls.
Photo: Daigo Tourism Association
“Fukuroda Falls, boasting a height of 120m and a width of 73m, is one of Ibaraki Prefecture’s most prominent tourist attractions. It is also designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty.1 The waterfall’s defining feature is its dynamic flow tumbling down a four-level cliff, which has earned it the alternative name Yodo no Taki, which means ‘four times falls.’ Several theories explain this nickname: one attributes it to Saigyo Hoshi,2 who was deeply moved by the waterfall’s scenery and praised that one must visit once in each of the four seasons to truly appreciate its beauty; another credits Kukai3 with having visited the falls four times.”
Photo: Daigo Tourism Association
In spring, the frozen falls begin to thaw from the harsh winter cold, and together with the budding of the surrounding trees, visitors can sense the changing of the seasons. Summer offers a refreshing escape, with clear blue skies and cool sprays of water. In autumn, the falls harmonize beautifully with the vibrant colors of the valley’s leaves, while in winter, the majestic cascade freezes over, revealing yet another striking scene. Loved by cultural figures throughout history, these breathtaking landscapes have inspired countless traditional poems such as waka and haiku.
Photo: Daigo Tourism Association
KATO explains, “To view the falls, visitors can walk through a tunnel along the river to reach the first observation deck, located just 10m from the basin of the waterfall, or head to the second deck for a panoramic view from above. I also recommend viewing the falls from the suspension bridge that spans the river—you can enjoy the scenery from multiple angles.”
Photo: ISHIZAWA Yoji
In recent years, more and more international tourists have been visiting the falls, with approximately 12,600 visitors recorded in fiscal 2024. The Daigo Tourism Association provides information on its website in multiple languages, including English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Korean. Fukuroda Falls is also relatively easy to access from Tokyo—why not plan a visit and take in the breathtaking scenery shaped by nature?
- 1. Fukuroda Falls has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology under the Act on the Protection of Cultural Properties. Other designations include notable scenic areas such as gardens, bridges, gorges, coastlines, mountains, and other locations of high historical or academic value, as well as viewpoints overlooking these sites.
- 2. Born in 1118 and died in 1190, Saigyo Hoshi was both a warrior and a monk, as well as a poet. He traveled across Japan composing poems, many of which are included in famous collections such as the Shin Kokin Wakashu and the Sanka Shu.
- 3. Born in 774 and died in 835, Kukai trained in Tang China (present-day China) and in the early 9th century founded the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. He was also renowned for his calligraphy and poetry and is often referred to as Kobo Daishi (‘Great Teacher of Buddhist Law’).
Note: The birth and death years of the individuals mentioned in this article may vary depending on the source.
By TANAKA Nozomi
Photo: Daigo Tourism Association; ISHIZAWA Yoji