Yasunotaki Falls, ranked second among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, is a powerful waterfall with a drop of approximately 90 meters. Divided into upper and lower sections, a walking trail allows you to appreciate the majestic scenery from various angles.
Scenic Views
Historic Sites
Highlights
A breathtaking waterfall with a drop of approximately 90 meters, ranked second among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.
Divided into upper and lower sections, offering diverse and stunning views.
Rainbows frequently appear on sunny afternoons.
A 45-minute trek leads to the base of the falls.
Especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season, attracting numerous visitors.
By Car:
From National Route 105, take Akita Prefectural Road 308 (Kawabe-Ani Line) towards Nakanomata Valley. From the Nakanomata Bridge, where the road splits towards Yasunotaki Falls and Koheibei Falls, drive along the Yasutaki Forest Road for about 20 minutes to the Yasunotaki Falls parking lot.
By Train:
Take the Akita Inland Line of the Akita Inland Railway to Ani-Matagi Station. From there, take the Morigoyama Sightseeing Shuttle Bus for about 30 minutes to the trailhead (Yasunotaki Falls parking lot). Show route
Cld.Days
Closed due to snow from mid-November to late May.
INFO
The Yasudaki Forest Road is 2.5km of gravel road from Nakano Mata Bridge, and the remaining 2.5km to the parking lot is simply paved, allowing access for vehicles up to the size of a microbus. While the walking trail is well-maintained, there are sections with significant undulations. In summer, there are many horseflies and wasps, and it's also a habitat for Japanese black bears.
Yasunotaki Falls is a magnificent waterfall with a drop of approximately 90 meters, located deep within the Nakanomata Valley in Ani, Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture. Its beauty has earned it the second place ranking among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, making it a popular tourist destination. Situated at an elevation of approximately 800 meters, the waterfall is divided into two sections – an upper and a lower cascade – each with its own unique charm. The upper section boasts a drop of about 60 meters, its thundering roar a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. The lower section, with a drop of approximately 30 meters, allows for a closer view. On sunny afternoons, a rainbow often graces the waterfall. A well-maintained walking trail provides a 45-minute trek to the base of the falls, offering diverse perspectives on this majestic natural wonder and a palpable sense of nature's power.
Yasunotaki Falls is also steeped in a poignant love legend. Long ago, a beautiful maiden named "Yas" lived in this area and fell in love with a gold miner named "Kutarou." However, romantic relationships were forbidden among the miners, and fearing punishment from his fellow workers, Kutarou left Yas. Yas waited endlessly for his return, but he never came. Overwhelmed with grief, she is said to have thrown herself into the falls. This legend is why Yasunotaki Falls is sometimes called "Yas's Falls," and many visitors reflect on this heartbreaking love story as they experience the waterfall's beauty.
The fall foliage season is especially stunning, transforming the entire valley into a vibrant tapestry of reds and yellows, further enhancing the beauty of Yasunotaki Falls. The waterfall, adorned with autumn colors, resembles a breathtaking painting, captivating the hearts of all who visit. Yasunotaki Falls truly represents the grandeur, beauty, and legendary history of Akita Prefecture.