JCC E-Magazine February 2023

You may know that Yamagata Prefecture is famous for beautiful landscapes such as Mount Zao as well as the historic Dewa Sanzan. But did you know that it is also called a waterfall kingdom? In fact, it is the prefecture with the most number of waterfalls (above 5 metres) in Japan! For example, Ginzan Onsen is a famous spot and while many may visit it for its rustic hot spring town, the 22 metres tall Shirogane Falls located at the back of the town is a highlight too. So let us explore some of the stunning waterfalls in this northern prefecture.

Tamasudare Falls, which literally means beaded curtain falls, is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Yamagata Prefecture. Located in Sakata city, it is said to have been discovered over 1,200 years ago by the renowned monk Kobo Daishi. Since then, it has become a popular spot to train and reach enlightenment. Surrounded by cedar trees, Tamasudare Falls stands at 63 metres tall and 5 metres wide. This waterfall can be admired in every season, whether it is the cherry blossom season, summer or autumn leaves. It is even illuminated at night during specific periods, which further enhances its magnificence. Moreover, the water flow of the falls is at its strongest in the middle of spring, due to the melting snow. In winter, the waterfall freezes and transforms into staggering ice cascades.

Mount Chokai is a prominent mountain that spans across Yamagata and Akita Prefectures, and multiple waterfalls can be found around it. For instance, there are three waterfalls named Ichinotaki, Ninotaki and Sannotaki. True to the names that mean one, two and three, these waterfalls appear exactly in the order that you come across them as you climb up the southern part of Mount Chokai. Ichinotaki is located at the foot of the mountain, thus it sees a powerful flow of water after the snow thaws. Located further up is Ninotaki, which is 20 metres tall. Its water flows down in two lines behind a huge cedar tree. This particular waterfall freezes into a large icicle in winter, and there is even a sightseeing party held for it. Sannotaki is the final one, and is especially scenic with the surrounding greenery.

Besides these three waterfalls, there is also Dohara Falls, which literally means belly waterfall, as the waters flow out from the belly of Mount Chokai. Gushing out in two separate streams, this waterfall looks rather mysterious with a shrine is located in between, and with moss-covered rocks and statues dotted around it. Curious visitors may also try collecting and tasting the water from both streams, which are supposed to taste differently.

Another well-known sight in Yamagata Prefecture is Mogami River, which is one of Japan’s three fastest-flowing rivers. If you take a tour along the river, you can spot numerous unique waterfalls. One of which is Nanataki Falls, and is split into seven levels, as suggested by its name. The grandest one is probably Shiraito Falls, as it runs down the mountain from a height of 123 metres, and looks particularly outstanding against the autumn foliage.

There are more charming waterfalls found all over Yamagata Prefecture, which can be appreciated in all four seasons. It should be noted that the region has heavy snowfall in winter, and thus visiting certain waterfalls then can be challenging. Nonetheless, the visit will surely pay off once you see the majestic nature before you.

Ginzan Onsen © photoAC

Tamasudare Falls © photoAC

Ichinotaki © photoAC

Dohara Falls © photoAC

Shiraito Falls (© Qurren, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Resources

”STAY YAMAGATA”. 2023. yamagatakanko.com. Accessed 18 January. https://yamagatakanko.com/en/.

“The Hidden Japan”. 2022. The Hidden Japan LLC. Accessed 18 January. https://thehiddenjapan.com/.

“Dohara Falls and Mount Chokai”. 2023. ANA. Accessed 18 January. https://www.ana.co.jp/en/sg/japan-travel-planner/yamagata/0000009.html.

“Ichinotaki and Ninotaki Waterfalls Valley”. 2023. Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization. Accessed 18 January. https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1152.html.

“Mogami Gorge Basho Line Tour”. 2023. ANA. Accessed 18 January. https://www.ana-cooljapan.com/destinations/yamagata/mogamigorgebasholinetour.

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