About Fukuroda Falls

Fukuroda Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the remote mountains of Daigo town in Ibaraki Prefecture. The area features a series of four cascading waterfalls that combine to create a truly beautiful scene. The waterfall is best viewed from a multi level observation platform that was built into the mountain side opposite the waterfall.

The observation decks upper platform provides a birds eye view of the entire waterfall. While the lower deck gives an up close view. When the waterfalls rushing water hits the rocks it creates a decent amount of spray.

Fukuroda Falls (fukuroda no taki) in addition to Nachi Falls (nachi no taki) in Wakayama Prefecture and Kegon Falls (kegon no taki) in Tochigi Prefecture make up the Three Great Waterfalls in Japan.

The observation decks can be accessed via a tunnel that cuts through the mountain. An elevator at the end of the tunnel takes guests to the upper level of the observation deck. Other points of interest to explore include a symbolic monument for lovers and a small temple dedicated to Fudo Myoo the goddess of fortune.

From the observation deck the Takigawa Suspension Bridge connects the tunnel to the opposite bank. The bridge provides guests with a unique perspective of the falls and the viewing platforms. The path continues back towards the small town of Fukuroda and the parking lots.

Fukuroda Falls can be enjoyed during any of the four seasons of the year. The areas rich nature truly transforms with the changing of the seasons.

The Best Times To Visit Fukuroda Falls

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn ~ Winter

Spring

The melting of the ice and the warmer weather heralds the beginning of spring. The area surrounding Fukuroda Falls becomes a lush green forest. Hiking in the local hills and mountains is a popular activity and there are many trail heads to choose from. A hike up to Namase Waterfall (namase no taki) which is located above Fukuroda Falls is not a strenuous hike.

Summer

Following the summer rains, the flow of water at Fukuroda Falls is at its highest. Depending on the amount of rainfall, the raw power of the falls at a high rate of flow is impressive. From the lower viewing deck the sound of the falling water is a little unnerving. Although the weather is more humid, the spray from the lower viewing deck feels great. Longer days provide more daylight and longer hours to view the falls.

Autumn ~ Winter

The autumn colors around the waterfall and surrounding area is amazing. The entire mountainside covered with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows is magical.

A nice surprise is the Tunnel of Light Illumination. The tunnel leading to the elevators is brought to life with a series of lights and displays. The displays illuminate the tunnel with beautiful patterns and vibrant colors. The different displays represent the beauty of the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The winter evening illuminations are wonderful. They really emphasize the tunnel and the size and power of waterfall.

Fukuroda Waterfall Illumination

October 1st – November 27th

Sunset – 20:00

Tunnel of Light (Fukuroda Falls Observation Tunnel)

October 1st – November 27th

8:00 – 20:00

Nearby attractions in the town of Daigo include apple picking, tasting, and an apple onsen.

Unique Reasons to Go to Fukuroda Falls

• Top 3 Most Popular Things to Do in Ibaraki Prefecture
• One of the Three Great Waterfalls in Japan
• The Fukuroda Falls Surrounded by Fall Colors is Beautiful

Unique Foods to Eat & Where to Get Them

• Apple Pie from Kiosk located in Front of Honen Mansaku (豊年万作 手作りアップルパイ) (Daigo Town is famous for their apples)

• Okukuji Soba from (Many shops in the Fukuroda Falls area)

• Okukuji Konnyaku from (Many shops in the Fukuroda Falls area)

• Ayu Grilled Fish (Many shops in the Fukuroda Falls area)

Admission Fee & Hours

Fukuroda Falls Admission Fee

Standard Pricing ¥300/Adult, ¥150/Children up to junior high school are free.

Fukuroda Falls Hours

May – October: 8:00 ~ 18:00

November: 8:00 ~ 17:00

December – April: 9:00 ~ 17:00

*No Regular Holidays

How To Access Fukuroda Falls

By Public Transportation

• From Tokyo (Ueno Station) take a JR Hitachi & Tokiwa Limited Express Train bound for Iwaki transferring at Mito Station to a JR Suigun Line Train bound for Koriyama getting off at Fukuroda Station *Quickest (2 hour 26 minutes, ¥4,660 one way per person) Note: JR Pass Compatible
• From Tokyo (Ueno Station) take a Joban Line Train bound for Mito transferring at Mito Station to a JR Suigun Line to Fukuroda Station *Least Expensive (3 hours 30 minutes, ¥3,080 one way per person) Note: JR Pass Compatible
• From Fukuroda Station head to the bus stop:Bus Stop #1 (Ibaraki Transportation) get off at “Takimoto Bus Stop” (滝本) 10 minute walk to the Main Ticket Gate, Taxi to the Main Ticket Gate (10 minutes)

By Car

• Naka IC (43.2 km South)
• Nishinasuno-Shiobara (54 km West)
• Yabuki IC (66.7 km North)

Best Fukuroda Parking Lots

• Nemoto Parking Lot (~80 Spaces, 350m to Main Ticket Gate, Fee ¥500/Day) *Closest Parking Lot to Main Ticket Gate
• Nemoto Parking Lot (~36 Spaces, 450m to Main Ticket Gate, Fee ¥500/Day)
• Yuryo Parking Lot (~36 Spaces, 500m to Main Ticket Gate, Fee ¥500/Day)
• Parking Lot (~78 Spaces, 600m to Main Ticket Gate, Fee ¥500/Day)
• Parking Lot (~67 Spaces, 650m to Main Ticket Gate, Fee ¥500/Day)
• Yuryo Parking Lot (~25 Spaces, 650m to Main Ticket Gate, Fee ¥300/Day)
• Fukuroda Falls Parking Lot #1 (~33 Spaces, 1 km to Main Ticket Gate, Public Restrooms, Free) *Closest Free Parking Lot to Main Ticket Gate
• Fukuroda Falls Parking Lot #2 (~192 Spaces, 1.2 km to Main Ticket Gate, Public Restrooms, Free)