Fukuroda Falls Ibaraki Prefecture
Japan Guides: Fukuroda Falls, Ibaraki Prefecture 袋田の滝
Fukuroda Falls, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
Fukuroda Falls, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
Fukuroda Falls, located north of Mito, in Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture is one of Japan's most beautiful three waterfalls: The other two are Nachi Falls in Wakayama and the Kegon Falls in Nikko.
Dimensions of the Falls
The Fukuroda Falls rise to a height of 121 meters and are 73 meters wide. The water from the Taki River, which has its source just above the falls, descends in four tiers of cascades, giving it the name of yo-dono-taki (four time falls). The name supposedly originated with the 12th century monk and poet Saigyo (1118-1190), who was so taken with their beauty.
The falls are meant to be appreciated in every season with the autumn with its colors the favorite time to visit. In winter the falls may freeze and are then often scaled by mountaineers.
Fukuroda Falls, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
Fukuroda Falls, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
Viewing Tunnel
In recent years a tunnel (Kanbaku Tunnel) has been built at the falls to provide safer and easier access to view them. The 276 meter long tunnel has an elevator and gives access to lookout points and the suspension bridge that crosses the river. The roof of the tunnel is illuminated with motifs showing the different seasons.
The first lookout point is located at the bottom of the falls and gives a strong impression of the power of the water. The second lookout point has a three-layered deck allowing visitors to look down on the falls and see all four levels clearly.
The suspension bridge over the river allows views of the falls from the side
Suspension Bridge Fukuroda Falls, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
Fukuroda Onsen, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
The pleasant village of Fukuroda Onsen has a number of onsen ryokan, souvenir shops and restaurants serving the local ayu sweet fish.
Fukuroda Falls
Admission: 300 yen for adults; 150 yen for children
Hours: 8 am to 6 pm; 9 am to 5 pm (November - April)
Fukuroda Station, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
Ayu, Fukuroda Onsen, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
Fukuroda Falls Access
From JR Mito Station there are trains on the Suigun Line to Fukuroda Station. The journey takes about 70 minutes and costs 970 yen. From Fukuroda Station a bus connects with the train to ferry visitors to the falls. There are buses at 10.35 am, 12.30 pm, 1.55 pm and 2.30 pm.
Visitors can stay in Fukuroda Onsen in one of its several ryokan or a cheaper option is the Hotel Kajikaen, a five minute walk from Fukuroda Station. The hotel has its own onsen and excellent food.
From Tokyo
From Tokyo and Ueno Station take the Joban Line to Mito (1 hour, 5 mins) on the Super Hitachi express. Local trains take over 2 hours but you don't have to pay the express supplement. From Tsukuba take a bus from outside Tsukuba Station to Tsuchiura (about 30 minutes) and then a train to Mito which is also about 30 minutes by the Super Hitachi express or an hour by local train.
Some recommended places to stay near the station in Mito are: Holiday Inn Mito Hotel; Plaza Hotel Mito; Smile Hotel Mito.
Nearby - Hitachi Daigo
Visitors can also take a local bus or taxi to Daigo Onsen, the stop before Fukuroda Station accessed from Hitachi Daigo Station. The small town has a well-known Hina (Doll) Festival in March at its Junisho Shrine (十二所神社). The steps up to the shrine are decorated with hundreds of Hina Dolls. There are a number of craft shops here and there some housed in authentic Edo Period buildings.
Bus from Fukuroda Station to Fukuroda Falls, Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture
Books on Japan
Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture are known as one of the three most beautiful falls in Japan. The other two are Nachi Falls in Wakayama and Kegon Falls in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
