Hienadz Vardanyan 
Japan’s stunning natural environment is wonderful throughout all seasons that pass. Even as the autumn foliage disappears and colder days come along, there is the magic that blossoms in the winter. Despite the cold, winter brings with it its own charm and a sense of wonder. Just imagine hot springs, warm food, snow hikes, and frozen waterfalls. There is so much magic to be found when visiting frozen waterfalls in Japan.
Frozen Waterfalls in Japan
If you are looking for a winter wonderland, a place to make new memories, Japan has its own winter charm to explore. Japan’s natural springs and waterfalls transform into frozen falls during the winter, bringing a sense of awe, wonder and beauty. For a true winter wonderland adventure, this list highlights the top 5 frozen waterfalls in Japan to explore. All you must do is get on board with the adventure.
Fukuroda falls (袋田の滝)
Regarded as one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, Fukuroda falls is a wonderous place throughout all seasons. From the vibrant autumn leaves to the frozen Fukuroda falls in winter, there is always a reason to visit Fukuroda falls and see its many transformations.
Located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, Fukuroda falls drops from 120 meters high and 73 meters wide, making it a magnificent sight to gaze upon. The water cascades down a large rock over four levels of rocky formations. The nickname for this waterfall is Yondo no Taki, meaning four times waterfall.
While it is impossible to catch flights to Fukuroda falls, there are other ways to reach this destination. From Fukuroda Station, take a bus bound for Takimoto, and from here, it is ten minutes on foot. Alternatively, a walk from the bust stop is only 3km away, or a taxi takes 7 minutes.
Visitors love the scenery of the Fukuroda falls frozen, and most have found the cascading icy water to be powerful, majestic, and impressive. Even though not the entire waterfall is frozen throughout winter, you can catch it in different stages of white ice. You can also enjoy viewing the falls illuminated by Daigo Light from autumn to winter. The waterfall is lit up by lights, bringing a breathtaking atmosphere to the experience.
Even though the falls are meant to be visited throughout all seasons, visiting the Fukuroda falls in winter is a special kind of wonder. Seeing a magnificent frozen waterfall in Japan and the winter landscape sounds magical right?
Website: https://www.town.daigo.ibaraki.jp/page/page001474.html
Phone number: 0295-72-4036 (Fukuroda Kanbaku Facility Management Office)
Address: 3-19 Fukuroda, Daigo Town, Kuji County, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access information:
About 10 minutes by bus from JR Suigun Line “Fukuroda Station”, get off at “Takimoto Station” and walk about 10 minutes
About 10 minutes by taxi from Fukuroda Station on the JR Suigun Line
About 40 minutes on foot from JR Suigun Line “Fukuroda Station”
Opening hours: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Fee: Adult: 300 yen. Elementary school children and junior high school students:150 yen
Map
Tips
- Fukuroda Waterfall Illumination is only visible after sunset to 8 pm (7 pm in December and January). Still, you can enjoy the illuminated falls for an extended period from autumn to winter every year. That is “Daigo light”. The sight of the 120-meter-high, 73-meter-wide waterfall lit up by the lights is breathtakingly beautiful and has a different atmosphere from the waterfall you see during the day. The mysterious space created by nature and light will let you discover new charms of Fukuroda Falls.
- Daigo Light not only lights up the waterfall but also decorates the inside of the tunnel to the observatory, creating a “tunnel of light.” The colorful light objects with a Japanese taste will be lit up during the day this year. So even if you can’t visit during the light-up time due to time constraints, you can still enjoy the seasonal atmosphere inside the tunnel.
Zengoro Falls(善五郎の滝)
Have you ever seen a waterfall shining from the rays of the sun? Zengoro falls are popular year-round, and in midwinter, it transforms into a powerful frozen waterfall. Since the waterfall also faces east, the ice fall shines in the morning sun. If you are lucky, a rainbow may appear too!
Falling from a 21.5 m height and spreading out 8 m wide, Zengoro is located near the city of Matsumoto in the
Nagano prefecture. The falls are a popular place for snowshoe tours as well as guided ice climbing on the frozen waterfall.
Reaching the Zengoro falls is possible from the parking lot to the waterfall, a 15-minute walk. Even though Zengoro falls is the main attraction, the walk through the forest is also a magical experience. Just imagine fields of white snow and, during the day, a view of Mt. Norikuradake towering above.
Those who have visited Zengoro falls during winter have found the icy waterfall worth the adventure. Even though you may need snowshoes and warm clothing, the walk has been spectacular for many people. However, even though the trek is beginner-friendly, it is recommended to take care as the paths can be slippery.
Formed 43,000 years ago due to the eruption of Norikura, this frozen waterfall in Japan is not only historical but one of nature’s many wonders. Tracking through the forest to see Zengoro Falls and witnessing the winter wonderland is worth the day trip.
Website: https://norikura.gr.jp/content/zengoronotaki/
Phone number: 0263-93-2147(Norikura Kogen tourist information center)
Address: 13 Azumi Suzuran, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Access information: From Nagano Expressway Matsumoto IC, R158, 1 hour via Prefectural Route Norikuradake Line, 15 minutes walk from Zengoro Falls parking lot
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
The average cost: free
Map
Tips
- There is a bear warning sign, and it is best to avoid visiting early in the morning or evening when bears are most active.
Tatsuzawa fudo falls (達沢不動滝)
The beauty of the Tatsuzawa fudo falls is something to marvel at. Nestled within a dense forest with magnificent trees reaching the skies, the entire scenery is unbelievably photogenic.
Located in Inawashiro Town and popular amongst locals, tourists, and even photographers, the falls are never out of reach. The falls are easily accessible by a 15-minute drive from Nakanosawa Onsen and another 10 minutes on foot from the parking lot. With a leisurely walk and a stunning view, what more could you ask for?
The breathtaking Tatsuzawa fudo falls span the Fudo River, which has its source on Mt. Funamyojin in the Adatara Mountains. The hiking experience is just as beautiful in the winter when the water gradually transforms into ice. This is the place to gaze upon unbelievably photogenic scenery.
No matter how many visitors see the icy formations of the falls, and the winter landscape, it is a beautiful sight every time. Some visitors have found it to be a magnificent power spot that can reawaken your spirit and set you in a mood of awe.
Surrounded by dense trees, a solemn atmosphere, and a spectacular ice show during the winter, what more reason do you need to add Tatsuzawa fudo falls to your frozen waterfall Japan adventure list?
Website:https://www.tif.ne.jp/jp/spot.html?spot=6671
Phone number: 0242-62-2048(Inawashiro tourist information center)
Address: Kogai, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima
Access information: About a 5-minute drive from Nakanosawa Onsen and a 10-minute walk,
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
The average cost: Free
Map
Tamasudare falls (玉簾の滝)
Yamagata Prefecture is filled with the most waterfalls of any other prefecture in Japan, one of them being the magnificent Tamasudare Falls. Accessible year-round by a short walk from the parking lot, there is no excuse to miss these falls during the winter.
Tamasudare fall is found near the base of Mt. Chokai and is fed by the many mountains surrounding it. Fitting in with the nature of the mountains, this area experiences a significant amount of snowfall in the winter. During this time, the forest and waterfall are beautiful sights to enjoy.
With a height of 63m and a width of 5m, Tamasudare Falls is the tallest waterfall in Yamagata Prefecture. Named after a Buddhist monk over 1,200 years ago, it is said that a Buddhist statue is hidden behind the endless torrent of water. Being once a site for religious rituals, you will also find a Mitake Shrine in front of the falls.
Visitors have found that the waterfalls do not freeze over throughout the entire winter, as the temperature needs to be low. However, the icy spectacle and winter landscape are spectacular when the falls are frozen. It is recommended that you wear snow boots during the winter season.
So, if you want to enjoy nature with the sound of the waterfall echoing in the silence or hear the popping sound of the falling icicles, Tamasudare falls are not to be missed.
Website: https://yamagatakanko.com/attractions/detail_297.html
Phone number: 0234-64-3115
Address:52-1 Masuda, Sakata, Yamagata 999-8201
Access information: About 40 minutes by car from JR Sakata Station
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
The average cost: free
Map
Tips
- In winter, snow removal is done on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Please note that cars may not be able to pass if you come on weekdays. In principle, the promenade and the entrance to Tamasudare Falls are not cleared of snow, so snowshoes may be necessary depending on the snow conditions.
Shirahige Waterfall(白ひげの滝)
Saving the best for last, Shirahige Waterfall is unusual in that it flows from an underground river. During the winter season, the waterfall is particularly stunning when the giant icicles highlight the blue ravine flowing below.
Located in the Shirogane hot spring village of Biei Town, the waterfall drops down from a 30 m height. Also known as the “White Beard Waterfall,” you can see the close-up of the groundwater rushing down into the mountain stream.
During the winter months, the Shirahige Waterfall turns into a scenery of pure magic. With the icy waterfall line, the deep snow, and the hoarfrost on the trees, the picture is a true winter frozen waterfall wonderland.
Visitors enjoy the scenery throughout the different seasons and even more so during colder months. The entire scenery is mesmerizing with the frozen waterfall and the blue Biei River flowing. In saying that, be prepared, dress warmly, and take care walking on the snowy tracks.
With the contrast of the white snow, blue water, and thick icicles, the view at Shirahige Waterfall is spectacular and one that we would recommend that you do not miss during the magical winter months.
Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/sightseeing/shirahige-waterfalls/
Phone number: 0166-92-4321
Address:Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235
Access information: About 30 minutes by car from JR Biei Station
Opening hours: 24 hours
The average cost: free
Map
Tips
- The most famous sightseeing spot in Biei is the “Blue Pond“. Many people visit daily to catch a glimpse of the mysterious blue pond. Shirahige Waterfall is 2.9 km from this blue pond. It’s 4 minutes away by car.
- Shirahige Falls is formed by spring water from the Tokachidake volcano’s boundary. The white rocks on the right are discolored due to acidic water quality. The white beard-like waterfall falls 30 meters into the Biei River. The waterfall is white, but the waterfall’s basin is blue, creating a fantastic view!
Conclusion:
- Begin your frozen waterfall Japan adventure by visiting one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan – Fukuroda falls. Falling from a 120 m height, these falls completely freeze over during the winter months, and the neighboring trees and forest create a magical winter wonderland.
- Transforming into a magical ice spectacle, the Zengoro falls are a popular destination throughout the year. During the winter, you can adventure through the forest in your snowshoes and gaze upon the frozen falls. You can also go on a guided climbing experience, an additional treat!
- Nestled within a dense forest, set amongst beautiful scenery, the Tatsuzawa fudo falls are a wonderful spot to gaze upon when the water freezes over during the winter months. Despite the cold, the falls are easy to access and a great way to enjoy nature and create magical memories when it is cold.
- While Yamagata Prefecture is filled with many waterfalls, Tamasudare Falls is the one that stands out as the tallest and most popular. During the snowy season, the waterfall becomes an icy spectacle that is stunning and spectacular to see! So, get your snow boots out and head out into the snow the next time it snows.
- One of the most unusual but beautiful falls coming from the mouth of an underground river is the Shirahige Waterfalls. Located in the hot spring village of Biei City. Enjoy the white snow, hoarfrost on the trees, frozen falls, and the majestic blue water flowing through the Biei River.
Uncover More Wonders of Japan
After exploring the frozen waterfall wonders in Japan, why not indulge in the diverse culinary scene of Tokyo? Here’s another adventure for you:
- Best Hotel Buffet in Tokyo: After a day of winter adventure, nothing beats a lavish spread of diverse cuisines at a hotel buffet. Tokyo’s top hotels offer extravagant buffets that feature a mix of Japanese and international dishes prepared with the finest ingredients. It’s a perfect way to end a day of exploration and adventure.
