Fukuroda Falls Autumn Foliage: Highlights, 2024 Light-up, and Access

Fukuroda Falls: Perfect for an Autumn Day Trip from Tokyo

Fukuroda Falls is a famous site in Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture, known for its scenery that changes with the seasons. Particularly during the fall foliage season, visitors can enjoy the impressive waterfall alongside the colorful autumn leaves surrounding it.

In this article, we will introduce the highlights of the autumn foliage at Fukuroda Falls, the best times to visit, and how to get there from Tokyo, along with light-up information and other splendid fall foliage spots in the area.

Fukuroda Falls: Autumn Highlights

1. The Features of Fukuroda Falls
2. Best Time for Autumn Foliage at Fukuroda Falls
3. Daigo Light: Autumn Light-up Event at Fukuroda Falls
4. Other Autumn Foliage Spots in Daigo
5. How to Get to Fukuroda Falls
6. Fukuroda Falls Information

The Features of Fukuroda Falls

Fukuroda Falls, located in Daigo, a hot spring town in northern Ibaraki, is a tourist attraction that can be visited on a day trip from the city.

As one of Japan's three famous waterfalls, it boasts a height of 120 meters and a width of 73 meters, with water beautifully cascading down rocky cliffs. The falls are also known by the nickname "Yodo Falls," as the water descends in four stages.

Visitors can enjoy different scenery in each season, and in winter, the waterfall is famous for its "icefall," where the entire cascade freezes into a stunning white form.

Surrounding areas offer day-use hot springs and farm facilities, and there is a tourism farm where you can enjoy apple picking just a 10-minute drive away. With numerous inns and dining options available, you can fully enjoy the tourist spots centered around Fukuroda Falls.

The Best Time for Autumn Foliage at Fukuroda Falls

The best time to enjoy the fall foliage at Fukuroda Falls is typically from early November to mid-November each year.

Around the waterfall, maple trees and momiji (Japanese maples) change color, creating a stunning contrast with the white cascading water.

This beauty is well-known, as it was famously described by the Heian period poet Saigyo, who wrote: "The flowers bloom, weaving in the mountains; the brocade unfolds at Fukuroda Falls."

Fukuroda Falls features two observation platforms, allowing visitors to enjoy the falls from different angles. The first platform, known as the "First Viewing Platform," provides a view from below the falls.

The "Second Viewing Platform," which can be accessed by elevator, offers a full view of the waterfall and is especially recommended during the autumn foliage season. Additionally, the view from the suspension bridge over the river is also a highlight.

Daigo Light: Autumn Light-up Event at Fukuroda Falls

Photo by Pixta

Every autumn to winter, the illumination event Daigo Light is held.

In 2024, the event will take place from October 1 to January 31, 2025, every evening from sunset until 20:00 (until 19:00 in December and January). During the event, the waterfall will be illuminated every night.

You can enjoy the majestic waterfall illuminated by a variety of colorful lights, creating a beautiful collaboration with the autumn foliage. Experiencing the scenery at night offers a different enjoyment compared to the daytime views, so be sure to check it out not only during the day but also at night.

Additionally, the tunnel leading to the observation platforms will be adorned with art installations and stylish LED lights, creating a Tunnel of Light.

Other Autumn Foliage Spots in Daigo

Daigo has other spots besides Fukuroda Falls where you can enjoy beautiful fall foliage. This time, we will introduce three spots: Namase Falls, Kotokuji Temple, and Mount Nantai.

1. Namase Falls

Photo by Pixta

Namase Falls is a waterfall located upstream from Fukuroda Falls. While Fukuroda Falls is dynamic and impressive, Namase Falls offers a tranquil atmosphere with its smaller drop, making it a hidden gem.

It is situated about 200 meters from Fukuroda Falls and can be reached by hiking for about 20 minutes along a trail.

Because you need to climb steep sections, it can be challenging for those who are not physically confident or for families with young children. However, the beautiful scenery makes the climb worthwhile!

Additionally, since there are fewer visitors than at Fukuroda Falls, it is also recommended as a great photography spot.

2. Kotokuji Temple

Kotokuji Temple (Ebisu) is a historic temple located in Daigo Town. Its main gate is designated as a cultural property of Daigo Town and retains architectural styles from the late Muromachi period (early to mid-16th century)

At Kotokuji Temple, there is a ginkgo tree that is over 400 years old, and in autumn, it creates a stunning scene as it appears to be covered with a yellow carpet of fallen leaves. The peak of the foliage here coincides with the best viewing period for Fukuroda Falls.

Although it is somewhat distant from the nearest train station or bus stop, it is located about a 30-minute drive from Fukuroda Falls, and parking is available.

3. Mount Nantai

Photo by Pixta

Mount Nantai, located in the southeastern part of Daigo at an elevation of 654 meters, is known for its scenic views created by uniquely shaped rock formations. From the summit, you can enjoy a wide and distant view of the fall foliage.

It is also popular as a climbing and hiking course, with a trail that leads to Fukuroda Falls.

While the difficulty level of the climbing course is relatively high, experiencing the colorful foliage along the trail adds to the enjoyment of the ascent.

How to Get to Fukuroda Falls

Photo by Pixta

To reach Fukuroda Falls by car from Tokyo, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The nearest access point from Tokyo is about a 50-minute drive from the Naka IC on the Joban Expressway.

There are two free municipal parking lots available. However, during the fall foliage season, the parking lots and roads can become crowded, so it’s also recommended to park in a slightly farther location and walk to the falls.

If you are using public transportation, there are buses departing from Fukuroda Station and Hitachi-Daigo Station (JR Suigun Line). You can get off at the bus stop Takimoto, which is about a 10-minute walk from the falls.

Please note that it takes about 3 hours for a one-way trip from Tokyo Station with a transfer at Mito Station, so be mindful of the bus schedules.

Additionally, please note that the number of buses is limited, with only two to four buses per day for both departures and returns.

It takes about 40 minutes to walk from Fukuroda Station, but depending on the bus schedule, you might consider taking a leisurely stroll while heading towards the falls.

Furthermore, during the Daigo Light event, the area around Fukuroda Falls tends to get crowded.

The fall foliage typically peaks around November 10, so especially the weekends and holidays before and after this date are likely to be particularly congested. It’s a good idea to check for congestion updates and the status of the fall colors before you visit.

Fukuroda Falls Information

Enjoy the Autumn Foliage at Fukuroda Falls Along with Hiking and Hot Springs

Photo by Pixta

This time, we introduced the highlights of the autumn foliage at Fukuroda Falls, information about the autumn light-up event, and important points to note when accessing the site.

Fukuroda Falls is accessible in about 3 hours from Tokyo, making it a great spot to enjoy the majestic nature and autumn colors.

Why not consider a day trip or a stay at a hot spring inn while exploring the surrounding attractions?