What other travelers are saying about Hirayu Waterfall
Hirayu Waterfall (Hirayu Ōtaki) is one of the most impressive waterfalls. With a height of 64 meters and a width of 6 meters, it ranks among the highest waterfalls in the country and is listed as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Waterfalls” by the Ministry of the Environment.
According to a 450-year-old tale, a white monkey was seen emerging from behind the falls. Soldiers followed it and discovered the healing hot springs of Hirayu Onsen, which helped restore their strength after battle.
The waterfall is easily accessible from the Hirayu Onsen bus stop. It takes 10-minute walk from the parking (in front of the restaurant).
In mid-April 2025, the waterfall did not appear particularly impressive. Due to lingering snow, it was not possible to approach it closely.
30 minute stroll from Hirayu bus station/visitor centre to these falls. Snow was still present in May & the snowmelt was gushing. Continued on to the Ōnezuko walk (that one's more difficult and hard to find).
Nice and relatively easy 30 min hike from Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal to the Waterfall. Best to go before 10:30 am as the sun behind the Waterfall will be very glaring if you want to have a nice photo shoot of the Waterfall. After 11:30 am should be better or later part of the day.
Visited on 25 February 2023.
You can park your car at the parking near the entrance of Hirayu Ski Area. Then take a 750m-walk around 15 mins to the waterfall.
The day I went it was snowy and beautiful.
