Hottai Falls: A Hidden Yurihonjo Power Spot Falling Toward Mount Chokai

Hottai Falls in Yurihonjo City is a great cascade about one hundred meters long with a drop of about fifty-seven meters, counted among Japan one hundred finest waterfalls. It is known nationwide as a rare falls that gathers the snowmelt of Mount Chokai and rushes down as if facing its summit. The falls divide into three tiers, the first, second, and third, and countless potholes of all sizes can be seen along the riverbed. This area is designated as a scenic site and natural monument of Akita, a place where you can feel the mystery of nature.

Highlights

• A solemn form about one hundred meters long, falling in three tiers
• A rare falls that drops while facing the summit of Mount Chokai
• A field of countless potholes along the riverbed, valuable even academically
• A clear flow of water brought by the snowmelt of Mount Chokai

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of fresh green the surrounding trees bud and the falls run powerfully with gathered snowmelt. In summer many visit seeking coolness, and in autumn the whole area turns to crimson, making a splendid contrast with the three tiers. In winter it is covered in snow and the surrounding roads close for the season, so the best time to visit is from fresh green through the autumn leaves.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Chokai-machi, Yurihonjo City, Akita
• Car: About fifty minutes from Yashima Station on the Yuri Kogen Railway, or about one hour ten minutes from the Honjo interchange on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway. Parking available
• The surrounding roads normally close for winter from late November until around early May, so check road conditions in advance
• The area is a geosite of the Chokaisan-Tobishima Geopark

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: Early summer, when snowmelt swells the flow, and the autumn-leaf season, when the whole area takes on color, are especially rewarding. The bright daytime hours are safest
• Time needed: The falls are close to the parking area, and viewing the three tiers and the potholes takes about thirty minutes to an hour
• Avoiding crowds: At the peak of the autumn leaves the parking area is busy, so early morning is recommended
• Safety notes: The riverbed above the falls is spread with potholes and has slippery footing in places. Do not force your way to the water edge, and watch your footing carefully
• Nearby real spots: Pair your trip with the trailheads of Mount Chokai, the Chokai highland, and nearby hot springs
• Budget sense: Viewing the falls is free. For surrounding sightseeing, allow for transport and hot spring charges

A Quick Tip

A field of potholes spreads above the falls. Watching your footing, take your time to gaze at the forms that nature carved out over a long span of time. As the surrounding roads close in winter, be mindful of the season of your visit. Pairing the visit with Mount Chokai is also recommended.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Yurihonjo city and regional tourism associations. The notices for the footpath around the falls and for Mount Chokai and the Chokai highlands, and on-site information boards, are also useful references. Because nearby roads may close in winter and access conditions can change, please confirm the latest details with Yurihonjo city or the tourism association before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: The falls are close to the parking area, so about 30 minutes to 1 hour to view the three-tiered falls and the pothole field.
• What to bring: Potholes spread across the riverbed above the falls and some spots are slippery, so wear comfortable shoes and take care not to approach the water's edge. Daylight hours are safest.
• Suggested route: View the roughly 100 m three-tiered falls and the riverbed potholes, and combine the trip with the Mount Chokai trailhead, the Chokai highlands, and nearby hot springs.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Admission: Viewing the falls is free of charge. The adjacent "Hottai Enchi Campground" is also free to use and is a free-site campground with no application required (there is no resident caretaker, so you must take all your rubbish home with you).
• Parking: There are about 100 spaces for ordinary cars and 10 for large vehicles.
• Toilets and facilities: There are 2 toilet blocks within the grounds, along with a cooking area, a gazebo and a rest house (Lodge Hottai).
• Inquiries: 0184-24-6376 (Yurihonjo City, Tourism Promotion Division, Tourism, Culture and Sports Department) / 0184-57-2205 (Yurihonjo City, Chokai General Branch Office, Chokai Industry and Construction Division)
• Official information: Yurihonjo City official website, facility guide "Hottai Falls and Potholes" and "Hottai Enchi Campground"

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.