Motodaki Spring Falls: A Hidden Nikaho Power Spot of Mossy Rock and Mount Chokai Spring Water

Motodaki Spring Falls in Kisakata-machi, Nikaho City, is formed by rain and snow that fell on Mount Chokai flowing underground over a long time and welling up from the edge of a lava cliff. Its drop of about five meters is not large, but it stretches about thirty meters wide, and the way water overflows from every part of the mossy rock face is truly mysterious. The temperature of the spring water stays nearly constant year-round, and the contrast woven by the green of the moss and the white of the spray quietly heals the hearts of those who visit. It is one of the signature spring-water spots of the Chokaisan-Tobishima Geopark, certified as a Japanese Geopark.

Highlights

• A curtain of water welling from the rock face about thirty meters wide
• A beautiful contrast of green mossy rock and white spray
• Clear, pure water brought by the underground flow of Mount Chokai
• The mysterious falls met by walking a forest-wrapped trail

Enjoying the Seasons

From fresh green into summer the moss grows even more vivid, and gazing at the falls in the cool air is exceptional. In autumn the surrounding trees take on color, and their contrast with the green moss makes for a graceful season. In winter it is wrapped in snow and visitors grow few, yet the spring water keeps flowing without freezing, showing a mysterious form within the quiet snowy scene.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Aza-Mototaki, Seki, Kisakata-machi, Nikaho City, Akita
• Nearest station: Kisakata Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line; from there a car or taxi is the practical option
• By car: From the Kisakata interchange on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway, head toward the mountains. There is a dedicated parking area
• From the parking area it is about seven hundred fifty meters to the falls along a trail, roughly ten to fifteen minutes on foot
• Admission is free
• Restrooms may be closed during the winter period (roughly November to March), so check in advance
• The area is part of the Chokaisan-Tobishima Geopark

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: From fresh green in early summer through the autumn foliage, when the moss is most vivid. Late morning light makes the spray sparkle and suits photography
• Time needed: Around forty minutes to one hour at an easy pace, including the round trip from the parking area and viewing time
• Avoiding crowds: The parking area fills up on summer weekends and during the autumn peak, so an early morning arrival is recommended
• Clothing and gear: The trail has damp, slippery spots, so wear comfortable shoes. The area around the falls stays cool even in summer, so a light extra layer helps
• Nearby real spots: The Kujukushima scenic islands of Kisakata linked to the poet Matsuo Basho, the roadside station Kisakata Nemu-no-Oka, and the Shishigahana Wetland at the foot of Mount Chokai can all be combined
• Budget: The visit itself is free, with almost no cost beyond transport and parking

A Quick Tip

You walk a forest trail to reach the falls. Some spots can be wet and slippery underfoot, so visit in comfortable shoes. The moss is delicate, so it is best to gaze quietly from the trail without trampling it. In winter, restrooms may be closed and snow or ice is possible, so check the latest information before setting out.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Nikaho city, the Chokaisan and Tobishima Geopark promotion body, and regional tourism associations. The notices for the footpath to the falls and for the Kisakata Kujukushima, the Michi-no-Eki Kisakata Nemu-no-Oka, and the Shishigahana wetland are also useful references. Because restrooms may close in winter with possible snow and ice and access conditions can change, please confirm the latest details with Nikaho city or the tourism association before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 40 minutes to 1 hour walking slowly, including the round trip from the parking area and viewing the falls.
• What to bring: The footpath is damp and slippery in places, so wear comfortable shoes. The area around the falls is cool even in summer, so a layer is reassuring. The moss is delicate, so view quietly from the footpath.
• Suggested route: Walk the forest footpath to view the roughly 30 m curtain of water, and combine the trip with the Kisakata Kujukushima, the Michi-no-Eki Kisakata Nemu-no-Oka, and the Shishigahana wetland at the foot of Mount Chokai.