Saruodaki Falls

Located in Kami Town in Hyogo, Saruodaki Falls is a graceful cascade that flows in two tiers and is counted among the hundred finest waterfalls of Japan. Together with Tendaki and Kirigataki, it is one of the Three Famed Falls of Tajima, with the 39-meter upper Odaki and the 21-meter lower Medaki dropping about 60 meters in total. The lower flow resembles a monkey tail, which is said to be the origin of this unusual name. A vein of hypabyssal rock shapes the two-stage cascade, and the falls were designated a scenic site by Hyogo Prefecture in 1968.

Especially mysterious are the figures that seem to surface on the rock face. Natural stone forms said to look like Kannon, a stone monkey, or an image of Mary are found here, and many people make wishes hoping for blessings, returning later to give thanks.

Highlights

• The graceful two-tiered form of the upper Odaki and the lower Medaki
• A beautiful rainbow that arches over the falls in the late-afternoon light
• Natural stone figures resembling Kannon that appear on the rock face
• Excellent access, only a few minutes on foot from the parking area

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of fresh greenery the surrounding trees are lush and set off the whiteness of the falls. Summer is an ideal place to seek cool relief, with the basin full of negative ions. Autumn colors the falls with foliage, and in winter the cascade can show a fantastical frozen form.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Muraokaku, Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo
• Access by car: Turn from National Route 9 onto Prefectural Route 267 for about 1.2 kilometers; the falls are about 100 meters, a few minutes on foot, from the parking area
• Access by public transport: From Yoka Station on the JR Sanin Main Line, take a Zentan bus toward Muraoka or Yumura Onsen, get off at Hikage, then about 20 minutes on foot
• Parking: Available, with a shop and restrooms nearby
• Hours: Open freely for viewing
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

Saruodaki is said to be one of the closest of the hundred finest falls of Japan to a parking area, so even visitors with limited stamina or small children can reach it easily. Viewing the falls takes only 20 to 30 minutes. For the rainbow, aim for the afternoon as the sun lowers. Tendaki, another of the Three Famed Falls of Tajima in Yabu City, and the hot-spring resort of Yumura Onsen are both within driving distance, making it easy to combine with wider sightseeing. The visit itself is free, with costs limited to parking and any nearby meals or shopping.

A Quick Tip

The stone figures on the rock change with the viewing angle, so try gazing from several positions. In winter, take care of icy roads and snow, and set out with proper winter driving gear.

📚 Sources

For Saruodaki Falls, the tourism information of Kami and the on-site guidance introducing the Three Famous Waterfalls of Tajima are reliable references. Its standing among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls and as a prefecturally designated scenic spot, and the descriptions of the upper male fall and lower female fall, can be confirmed through this public information and on-site signboards. The condition of the parking lot, shop and restrooms and bus services may change, so please confirm the official information of Kami and transport operators before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Approximate time needed: The falls are only a few minutes on foot from the parking lot, and viewing itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
• What to bring and prepare: It is close to the parking lot with little physical strain, but in winter watch for icy or snowy roads and prepare snow gear. The visit is free, with costs limited to parking and nearby meals or the shop.
• Suggested route: View the upper male fall and lower female fall a few minutes on foot from the parking lot, and look at the natural rock-face figures from various angles, as suggested in the article. For a rainbow, aim for the afternoon as the sun lowers. Pairing with Tendaki or Yumura Onsen is also recommended.