Ibaraki Autumn Foliage: Fukuroda Falls, Ryujin Gorge & Hanazono Valley

About Autumn Foliage in Ibaraki

Ibaraki's autumn, the inner retreat of the Kanto region, is filled with a dramatic beauty that far exceeds the imagination. From the mountain ridgelines to the bottoms of the valleys, red, orange, and yellow layer over one another, and breathtaking scenery like a giant watercolor painting that nature spent years creating welcomes travelers wherever they go. "I had no idea Ibaraki had such amazing foliage"—many first-time visitors can't help but utter such words.

Despite being accessible as a day trip from Tokyo, its scenery is renowned as among the finest on the main island, and every autumn, travelers with cameras in hand—from photography enthusiasts to families and couples—gather one after another. The sound of water echoing through the valley, the fallen leaves beginning to pile up at your feet, the scent of earth and trees mixed into the chilly air—being able to feel "autumn" with all five senses may be the greatest charm of an Ibaraki foliage trip.

The season centres on November. The Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association states plainly that Hanazono Gorge peaks in mid-November every year - one of the few "every year" statements published by any authority in the prefecture - and the Ryujin Gorge foliage festival ran November 1-30 in both 2024 and 2025. For Fukuroda Falls and Ryujin Gorge, however, neither the town, the city nor the tourism associations publish a "usual peak," so treat any fixed date you see online with caution. Because the timing of coloring differs by altitude and terrain, combining the three spots introduced here lets you spread a foliage trip across the whole of November - a luxury unique to Ibaraki. A "full-on Ibaraki foliage trip" that lets you slowly savor the scale of nature, a cut above the crowded famous tourist sites. This autumn, by all means, set out.

Fukuroda Falls

A dynamic spectacle of thundering roar and autumn foliage—the finest in Ibaraki

Fukuroda Falls, counted as one of "Japan's Three Great Waterfalls," gains even more overwhelming presence in autumn. The contrast between the white torrent flowing down a giant rock face 120 m high and 73 m wide in four tiers, and the surrounding trees dyed a flaming red—once you see it, it has enough power to be unforgettable for a lifetime. The moment the spray sparkles in autumn's soft light, an emotion that makes you tremble to the core will surge over you.

The sight of the falls looking up from the viewing platform alone is plenty spectacular, but a place you should definitely visit is the second viewing platform (a height you ascend by elevator). From here, a luxurious composition spreads out, letting you take in the entire four-tiered falls and the foliage-colored mountains at once, boasting immense support from photography enthusiasts as a superb photo spot. Also, the scenery where the stone pavement and tasteful old buildings remaining around the falls blend with the foliage is somehow nostalgic, giving the calm of touching Japan's original scenery. Just by walking slowly over the stone pavement while listening to the sound of the falls, you'll feel the everyday hustle quietly receding.

Best season and recommended hours Neither Daigo Town nor the Daigo Town Tourism Association publishes a "usual peak" for Fukuroda Falls (the association's foliage tracker still showed the previous year's data as of September 2026). In practice the run of the "Daigo Light" illumination is the best guide: in FY2025 it ran November 1 to January 12. Note that November opening hours are 8:00-17:00, not the 18:00 close used from May to October. Right after opening, around 8 a.m., the angle of the light is exquisite, and you can have the dreamlike scene of the falls and foliage illuminated by soft morning light all to yourself. This time of day, with relatively few crowds, is best for both photographers and those who prefer quiet viewing. If visiting on a weekend, we strongly recommend entering right when the gates open. If you have time to spare, the pre-evening hours when the falls shine golden in the afternoon light are also not to be missed.

Ways to enjoy it like a local At the souvenir shops and eateries lined up near the falls, you can have dishes using "Okukuji shamo," the brand free-range chicken that the local Okukuji area is proud of. Its springy bite and deep umami are a deliciousness that seeps into a body tired from walking the valley. Furthermore, the "apple soft serve" using apples, a specialty of this region, is a sweet most recommended by locals, with a sweet-and-sour flavor perfect for a break after foliage viewing.

Also, Tsukimachi Falls, located about a 10-minute drive from Fukuroda Falls, is a hidden spot known only to those in the know. It has a rare structure that even lets you enter behind the falls, and the foliage seen through the falls flowing down like a curtain is truly beautiful, like "a painting set in a frame." Even in foliage season, few people visit yet, so it is especially recommended for those who want to taste quiet emotion.

Access

• By train: Get off at JR Suigun Line "Fukuroda Station," about a 40-minute walk / or about 10 minutes by taxi.
• By bus: From "Fukuroda Station," the Ibaraki Kotsu bus takes about 10 minutes to the "Takimoto" stop, then about a 10-minute walk. The fare is 260 yen for adults, 130 yen for children. However there are only three departures a day (10:40, 12:33 and 14:30 from Fukuroda Station), and no official announcement of extra autumn services exists. Plan backwards from the return departures (11:03, 13:53 and 15:30 from Takimoto). A one-day "Fukuroda-Daigo Free Pass" is also available at 500 yen.
• By car: About 60 minutes from the "Naka IC" on the Joban Expressway (Daigo Town's own figure; the tourism association says about 50 minutes). The town-run car parks - 42 spaces at No. 1 and 223 at No. 2 - are free, but leave a 1.2-1.4 km walk to the falls. The car parks right by the falls are privately run and paid.
• Guide to travel time from Tokyo: About 2 hours 30 minutes or more by train + bus, about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes by car.

Tips for travelers Weekends in foliage season are extremely crowded, and it is not unusual for the surrounding roads to fall into major traffic jams. If possible, a weekday visit or early-morning arrival is best. The inside of the viewing tunnel is filled with chilly air, so even on a clear autumn day, bringing a light jacket or wrap is reassuring. Also, the stone pavement around the falls is very slippery when wet, so avoid heels and leather shoes and choose sneakers with firm grip. The elevator to the second viewing platform is included in the observation facility fee (500 yen adults / 300 yen children) - there is no extra charge, as Daigo Town's official FAQ makes clear. The fee was revised on July 1, 2025 from 300/150 yen, so any source quoting 300 yen is out of date. Note that pets may go as far as the first viewing platform only and cannot go above the elevator. Wheelchairs are lent free of charge.

Ryujin Gorge

A 360-degree foliage panorama looked down upon from a suspension bridge

The star of Ryujin Gorge is, without question, the Ryujin Grand Suspension Bridge. With a total length of 375 m, it boasts one of the largest scales among pedestrian-only suspension bridges on the main island, and the breathtaking scenery of the blue-green water surface of Ryujin Dam Lake looked down upon from the bridge's center, with the foliage covering the mountainsides on both banks, is overwhelmingly beautiful enough to leave you at a loss for words. A one-of-a-kind experience as if "floating in a sea of foliage from midair," in a completely different dimension from the scenery viewed from a trail, can only be tasted here at Ryujin Gorge.

Stopping on the bridge and gazing at the vast ocean of foliage spreading in all four directions, you'll be wrapped in a strange sensation as if your sense of time is melting away. On a calm, clear autumn day, you can even enjoy the foliage reflected and swaying on the dam lake's surface, encountering a luxurious sight as if breathtaking scenery spreads across both heaven and earth. Taking a breather at the observation deck beyond the bridge and looking back at the way you came lets you enjoy the breathtaking scenery from yet another angle—a way to enjoy it unique to Ryujin Gorge. Furthermore, a hiking course is also maintained along the gorge, so by all means add to your itinerary the time to walk slowly through the tunnel of foliage, not just the suspension bridge. The way the expression of the foliage changes with every step amid the moment-to-moment shifting light and shadow never grows tiresome.

Best season and recommended hours Hitachiota City and its tourism association do not publish a "usual peak" for Ryujin Gorge; the practical guide is the foliage festival, which ran November 1-30 in both 2024 and 2025. Check the association's foliage updates shortly before you travel rather than relying on a fixed date. In the morning, the light hits the east side of the gorge, and the vivid reds and oranges stand out. On a clear autumn day, around 10 a.m. to noon is the most color-rich time of day, when the view from atop the suspension bridge reaches its climax.

Ways to enjoy it like a local The event's correct name is the Ryujin Gorge Autumn Foliage Festival. The 35th (2024) and 36th (2025) editions both ran November 1-30, with a produce market (9:00-16:00, east side of the car park), a stamp rally and stage events. As for evenings, the Ryujin Grand Suspension Bridge operates with illumination every Saturday until 20:00 (last entry 19:30). This is a year-round arrangement rather than an autumn-only one, so a Saturday visit reliably gets you the bridge after dark. In addition, the crossing fee is waived on November 13, Ibaraki Prefecture Citizens' Day (done in both 2024 and 2025). The normal fee is 320 yen for adults (high school age and above) and 210 yen for children, with the bridge open 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:40). Note that no official 2024 or 2025 announcement mentions traffic restrictions, shuttle buses or temporary car parks, so do not build your plan on the assumption that they exist.

Furthermore, Ryujin Gorge has a special experience you can't taste anywhere else. That is the Ryujin Bungy off the suspension bridge. It is not seasonal - it operates year-round, 9:00-17:00, at 19,000 yen per jump. Jumpers must be 15 or over (under-20s need a guardian present to sign), weigh 40-105 kg, and must not be pregnant or to have drunk alcohol that day. Bookings are taken only through Bungy Japan online; Hitachiota City does not accept them. This price comes from the city's page, which was last updated in July 2022, so confirm the current fee on Bungy Japan's official site. Not just "seeing" but "experiencing" the breathtaking scenery.

Access

• By car: About 40 minutes from the "Naka IC" on the Joban Expressway. Parking is free. No official notice announces a temporary overflow car park, so arrive early.
• By bus: From stand 1 at JR Suigun Line "Hitachi-Ota Station", the Ibaraki Kotsu bus (route Suifu 33) takes about 40 minutes to the "Ryujin Ohashi" stop. Do not get off at "Ryujin Ohashi-iriguchi," which leaves a 25-minute walk. Only three round trips run on weekdays and five on weekends and holidays. The fare is 510 yen, but Ibaraki Kotsu announced on August 6, 2026 that from October 1, 2026 fares on all Hitachiota city routes rise, taking journeys over about 20 km from 510 to 550 yen. The foliage season falls after that date, so budget 550 yen - the 510 yen figure still shown on other sites will be out of date.
• Guide to travel time from Tokyo: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car.

Tips for travelers The wind atop the suspension bridge is stronger than expected, and especially in autumn the felt temperature drops sharply. Facing it in a windbreaker or layered clothing is the correct answer. Even those who might stop in the middle of the bridge thinking "I'm afraid of heights...," by all means take the plunge and look down below. The breathtaking foliage scenery spreading there is beautiful enough to blow away even fear. There is a fair distance from the parking lot to the suspension bridge, so easy-to-walk sneakers are essential. One thing to know before you plan a hike: visitors are currently asked to refrain from entering the promenade on the far bank, so treat the bridge and the observation deck as the walkable part. Also, traffic restrictions may be imposed on the bridge during strong winds, so don't forget to check the day's weather.

Hanazono Gorge

Leaving the hustle behind, a secluded foliage spot deep in the forest

Hanazono Gorge is a hidden famous spot known only to those in the know, which connoisseurs who know Ibaraki's foliage inside and out unanimously call "the truly beautiful one." In this gorge, where nature's original form has been carefully preserved without being over-touristed, the clear stream flows quietly over moss-covered rocks, and the sight of golden maple and beech leaves dancing down onto the water surface has a beauty like a painting no matter where you frame it. Many first-time visitors widen their eyes at "there was such a place in Ibaraki?"—a secluded foliage spot that Ibaraki is proud of.

Walking slowly along the trail beside the gorge, eventually a vermilion shrine pavilion appears deep in the forest. It is the ancient shrine Hanazono Shrine, traditionally said to have been founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and established as a temple-shrine by the priest Jikaku Daishi. Admission is free, there is parking for 60 cars, and the grounds hold a cedar revered for blessings of fertility and safe childbirth (0293-43-9212). The vermilion-lacquered pavilion standing in the precincts wrapped in deep green and foliage gives off a sacred atmosphere as if it has come across the ages, and combined with the beauty of the foliage, a serene space spreads out that makes you want to press your palms together. It is precisely in this place, where the beauty of nature and the depth of history overlap, that you can feel the richness of the land called Ibaraki with your whole body.

Best season and recommended hours The Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association states that Hanazono Gorge peaks in mid-November every year - and notes that oak, maple, Japanese beech and yama-momiji all colour together, while warning that parts of the road are narrow and require care. For reference, nearby Sarugajo Gorge peaks earlier, in the first week of November every year. It is the latest of the three spots here. Even after the foliage at Fukuroda Falls and Ryujin Gorge has come to an end, beautiful autumn colors continue here. For an itinerary touring the three spots, visiting last as the "finale of the autumn trip" is ideal. Around 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., when the soft afternoon light streams into the gorge through the trees, is the most beautiful time of day, when dappled sunlight and foliage intersect dreamily. The sight of streaks of light streaming into the quiet gorge will bring you emotion that becomes a lifelong treasure.

Ways to enjoy it like a local Hanazono Gorge is in Hanazono, Hanakawa-cho, Kitaibaraki City, inside the Hanazono-Hananuki Prefectural Natural Park - not in Daigo Town and not in Nakagawa Town. Around the area, small farm stands run by local farmers are scattered about. On autumn shelves, fresh chestnuts, fluffy sweet potatoes, and local apples line up in vivid colors, and just stopping by on the way back from a gorge stroll greatly heightens the fulfillment of your trip. Pick up the seasonal bounty that local mothers have lovingly raised and leisurely enjoy the autumn rural scenery.

Also, if you extend your steps to the deepest part of the gorge, a world of silence where you hardly meet anyone awaits. The time spent enveloped alone in foliage in a forest where only the calls of birds and the sound of water echo—that is a luxurious moment you absolutely cannot obtain at a crowded tourist site. For those who dislike crowds and those who want to face nature slowly in a quiet place, we tell you with confidence that this is the most recommended foliage spot in Ibaraki.

Access

• By train + taxi: Get off at "Isohara Station" on the JR Joban Line and take a taxi for about 30-35 minutes. (Earlier versions of this article named stations on the Suigun Line; that was wrong.) No route bus is listed in the official guidance - this is a place that assumes a car or a taxi, so reserve the taxi in advance.
• By car: About 30 minutes from the "Kitaibaraki IC" on the Joban Expressway (about 25 minutes to Hanazono Shrine).
• Parking: The municipal Hanazono car park at Hanazono Shrine holds 60 cars, but there is no car park inside the gorge itself. The official wording is that the nearest parking is the shrine's No. 2 lot, about a 30-minute, 2.5 km walk from the gorge, and that within the gorge you should pull over briefly on the verge.
• Guide to travel time from Tokyo: About 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours by car. It is the farthest of the three spots, but its "sense of seclusion" is exceptional for that very reason.

Tips for travelers Located in the most mountainous spot of the three, thorough advance research is indispensable for access by public transportation. The smoothest and most comfortable is still using a rental car. If you depart early in the morning from Tokyo on the day, you can tour all three spots over a two-day, one-night trip without strain. The trail is maintained, but the path beside the gorge becomes very slippery after rain or with morning dew, so we strongly recommend wearing trekking shoes. Also, there are areas deep in the gorge where mobile phone signals don't reach, so downloading a paper map or offline map before departure is a complete preparation. One important caveat: the Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association previously ran a page announcing a Hanazono illumination and another announcing a road closure toward Nanatsu-daki, but both now return 404 and have been deleted. There is currently no primary source showing whether an illumination is held or whether the closure has been lifted, so we strongly recommend phoning the Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association on 0293-43-1111 before you set out. Because the autumn gorge gets dark quickly after 4 p.m. as the sun sets early, plan your actions with time to spare.

Best Viewing Times and How to Enjoy the Foliage

Ibaraki's foliage season centres on November. The three spots each have slightly staggered best viewing times, so you may concentrate on one place to match your trip's schedule and purpose, or luxuriously tour all three while driving—either works. Make the most of a location easily accessible from both Tokyo and Sendai, and draw up your very own "Ibaraki autumn trip" plan.

The overwhelming dynamism of the thundering roar, white spray, and flaming foliage you feel at Fukuroda Falls. The endlessly spreading grand foliage panorama looked over from the skies of Ryujin Gorge. And the mystical sense of seclusion wrapped in the silence of the deep forest at Hanazono Gorge—three famous spots, each with completely different character and emotion, await the lone traveler in autumn Ibaraki. This year's foliage viewing, head to Ibaraki's yet-unseen breathtaking scenery. It will surely become an autumn that makes you want to visit again next year.

Practical Information for the Autumn Foliage Season (Based on Official Announcements)

The following is a summary — based solely on information published by Daigo Town, Hitachiota City, Kitaibaraki City, and each facility operator, including Ibaraki Kotsu — as of 6 September 2026. Where figures found online conflict with official sources, the reasons are also explained.

1. Fukuroda Falls: Admission Fees and Opening Hours (Daigo Town Official)

Admission fees were revised on 1 July 2025 (previously: adults ¥300 / children ¥150). The town has explained that the reasons are the ageing of the viewing tunnel, which is approaching its 50th year since completion, and rising labour costs. Any information showing "adults ¥300" is from before the revision.

Viewing Platform 1 is located approximately 10 m from the base of the falls. Viewing Platform 2 is approximately 50 m above via elevator and has three observation decks.

2. Car Parks at Fukuroda Falls (Please Distinguish Between Free and Paid)

• Town-operated Car Park 1: free, 42 spaces (approx. 1.2 km to the falls)
• Town-operated Car Park 2: free, 223 spaces (203 standard spaces, including 9 for people with disabilities / 8 medium / 12 large; approx. 1.4 km to the falls)
• Private paid car parks: approx. 700 spaces (charges not listed on official sources)

If you try to park close to the falls, you will end up in a private paid car park. The town-operated car parks are free but require a 1.2–1.4 km walk. The key point here is that dedicated parking is not paid-only.

3. Buses to Fukuroda Falls: 3 Per Day (No Official Announcement of Extra Services)

• JR Suigun Line Fukuroda Station → bus approx. 10 min → alight at "Takimoto" → approx. 10 min on foot
• Hitachi-Daigo Station → bus approx. 15 min → alight at "Takimoto" → approx. 10 min on foot
• Fares: Fukuroda Station ↔ Takimoto: adults ¥260, children ¥130 / Daigo Station ↔ Takimoto: adults ¥420, children ¥210
• "Fukuroda-Daigo All-Day Free Pass": unlimited rides for ¥500
• Frequency: From Fukuroda Station: 10:40 / 12:33 / 14:30 (3 services); from Takimoto: 11:03 / 13:53 / 15:30 (3 services). From Daigo Station: 10:15 / 13:10; from Takimoto: 12:50 / 15:00 / 15:52
• From Fukuroda Station: approx. 10 min by taxi / approx. 40 min on foot
• AI on-demand taxi "Takumaru" is also available

No official information was found announcing additional services during the foliage season. Please plan your itinerary by working backwards from the return buses, bearing in mind there are only 3 per day. Missing one means a wait of over 2 hours.

※ An announcement has appeared in Ibaraki Kotsu's operational information: "Notice of road closure and diverted services in Daigo Town due to road construction (updated 25 Aug 2026)." The detail page could not be located, but there is a possibility that buses towards Fukuroda may be affected. Please check Ibaraki Kotsu's operational information before you depart.

4. Illumination Event "Daigo Raito" (Schedule Varies Significantly from Year to Year)

• 2025 illumination hours: falls illumination — November: from sunset to 20:00 / December and January: from sunset to 19:00; light tunnel — November: 8:00–20:00 / December and January: 9:00–19:00
• The admission charge is the standard Fukuroda Falls tunnel admission fee (not a separate illumination charge)
• Organised by Daigo Town and the Daigo Town Tourism Association (incorporated association)
• The schedule for 2026 has not been announced as of 6 September 2026. Because the event has started on 1 October in some years and 1 November in others, please do not assume it always begins in October.

5. Autumn Foliage Peak at Fukuroda Falls

Neither Daigo Town nor the Daigo Town Tourism Association has published any official statement giving a typical peak period. The tourism association has a "Foliage Colour Update" page, but as of 6 September 2026, it still displays "As of Friday 28 November 2025 / Season over." It should be updated once the season begins, so please check it from October onwards.

6. Ryujin Suspension Bridge: Crossing Fee and Opening Hours (Official)

Traffic restrictions may be applied during strong winds or lightning. The bridge opened in 1994, was refurbished in 2001, and underwent painting work in March 2025 for the first time in 12 years (approximately 4 months).

Important access restriction. The facility's official website carries the following notice: "The trail returning from the suspension bridge to the bridge via the opposite bank is currently closed to entry due to the risk of cliff collapse. Visitors wishing to go to Kamegafuchi are recommended to use the Ryujin Dam reservoir car park." The course of crossing the bridge, descending from the far side, and looping back is currently not walkable.

7. Ryujinkyo Autumn Foliage Festival

The event ran from 1–30 November in two consecutive years. The schedule for 2026 (37th edition) has not been announced. Organised by the Hitachiota City Tourism and Products Association (incorporated association) and Hitachiota City; planning and management by the Suifu Festival Executive Committee. During the event period, a local produce market is held (9:00–16:00 in the produce market space east of the car park), a stamp rally (26 locations in 2024 / 25 locations in 2025), and an Instagram posting campaign.

Neither the 2024 nor the 2025 official event information mentions traffic restrictions or shuttle buses. Do not plan on the assumption that restrictions will be in place or shuttles will be running. No official information about temporary car park openings has been published either.

Peak timing: None of the operating authority, Hitachiota City, or the Tourism and Products Association has published a typical peak period. The festival period (1–30 November) is the only guide available.

8. Buses to Ryujin Suspension Bridge (Fares Change on 1 October 2026)

• From JR Suigun Line Hitachiota Station, Stop 1, take an Ibaraki Kotsu bus, approx. 40 minutes, and alight at "Ryujin Otsuribashi." The route number is Suifu 33 (alighting at "Ryujin Otsuribashi Iriguchi" requires a further 25-minute walk).
• This is a year-round scheduled service, not a seasonal one.
• Current fare: ¥510. However, as announced by Ibaraki Kotsu on 6 August 2026, fares on all Hitachiota City routes will be revised from Thursday 1 October 2026, and routes covering 20 km or more will increase from ¥510 to ¥550. As the foliage season falls after the revision, please budget ¥550. Information on other websites still showing "¥510" will be out of date from October.
• Weekdays: 3 round trips — from Ota Station: 10:03 / 12:54 / 16:09 (arriving Ryujin Otsuribashi: 11:05 / 13:38 / 16:53); from Ryujin Otsuribashi: 12:05 / 14:11 / 17:21
• Weekends and public holidays: 5 round trips — from Ota Station: 7:56 / 10:09 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 16:06; from Ryujin Otsuribashi: 9:15 / 11:51 / 14:10 / 15:05 / 17:10
• The destination shown on buses varies between "Shimotakakura-yuki" and "Shimotakakura-Daigo-yuki." The official designation is "Suifu 33 Ryujin Otsuribashi" (Ibaraki Kotsu).

9. Ryujin Bungee Jump

• Fee: ¥19,000 per jump; open 9:00–17:00
• Reservations via Bungy Japan online only. Hitachiota City does not handle reservations.
• Conditions: aged 15 and over (those under 20 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and sign a liability waiver); weight 40–105 kg; not available to pregnant visitors or those who have consumed alcohol on the day
• ※ This information is sourced from a Hitachiota City webpage, but the last update date of that page is 25 July 2022. Please confirm the current fee directly on the Bungy Japan official website.

10. Hanazono Valley (Kitaibaraki City): Practical Information

First, let's confirm the location. Hanazono Valley is in Hanazono, Hanawa-machi, Kitaibaraki City, within the Hanazono Hanatachi Prefectural Natural Park. It is not in Daigo Town or Nakagawa Town. The nearest station is Isohara Station on the JR Joban Line (not the Suigun Line).

• Peak timing: mid-November every year (one of the rare cases where the Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association explicitly states "every year")
• "The colours of oak, maple, Japanese beech, and mountain maple in November are beautiful... some sections of the road are narrow, so care is required when passing through" (Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association)
• Free admission
• For reference: the nearby Sarugajo Valley "peaks earlier than Hanazono Valley, with the first week of November being the peak every year" (same association)

The car park situation is the biggest pitfall here.

• Hanazono Municipal Car Park (= Hanazono Shrine car park): 60 spaces
• There is no car park inside the valley. The official information states: "Nearest car park: Hanazono Shrine 2nd Car Park (approx. 30 minutes on foot / 2.5 km to the valley) / Car park inside the valley: as there is no car park, please stop temporarily on the road shoulder."

In other words, this is not a place where you can park at the valley entrance and walk a short distance. You must either park at the shrine and walk 30 minutes each way, or stop briefly on the road shoulder. As some sections are narrow, please take great care with traffic behind you when stopping on the road shoulder.

Access (Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association official information)

• By car: approx. 30 minutes from Kitaibaraki IC on the Joban Expressway (approx. 25 minutes to Hanazono Shrine)
• By train: approx. 30–35 minutes by taxi from JR Joban Line "Isohara Station"
• No bus routes are listed in the official information. This is a destination that assumes travel by car or taxi.

Hanazono Shrine: 567 Hanazono, Hanawa-machi, Kitaibaraki City / 0293-43-9212 / 60 car park spaces / free admission. Traditionally said to have been founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and opened by the Priest Jikaku, and home to a "cedar tree of children and safe delivery." Note that the Hanazono tourism toilet (next to the City-operated Hanazono Shrine 2nd Car Park) was closed following Typhoon No. 13, but was restored on 13 December 2023.

Regarding the illumination and road closure. The Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association once had a page announcing a Hanazono illumination event and a notice of "Hanazono Valley Nanataki direction — city road closure." Both now return 404 errors and have been removed. There is currently no primary source indicating whether an illumination takes place or whether the road closure has been lifted. It is strongly recommended that you telephone the Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association on 0293-43-1111 before visiting to confirm the situation.

11. Road and Rail Conditions

• Okukuji Panorama Line — partial full road closure (near the Fudo-no-Taki (Immovable Falls) entrance in Kitatomi, Daigo Town) / closure period: "indefinitely." Posted 16 June 2025; no notice of reopening has been issued. Those planning to travel through to the Mt. Nantai area should note this carefully.
• The full road closure around Hitachi-Daigo Station (near Jisentodo Hospital) runs 24 hours a day from 20 August to 30 September of this year (Reiwa 8 (2026)). It is expected to end before the foliage season.
• The suspension bridge closure at Fukuroda Falls (for rockfall protection fence renovation work) ran from 2 March to 31 March of this year (Reiwa 8 (2026)), and has already ended.
• JR Suigun Line is operating normally as of 6 September 2026.

Discrepancy in journey time figures: From Naka IC to Fukuroda Falls, Daigo Town states approx. 60 minutes while the Daigo Town Tourism Association states approx. 50 minutes. The bus journey from Fukuroda Station to Takimoto is listed as "approx. 7–10 minutes" by the town and "approx. 10 minutes" by the association. Please allow extra time when planning.

12. Bears and Wildlife

• Daigo Town bear sighting information (updated 27 Feb 2026): 4 sightings, all in 2025 (Reiwa 7). ① 17:15 on 2 June, near the Takashiba / Apple Line municipal boundary (dashcam footage confirmed as Asiatic black bear); ② 4:20 on 9 June, Uchidaino; ③ 10 June, Shimonomiya (DNA analysis of droppings suggested high likelihood of wild boar); ④ 6:20 on 22 April, near Nakago / Karatakekubo forest road (sensor camera). Contacts: Daigo Town Agriculture and Forestry Division 0295-72-1128 / Daigo Police Station 0295-72-0110
• Daigo Town "Alert for Hikers" (18 Nov 2025): Citing a succession of mountain accidents and incidents, the notice urges hikers to carry noise-making devices such as bear bells or a radio and to submit a mountain entry form. Anyone planning to walk towards Mt. Tsukigoro or Namase Falls must read this.
• Hitachiota City states on a page updated 11 June 2026: "There are currently no bear sighting reports."
• Regarding Kitaibaraki City: a full-text search of the city tourism association website for "bear" returned zero results, and no official wildlife alert could be confirmed.
• Ibaraki Prefecture established a second-type designated wildlife management plan for Asiatic black bears in March 2025 (Reiwa 7) and partially revised it on 26 March 2026 (Reiwa 8).

Regarding leeches (yamabiru): No official warnings have been issued for any of the three sites. The Ibaraki Prefecture official website treats leeches rather as a future risk: "If the Chinese muntjac (kyon) enters the prefecture, leeches are likely to come with it, making early countermeasures necessary" — implying that leeches are not yet a problem in the prefecture.

Regarding fire and drones: No official notice explicitly banning these was found for any of the three sites. This does not mean they are permitted, but as all three are natural parks or tourist facilities, please follow on-site notices and the instructions of staff.

13. Checklist Before You Go

• [ ] Fukuroda Falls: adults ¥500 / children ¥300 (revised July 2025). The ¥300 figure is out of date.
• [ ] The elevator is included in the admission fee. It is not charged separately.
• [ ] November opening hours are 8:00–17:00 (different from 18:00 closing in May–October)
• [ ] Town-operated car parks are free but 1.2–1.4 km from the falls. Closer parking is private and paid.
• [ ] Buses from Fukuroda Station run 3 times a day. Work backwards from the return service.
• [ ] The 2026 Daigo Raito schedule has not been announced. It has started in October some years and in November in others.
• [ ] Ryujin Suspension Bridge: adults ¥320 / children ¥210, 8:30–17:00 (last admission 16:40)
• [ ] Illumination operation every Saturday until 20:00 (last admission 19:30)
• [ ] 13 November (Prefectural Citizens' Day): crossing is free
• [ ] The trail returning via the opposite bank is closed. You cannot do the loop.
• [ ] Ryujin Suspension Bridge bus fare: ¥550 from 1 October 2026
• [ ] Ryujin Suspension Bridge bus: 3 round trips on weekdays, 5 on weekends and public holidays
• [ ] No official traffic restrictions or shuttle bus services have been announced for the Ryujinkyo Autumn Foliage Festival.
• [ ] Hanazono Valley is in Kitaibaraki City. The nearest station is JR Joban Line Isohara Station (not the Suigun Line).
• [ ] There is no car park inside Hanazono Valley. It is approx. 30 min / 2.5 km on foot from Hanazono Shrine 2nd Car Park.
• [ ] Hanazono Valley has some narrow sections. No official information on whether large vehicles can enter.
• [ ] Hanazono Valley illumination and road closure pages have been deleted from the official website. Call 0293-43-1111 to confirm.
• [ ] Part of the Okukuji Panorama Line is closed "indefinitely."
• [ ] If hiking, carry a bear bell and submit a mountain entry form (as urged by Daigo Town).

14. Information Sources

• Daigo Town official website: Fukuroda Falls admission, opening hours, car parks, FAQ, bear sighting information, hiker alert, road closures
• Daigo Town Tourism Association (incorporated association): Fukuroda Falls access and viewing platforms, Daigo Raito illumination, foliage colour update
• Ryujin Suspension Bridge official website (ohtsuribashi.ryujinkyo.jp): crossing fee, opening hours, car park, trail closure, events
• Hitachiota City Tourism and Products Association (incorporated association): Ryujin Suspension Bridge, Ryujinkyo Autumn Foliage Festival, bus timetable
• Hitachiota City: Ryujin Suspension Bridge facility information, Ryujin bungee jump, bear alert, bus fare revision
• Ibaraki Kotsu: Hitachiota Station bus stop guide, news release of 6 August 2026 (fare revision), operational information
• Kitaibaraki City Tourism Association: Hanazono Valley, Hanazono Shrine, Sarugajo Valley, Japanese-language version of multilingual website
• Ibaraki Prefecture: Asiatic black bear management plan and sighting information, kyon (leech) information
• JR East train operation information: Suigun Line

*Dates and prices are subject to change. Please check the latest information on each official website before you set out.*