Fudo Falls and Sakuramatsu Shrine

Within the grounds of Sakuramatsu Shrine in the Ashiro district of Hachimantai City, Fudo Falls tumbles quietly down the rocks. This roughly 15 meter, three tiered cascade is counted among the Hundred Waterfalls of Japan and has long been known as a training place for mountain ascetics. It lies in the peaceful Sakuramatsu Park, a spot locals fondly call their spiritual home, far from heavy tourist crowds.

The name Sakuramatsu comes from a tale in which villagers revered as a good omen the sight of cherry blossoms blooming on a pine tree. Fudo Myoo and the goddess Seoritsuhime are enshrined here, and the waterfall itself has been cherished as sacred ground. A figure of Fudo Myoo sits in the rock wall beside the falls, and the grounds, wrapped in the sound of water and stands of trees, hold the quiet tension of a sacred ascetic site.

Highlights

• The powerful three tiered Fudo Falls, roughly 15 meters high, where you can bathe in plentiful negative ions
• The Fudo Myoo figure set in the rock wall beside the falls, lending a solemn air fitting a sacred ascetic site
• The matchmaking tree in the grounds, two maple trunks joined together, known for blessings of good relationships
• Daikoku, Ebisu, and Hotei, deities of fortune, are also enshrined, making it a favorite for good luck

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring fresh greenery and the young leaves of Sakuramatsu Park frame the falls in crisp air. In summer the spray brings welcome coolness, perfect for escaping the heat. Autumn turns the surroundings crimson and gold, the most beautiful scene of the year. In winter the frozen falls amid the snow reveal a different, divine kind of beauty.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kamasuda, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, within Sakuramatsu Park
• Access: About 10 minutes by car from the Ashiro interchange of the Tohoku Expressway. By public transport, a taxi from JR Araya Shinmachi Station on the Hanawa Line is convenient
• Free to visit, no charge to view the falls
• Parking is available, and a footpath leads to the falls

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time: May for fresh greenery and mid to late October for autumn color are especially lovely, while summer suits a cooling stroll
• Time needed: the falls are a few minutes on foot from the parking area, and a relaxed visit takes about 30 to 60 minutes
• Watch your footing: rocks and the path near the basin get wet from spray and can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes
• Real nearby spots: pair a visit with the Hachimantai Aspite Line, the Hachimantai hot spring area, and Appi Kogen to round out an exploration of the Hachimantai region
• Budget feel: visiting and viewing are free, a rental car is the easiest way to get around, and parking is free

A Quick Tip

The ground around the basin gets wet and slippery, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Do not forget to pray at the matchmaking tree. The autumn foliage season is especially popular, so an early morning visit lets you face the falls in quiet.

📚 Sources

This article was compiled by our editorial team based on the history of Sakuramatsu Shrine and on-site guidance, public information from Hachimantai City and its tourist information, public information about Sakuramatsu Park, and general information about Fudo no Taki, chosen for the Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan. The operation of the nearby Hachimantai Aspite Line, the Hachimantai hot spring area, and Appi Kogen may change. Fees, hours, and access may also change, so before you set out please check the official information such as the tourist information of Hachimantai City.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: a few minutes on foot from the parking area to the waterfall; about 30 to 60 minutes even for a leisurely visit and stroll
• What to bring and prepare: around the basin, the rocks and trail are wet and slippery from spray, so wear comfortable shoes. Public transport is limited, so a rental car is convenient
• Suggested route: walk the trail within Sakuramatsu Park to the three-tiered Fudo no Taki, and also worship the Fudo Myoo on the waterfalls rock face and the marriage-tie tree in the precinct
• Watch your footing: the area around the basin is wet and slippery, so take care with your footing
• For a quieter visit: the autumn foliage season grows popular, so visiting early in the morning lets you face the waterfall quietly