Fudo Falls at Takizawa Park, a Matchmaking Waterfall in Yuzawa

Located in Takizawa Park in Yuzawa, Fudo Falls is a waterfall that can be reached on foot from the Echigo-Yuzawa hot spring town. It has two tiers: the upper fall is called Ozen and the lower fall Kozen. Splitting into two streams as it tumbles from a cliff about 20 meters high, the Ozen fall greets visitors with a refreshing air.

On the Ozen fall the stream on the left is called the male fall and the one on the right the female fall, and the two flows merge into one in the basin. It is said that if a young man and woman pray at this fall their love will blossom, and it is cherished as a matchmaking power spot. Its easy reach as a stop during a hot spring trip is part of the appeal.

Highlights

• The male and female falls of Ozen, splitting into two streams and joined into one in the basin.
• The two-tier structure of the falls, Ozen above and Kozen below.
• Powerful spray pouring down a cliff about 20 meters high.
• The nature of Takizawa Park, well placed within walking distance of the hot spring town.
• The cool, refreshing air beside the falls, chilly even in summer.

Enjoying the Seasons

In summer the coolness beside the falls is pleasant, ideal for a stroll to escape the heat. In fresh-green spring and the autumn-leaf season, the colors of the trees around the falls are beautiful and rewarding. In winter, however, snow makes it impossible to reach the falls. It is a waterfall best visited in the snow-free seasons together with the hot springs.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Yuzawa, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture, within Takizawa Park
• Access: From the hot spring street at the west exit of JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station, turn into a lane and walk about 15 minutes to Takizawa Park. From the park, a further 15 to 20 minutes up a mountain path brings you to Fudo Falls.
• In winter snow makes the falls inaccessible. Check trail conditions before visiting.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: early summer greenery and autumn foliage. Note that the falls cannot be reached in winter.
• Avoiding crowds: being close to the hot spring town, it draws people during the day. For a quiet view, morning is recommended.
• Time needed: about one and a half to two hours round trip from the hot spring town to the falls. Dress for walking.
• Nearby spots: Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen, Yuzawa Kogen, and Daigenta Canyon. It pairs well with a hot spring stroll.
• Budget guide: viewing is free. As it is reached on foot from the station, it fits easily into a rail trip.

A Quick Tip

The path to Fudo Falls is narrow and grows slippery when the ground is wet, so visit in easy-walking shoes. If you wish for matchmaking, gaze for a while at the basin where the two streams merge into one.

📚 Sources

This article is based on guidance from Yuzawa Town and the Yuzawa Tourism Association, public information on Takizawa Park and Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen, and on-site information boards. In winter snow makes the falls inaccessible and trail conditions vary, so please confirm with the Yuzawa Tourism Association before setting out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About one and a half to two hours round trip from the hot spring town.
• What to prepare: Easy-walking shoes, as the narrow path grows slippery when wet.
• When to go: Visit in the snow-free seasons; the falls cannot be reached in winter.
• How to tour: Reach it on foot from the station and pair it with a hot spring stroll.
• Before you go: Confirm trail conditions in advance, as they may change.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Address: Oaza-Yuzawa, Yuzawa Town, Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture (inside Takizawa Park)
• Access (on foot): 30 minutes on foot from the west exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen. Turn off into the side street at the Ashiyu Kannakkuri footbath on Onsen-dori street and it is about 15 minutes on foot to Takizawa Park
• Access (by car): 6-7 minutes by car from Yuzawa IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway (as far as Takizawa Park, just before the falls)
• Scale of the falls: A two-tiered waterfall; the upper tier is called Ozen and the lower one Kozen. Ozen has a drop of 20 metres
• Winter: The falls cannot be viewed and the path is closed in winter
• Condition of the path: The path is very narrow. It is paved, but as a mountain path it will get your shoes and trousers dirty. Some sections are slippery underfoot in bad weather
• Construction work: The erosion-control dam work has finished, but work such as footpath maintenance may be carried out from time to time

Note: viewing hours, fees and parking are not published officially.

(Sources: Echigo-Yuzawa Tourism Navi (Yuzawa Town Tourism and Community Development Organisation), Takizawa Park Fudo Falls page; Niigata Tourism Navi (Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association), page for the same spot)