Hijiridaki, a Matchmaking Waterfall and Heart Rock in Nichinan

In the mountains of Nichinan, in the southwest of Tottori, there is a beautiful waterfall called Hijiridaki. A legend says that the deities Konohanasakuya hime and Ninigi no mikoto held their wedding rite before this fall, and so it has long been known as the matchmaking waterfall. Sometimes introduced as a sanctuary for couples, it is a hidden gem known to a quiet few.

From the parking area, a nearly level path of about 800 meters leads you onward until Hijiridaki appears, formed of four large and small tiers. The very act of walking that path, laid out along a clear mountain stream through the dappled sunlight, loosens the heart.

Highlights

• A matchmaking waterfall tied to a mythical wedding
• A clear cascade flowing over four tiers, large and small
• Making a wish at the natural heart shaped rock
• A gentle path where sunlight filters through the trees
• Matchmaking touches such as love fortune slips and love votive tablets

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the fresh green is dazzling and the sound of the stream is soothing. In summer the area by the falls is cool, and you can play near the water. On summer nights Genji fireflies drift along the stream and Hime fireflies on the mountain side, spreading a dreamlike scene. In autumn the surrounding trees turn to crimson, a fine contrast with the waterfall. In winter all is wrapped in silence, and you can face the fall in clear air. If you are praying for a good connection, treasure the slow walk in any season.

Access and Basic Information

• Located in the Omiya area of Nichinan, Hino County, Tottori
• About 800 meters along the path from the parking area to the falls, roughly 20 minutes on foot
• A nearly level, easy to walk path
• A base using a renovated old farmhouse, called Katsumiya, stands nearby

Practical Travel Notes

• The best times are fresh green in May and June, the firefly nights of June and July, and the autumn leaves
• The round trip is about 20 minutes one way from the car park to the falls; allow one to two hours at an easy pace
• Matchmaking touches such as love fortune slips and love votive tablets are offered with Katsumiya as a base
• Set in the hills, the area by the falls is cool even in summer, so a layer to put on is comfortable
• The same town holds Fukusakae Shrine for good luck, so you can plan a route combining good connections and good fortune
• As a budget guide, walking the path is free; if you receive a love fortune slip or votive tablet, allow a few hundred yen

A Quick Tip

This is a place to wish not only for romance but for every kind of connection, including work and relationships. Try making a quiet wish before the heart rock. The path runs through the hills, so bring comfortable shoes and a layer to put on even in summer for peace of mind. In the firefly season of summer, be sure to savor the hours after dusk as well.

📚 Sources

This article draws on published information from Nichinan Town and its tourism-related sources, along with the myth tradition about Hijiridaki Falls and matchmaking. On-site guidance near the falls was also consulted. The state of nearby trails may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for the walk and viewing at the falls.
• Preparation: Non-slip shoes help on the mountain path.
• Getting around: View the beautiful falls wrapped in mountain nature in a quiet setting.
• Matchmaking visit: Tied to the tradition of Konohanasakuyahime and Ninigi, it is cherished as a place to pray for good relationships.
• Note: Footing is slippery after rain, so time your visit to the weather.