Kuguri Daki, a Hidden Waterfall Slipping Through a Rock Hole in Nanyo, Yamagata

In the Kotaki district of Nanyo in Yamagata stands a rare waterfall called Kuguri Daki. Its drop is about 14 meters. The water flows down as if slipping through a hole in the rock about 5 meters tall and 4.6 meters wide, and this distinctive form gave it its name. It is surrounded by natural beech forest, a quiet space wrapped in clear water and greenery. Long ago, ascetics of the Kumano shrine are said to have purified themselves at this waterfall before heading to Mount Shirataka, making it a soothing hidden power spot long cherished by people.

Highlights

• The form of the waterfall dropping as if through a hole in the rock, a sight not seen elsewhere
• The natural beech forest surrounding it. Cool, clear air fills the space amid the dappled light
• Clear water at the source of the Yoshino river. When the snow melts and in early summer the volume rises and grows more powerful
• The ease of reaching the basin in about a 3 minute walk from the parking area

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: From late spring to early summer, skunk cabbage blooms around the falls. Summer offers the cool shade of the beech forest, and autumn brings beautiful foliage. To feel the fresh mist, the high-water period from snowmelt to early summer is recommended
• Avoiding crowds: As a quiet hidden spot to begin with, large crowds are few. Still, holidays at the peak of the skunk cabbage or foliage draw a few more people, so weekdays or mornings are calmer
• Time needed: About a 3 minute walk along the short path from the parking area to the basin. Including a look around, it can be toured in about 20 to 30 minutes
• Nearby real spots: It can be toured together with Kumano Taisha in Miyauchi, Nanyo, called the Ise of Tohoku, and with Akayu Onsen. It suits a stop during a drive
• Budget sense: Visiting is free. In winter snow makes the road hard to travel, so spring through autumn is the safer time to visit

Access and Basic Information

• About 4 kilometers on a mountain road from the Kuguri Daki signpost along National Route 348
• Parking available, then about a 3 minute walk to the basin
• Free to visit
• Take care with travel in winter due to snowfall. A visit from spring to autumn is recommended

A Quick Tip

Since the short path makes it easy to reach, it is perfect for a stop during a drive. Aiming for the skunk cabbage or foliage season will make the trip even more memorable. Touring it together with Kumano Taisha in the same city of Nanyo also makes for a small journey tracing the history of the mountain ascetics.

📚 Sources

This article is based on the guidance for Kuguri Falls published by Nanyo City and its tourism association, the local explanatory boards, and materials on the Kumano Taisha ascetics tradition. The condition of the surrounding trails, access, and parking availability vary by season and weather, so please confirm the latest details through Nanyo City before visiting. Please also check in advance the footing around the falls, which are wrapped in beech forest.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour to view the falls and walk the surroundings
• What to bring: Non-slip shoes for wet rocks and mountain paths, and clothing suited to the season
• Timing tips: Take your time to view the unusual sight of water pouring through a hole in the rock
• Highlights: The roughly 14-meter falls passing through the rock cavity, and the quiet space wrapped in natural beech forest
• Note: Footing around the falls is slippery, so do not force your way close and walk carefully

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Access: About 30 minutes by car from JR Akayu Station, or about 35 minutes from Yamagata-Chuo IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
• Cautions on site: Falling rocks are sometimes seen and there is also a risk of heavy rain and river flooding caused by extreme weather, so Nanyo City urges visitors to act with their own safety in mind
• Nearby: Close to the falls are Kumano Shrine and a small Myojin shrine
• Enquiries: 0238-40-8295 (Nanyo City, Tourism Brand Section of the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division; the city office is open on weekdays 8:30-17:15, excluding public holidays and 29 December to 3 January)
• Official information: Nanyo City website "Highlight spots: Kuguri-daki" / Yamagata Prefecture official tourism website "Journey to Yamagata"

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local authority. Hours and fees may change, so please check official information before you set out.