Tamasudare no Taki

Deep in the hills of Sakata in Yamagata, the Tamasudare no Taki falls quietly drops its water. At 63 meters tall and 5 meters wide, it is the tallest single drop waterfall in the prefecture, and its form overwhelms those who visit. It is said that about 1200 years ago the monk Kobo Daishi found it through a divine message and gave it its name, and long ago it served as a training ground for mountain ascetics. A small shrine called Mitake stands before the falls, and the waterfall itself has been revered as a sacred body, making this a quiet power spot.

Highlights

- A single 63 meter drop. The spray running down the rock face looks like a curtain of beads, which is the origin of its name - The Mitake shrine sitting just before the basin. Putting your hands together with the falls at your back calms the heart - From the parking area it is about a 10 minute walk along a path framed by cedar trees. The sound of water grows closer and the air turns cool as you walk - Wrapped in abundant negative ions, a single deep breath helps reset the mind

Enjoying the Seasons

From spring to summer the fresh greenery is dazzling and the falls run full and powerful. In autumn the surrounding trees turn color and you can enjoy the foliage alongside the falls. In winter, around mid January in most years, the entire falls freeze into a mysterious wall of ice. Some years feature limited evening illumination, and the falls floating in the dark are especially striking.

Access and Basic Information

- About 40 minutes by car from JR Sakata Station - About 30 minutes by car from Sakata Minato IC on the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway - Parking available, then about a 10 minute walk along the path - Free to visit. Mountain footing, so easy walking shoes are recommended

A Quick Tip

The footing gets wet and slippery, so come in non slip shoes such as sneakers. After rain the water volume rises and you can meet an even more powerful sight.