Tatsuzawa Fudo Waterfalls

Originating from Mount Funamyojin in Fukushima, Tatsuzawa Fudo waterfall is a natural attraction formed by two distinct waterfalls, the Odaki and Medaki. The waterfalls are a 15-minute drive from central Inawashiro Town.

Tatsuzawa Fudo Waterfall

Photo by: PIXTA/ M・H

The flow of the Fudo River, a small mountain stream in the Inawashiro area, forms Tatsusawa Fudo Falls. As Odaki waterfall is approximately 10 meters tall and 16 meters wide, also known as the “male” waterfall. It flows down a black rock surface like a curtain and splashes into the river below. Nearby is the smaller Medaki, known as the “female” waterfall. It has a quieter beauty and flows calmly beside Odaki.

Seasonal Views

Photo by: PIXTA/ 細江貴寛

During spring and summer, the forest area around the falls comes alive with fresh greenery and blooming flowers. Tatsusawa Fudo Falls lies on the edge of the Aizu region, and it falls within the Aizu autumn foliage zone.

The forest surrounding Tatsusawa Fudo Falls is part of the local village shrine. The observatory site is home to the Tatsusawa Shrine, where the Buddhist deity Fudo Myo-o is enshrined. The Tatsusawa Fudo Falls and the Tatsusawa virgin forest earned a spot in the Fukushima Midori No Hyakkei, which lists 100 scenic greenery areas. It is one of the Thirty Best Waterfalls in Fukushima and is part of the Eight New Views of Inawashiro.

Activities and Attractions

During the summer months, the forest around the waterfalls provides excellent hiking opportunities. Explorers can enjoy nearby trails and explore the untouched beech forest that surrounds the area. Numajiri Hot Spring and Nakanosawa Hot Spring are nearby. Their source, Numajiri Motoyu, is Japan’s largest single-source hot spring.