Takimata Falls: A Hidden Oasis in Kyoto's Mountains

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Discover Kyoto's hidden gem: Takimata Falls. Hike through serene forests, admire stone Buddhas, and witness the beauty of this 25-meter waterfall.

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Takimata Falls

Escape the city bustle and discover Takimata Falls, a serene 25-meter waterfall nestled in the lush forests of Kyoto's Ukyo Ward. A scenic hiking trail leads you to this hidden gem, complete with stone Buddhas and the soothing sounds of nature.

A brief summary to Takimata Falls

Kitatani-17 Keihokuhosonocho, Kyoto, Kitatani Keihokuhosonocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-0262, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Takimata Falls.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the trail can be uneven and slippery in places.
Bring water and snacks, as there are no vending machines or shops along the trail.
Be mindful of wildlife, including potential bear sightings. It's recommended to hike in groups and carry a bear bell or whistle.
There are no trash cans, so please take all your garbage with you.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Bus Takao-Keihoku Line (towards Shuzan) to Hosonoguchi bus stop. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Hosonoguchi, follow the signs to Takimata Falls, about a 1-kilometer walk through the forest. The bus fare is around ¥800. Be sure to use the restroom at Hosono Elementary School, a 5-minute walk from the bus stop, as there are no facilities in the forest.
Car

From Kyoto city, take Route 162 north towards Keihoku. Just past the village before the Keihoku Tunnel, turn onto the forest road. A parking lot is available near the Takimata Stone Buddha. From the parking lot, it's about a 1-kilometer walk to Takimata Falls. Parking is free.

Discover more about Takimata Falls

Takimata Falls, one of the Keihoku Ten Scenic Sites, offers a tranquil escape into nature, located in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward. The waterfall itself cascades down a 25-meter cliff, creating a stunning view framed by the surrounding forest. The sunlight filtering through the trees adds to the magical atmosphere, making it a refreshing experience in any season.The journey to Takimata Falls is as rewarding as the destination. The trail, part of the Keihoku Trail course, winds through the forest, following the Hosono River. Along the way, you'll encounter a collection of stone Buddha statues, a unique and slightly odd artistic touch to the natural landscape. These statues, created by local artist Norihiko Yotsutsuji, add a cultural dimension to the hike.Takimata Falls is also steeped in history. It's said that Tenkai Causal Resident, a nephew of Oda Nobunaga, retreated to this area after a religious dispute, seeking solace and practicing asceticism by the falls. This historical connection adds another layer of intrigue to this natural attraction.