Seoto-no-yu
Seoto-no-yu: Akiruno's Natural Hot Spring Retreat
Hossawa Falls: Tokyo's Natural Cascade
Escape to Tokyo's natural beauty at Hossawa Falls, a serene oasis offering stunning seasonal views and tranquil hiking trails.
Hossawa Falls, the only waterfall in Tokyo selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, offers a serene escape into nature. Cascading down 62 meters in four tiers, it's a picturesque spot surrounded by lush greenery in the Okutama region. Enjoy seasonal beauty, from verdant summers to frozen winter displays.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Hossawa Falls
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line and Ome Line to Haijima Station. Transfer to the Itsukaichi Line to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. From Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, take bus 五里10 or 五里18 from platform 1 to the Hossawa no Taki Iriguchi bus stop. The bus ride is approximately 30 minutes, followed by a 7-15 minute walk to the falls. The one-way bus fare is ¥490.
Driving
From central Tokyo, follow the Hinohara Highway along the Akigawa Valley. Pass the Hinohara Village Office and turn right at the Tachibanabashi traffic light. Continue for 500 meters to the Hossawa Falls Entrance bus stop. Parking is available, but limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Parking fees are approximately ¥500 per day.
Local tips
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Check the bus timetable in advance, as services to Hossawa Falls are infrequent.
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Visit during the winter months for a chance to see the frozen falls and participate in the Ice Fall Quiz.
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Wear sturdy shoes for the walk to the falls, as the path can be slippery in places.
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Pack a lunch or snacks, as restaurant options near the falls are limited.
Discover more about Hossawa Falls
Hossawa Falls (払沢の滝, Hossawa no Taki) is a stunning natural attraction nestled in Hinohara Village, in the western part of Tokyo. As the only waterfall in Tokyo chosen as one of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls, it offers a tranquil retreat from the city's hustle.
The falls cascade down a 62-meter drop in four tiers, creating a beautiful spectacle. The surrounding scenery transforms with the seasons, offering new perspectives throughout the year. In spring and summer, lush greenery abounds, while autumn brings vibrant fall foliage. Winter often sees the falls partially or completely frozen, creating a stunning icy display.
Historically, the falls were known as Baiko no Taki, named for their resemblance to a monk's robe. Local legend tells of a giant serpent dwelling in the waterfall's basin. Today, Hossawa Falls is Hinohara Village's biggest tourist draw, hosting a waterfall festival with illuminations in mid-August. In winter, an 'ice fall quiz' adds to the fun, challenging visitors to guess when the falls will freeze the most.
The path to the falls is well-maintained and gently sloping, making it accessible for most visitors. Along the way, you'll find charming spots like the Mori no Sasayaki woodworking shop, housed in a relocated, retro post office building.
A brief summary to Hossawa Falls
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