If you plan to visit Takeda Castle Ruins by car and likes hiking, there is a spot in Yabu City that you can visit on the same day. Tendaki Falls (天滝), with a height of 98 meters, is the best waterfall in Hyōgo Prefecture and one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls! If you are coming to Japan to enjoy the stunning nature, this waterfall, surrounded by rich nature, is a perfect choice. One thing to note is that due to heavy snow in the area, Tendaki Falls isn’t accessible in winter.
Getting to the Tendaki Falls from the Trailhead
From the trailhead (left photo) to Tendaki Falls, it is around a 30 to 50-minute hike. If you plan to drive, there is a car park with a capacity of 15 cars at the trailhead. On weekends and public holidays, the car park will probably be full from late morning.
The second closest car park is at the Resthouse Tendaki (レストハウス天滝), doubled the capacity of the one at the trailhead.
If you plan to take a bus, the bus stop, Tendakiguchi (天滝口), is around a 10-minute walk from the resthouse.
On the way to Tendaki Falls, a couple of small yet gorgeous waterfalls are the entrees to the main dish, Tendaki Falls.
The trail along the river flowing in Tendaki Valley (天滝渓谷) (right photo) is quite narrow, so trek carefully, as you won’t want to fall in the river.
Among numerous waterfalls in Tendaki Valley, seven waterfalls were named due to their unique shapes.
The Meotodaki Falls (夫婦滝) is one of them.
If the signboards weren’t taken away as souvenirs by one of the previous hikers, they will be there for you as a reminder to pay attention to the waterfall close by (^_-)-☆.
The Best Spots to Adore Tendaki Falls and the Area’s Fall Foliage Season
To get a similar view of Tendaki Falls (like the photo to the right), you must climb a set of stairs leading to the observatory. You can get even closer to the waterfall by venturing your way out from the observatory. But be careful!
It goes without saying, Tendaki Falls receives the most visitors during the autumn foliage season. Along the Tendaki Valley, the color usually peaks from early to mid-November. Around the trailhead, it starts a bit later from around mid-November.
The promenade doesn’t just stop at Tendaki Falls. You can trek to Tawara-ishi Rock (俵石) and then all the way to Sugigasawa Plateau (杉ヶ沢高原) for a great view of Mt Hyōno (氷ノ山) and the surrounding magnificent nature.
Tawara-ishi Rock (俵石)
If you choose to trek to Tawara-ishi Rock from Tendaki Falls, it is an 800-meter hike through steep slopes.
The shape of the basalt here was formed more than 2.4 million years ago. Named Tawara-ishi, it looks like bales that are neatly stacked.
As Tawara-ishi isn’t marked on Google Maps, HERE is a visual map of the attraction’s location.
What to Bring and What to Watch Out for
- Trekking shoes
- Hiking poles
- Long pants are essential because of leeches
How to Get to Tendaki Falls by Public Transport
- From JR Yōka Station (八鹿駅), take the Zantan Bus (全但バス), and get off at Ōya (大屋). From there, change to the bus bound for Wakasugi (若杉), and get off at Tendakiguchi (天滝口).
- You can use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
- In November, on weekends and public holidays, there are also sightseeing buses called Tajimawaru Tendaki Momiji-gō (たじまわる天滝もみじ号) departing from JR Wadayama Station (和田山駅) at 10:40 am.
- For more information, you can translate THIS PAGE with Google Chrome’s translation function on the right of the address bar.
- It is a one-day tour, so the bus will also drop by a few other attractions close by.
- Please note it is a Japanese-language tour
- Tour/bus fare is 500 yen, payable when you board the bus.
Discover the Natural Wonders in Yabu City
Yabu City, where Akenobe Mine is located, isn’t just about mining. It is actually a destination filled with the beauty of nature.
If you love to be surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, check out our article on Yabu City!
