Hirayu Great Waterfall
平湯大滝
A waterfall near Hirayu Onsen in Takayama, Gifu, with a drop of 64 meters and a width of 6 meters, one of Gifu Prefecture's largest and selected as one of "Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls." A walking trail through virgin beech and oak forest leads close to the base of the falls, where visitors can experience the refreshing, negative-ion-rich air and the dynamic spray up close. In deep winter, the entire falls freeze into a giant, glowing blue-white ice pillar known as "hyobaku" (ice falls) — a major highlight — and the "Hirayu Great Waterfall Freeze Festival" is held each mid-February, offering a fantastical view of the illuminated ice falls.
One of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls, a 64-meter drop
Hirayu Great Waterfall boasts a 64-meter drop and 6-meter width, one of the largest waterfalls in Gifu Prefecture, and is selected as one of "Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls." It can be reached via a walking trail from Hirayu Onsen, itself a pleasant walk through virgin beech and oak forest. Near the base of the falls, visitors can cool off amid the powerful roar of water and negative ions, making it a popular summer retreat as well.
A giant, glowing blue-white ice fall in winter
In the depths of winter, the entire waterfall freezes into a giant, glowing blue-white icicle formation known as "hyobaku" (ice falls). Each mid-February (typically around February 15-25), the "Hirayu Great Waterfall Freeze Festival" is held, illuminating the ice falls from 19:00-21:00 for a fantastical display of ice artistry.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Enjoy the abundant flow of snowmelt water feeding the falls.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
Crowded with visitors seeking coolness amid the fresh greenery and negative ions.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The surrounding beech forest turns autumn colors, offering a striking contrast with the falls.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The entire falls freeze into ice, with illumination during the mid-February Freeze Festival.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 30-40 minutes including the walking trail
- Crowd levels
- Parking and the trail get crowded on weekends during the Freeze Festival period
- Best time to visit
- Early morning in deep winter for the ice falls; after sunset for the illumination
| Address | Hirayu, Okuhida Onsengo, Takayama, Gifu (506-1433) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access for viewing (24 hours; use caution on the trail during snow/ice); illumination during the Freeze Festival period runs 19:00-21:00 |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 20 min walk from Takayama Nohi Bus Center (About 50 minutes by Nohi Bus on the Shin-Hotaka Line, get off at "Otaki-guchi/Campsite-mae," then about a 20-minute walk)
- 20 min walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal (About a 40-minute walk, or a few minutes by Nohi Bus to "Otaki-guchi/Campsite-mae," then about a 20-minute walk)