Akiu Otaki
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Akiu Otaki
- Location
- 〒982-0244 Baba Otaki, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
- Access
- From Aiko Station on the JR Senseki Line, take the Sendai City Bus bound for Nikko for 38 minutes, and get off at Akiu Otaki, which is right nearby.
- Parking
- Parking available for approximately 200 vehicles.
- Business Hours
- Open for visitation.
- Contact Information
- Phone Number:022-398-2323
- Official Website
Map
Detailed Information
Akiu Otaki Falls is one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, located in Akiu Town, Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. This straight waterfall has a width of about 6 meters and a drop of about 55 meters. Its magnificent flow has been selected as one of the “100 Best Waterfalls in Japan” and designated a National Scenic Spot. It is also sometimes counted among Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls, alongside Kegon Falls in Tochigi Prefecture and Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture. The sight of the water thundering down in a powerful cascade is truly breathtaking.
The area around the falls is surrounded by lush trees such as maple, oak, and others, and offers a different beauty in every season: fresh greenery in spring, cool freshness in summer, colorful autumn foliage, and frozen waterfalls in winter. From mid-October to early November in particular, the falls and rocky landscape framed by autumn leaves create a vivid contrast, attracting many visitors.
From the viewing platform, you can look down over the entire waterfall. If you descend the well-maintained walking path from Fudotaki Bridge, you can reach the basin in about 5 to 10 minutes. The spray felt up close spreads like mist, bringing refreshing coolness even in summer and making it feel as though you are standing under a natural shower. However, the ground can be slippery, so comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.
Right next to the falls is Akiu Otaki Fudoson, and within its grounds stands a large ginkgo tree designated as a protected tree by Sendai City, turning golden in autumn. Nearby, the Sendai City Akiu Otaki Botanical Garden has about 200 species and 15,000 trees planted, and visitors can also view Suddare Falls from within the park.
Access is convenient, with the site about a 30-minute drive from central Sendai. If using public transportation, take a bus from Sendai Station bound for Akiu Onsen, get off at the Akiu Otaki stop, and walk about 20 minutes to the falls. One of its charms is that you can enjoy a scenic walk while taking in nature. The surrounding area also includes the Akiu Onsen hot spring district, restaurants, glass workshops, and farms, making it a great place to enjoy alongside sightseeing.
Akiu Otaki Falls is one of the leading scenic spots in the Tohoku region, where you can experience the power of nature and the beauty of the seasons all at once. Visiting it together with Sendai sightseeing or Akiu Onsen will surely leave you with lasting memories.
Akiu Otaki Movies
Miyagi Tourist Attractions
View ListMatsushima Bay
Matsushima Bay is one of Japan's three scenic views, boasting beautiful landscapes that stretch across the eastern bay of Sendai Bay. Within the bay, there are 260 i...
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
Sendai Uminomori Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Tohoku, and its charm lies in the dolphin, sea lion, and bird performances held in an open stadium. The ...
Jōzenji Street
Jozenji Street is a major avenue that stretches east to west through the heart of Sendai City, particularly loved for its approximately 700-meter-long zelkova tree-l...
Oosaki Hachimangu
Osaki Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine founded in 1607 by Date Masamune. The main shrine buildings (honden, ishi no ma, and haiden) were designated as national tre...
Sendai Castle Ruins
Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle) is a historic mountain castle that once existed in Sendai City, Japan. Constructed over 400 years ago by the first lord of the Sendai dom...
Entsu-in Temple
Entsuin is known as a "temple for matchmaking" and a "famous spot for autumn leaves," attracting many visitors. Adjacent to Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, it is famo...
Okama Crater in Zao
Mount Zao, located on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures, is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. At its center lies the Zao Okama, a crater lake sur...

