Akiu Great Falls
秋保大滝
In the Akiu hills of western Sendai, the Natori River plunges 55 m over a cliff. See it all from the lookout, then walk down to feel the spray at the basin.
A 55-metre drop on the Natori River
Akiu Great Falls (Akiu Otaki) is a waterfall on the Natori River as it flows through the Akiu district in western Sendai. It is about 55 metres high and about 6 metres wide, and the full, fast river hits the cliff edge and drops in one go. It was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 1942 and is one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. Sendai's tourism site counts it among the Three Great Waterfalls of Japan, together with Kegon Falls in Tochigi Prefecture and Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture.
Sendai city's cultural property records describe its roar, which seems to shake both banks, and the spray that turns to mist and makes rainbows, as scenery rare even in the Tohoku region.
Fudo and the faith around the falls
Right beside the falls is Akiu Otaki Fudoson (Otaki Fudo Hall). Its formal name is Takimotosan Saikoji, and it is considered the inner sanctuary of Yamadera (Risshakuji temple) in Yamagata Prefecture. Akiu Great Falls has long drawn worshippers as a sacred site dedicated to Fudo Myoo, a Buddha of esoteric Buddhism.
The lookout, the basin and the botanical garden next door
There are two places to see the falls. One is the Takimidai lookout, higher up, where you can take in the whole waterfall. The other is the plunge basin, reached by walking 5 to 10 minutes down a path through the woods from beside the Fudo-daki bridge. At the basin the spray drifts around like mist, and looking up you feel the full power of the falls close up.
Just west of the falls is the Sendai City Akiu Otaki Botanical Garden, where you can see about 800 kinds of plants in natural woodland. From its paths you can also see another waterfall, Sudare Falls.
Autumn colours are at their best from mid-October to early November, when crowds come. In spring there are azaleas and rhododendrons, and in winter the falls freeze, so each season looks different.
Getting there
Miyagi Kotsu buses run from stop 8 at the bus terminal by the west exit of Sendai Station to the Akiu Otaki stop, but only on weekends and public holidays. On weekdays, one option is a Sendai city bus from Ayashi Station on the JR Senzan Line. Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable before you set off.
Tips
- The path down to the basin is steep in places. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
- The direct bus from Sendai Station runs only on weekends and public holidays. If you are going on a weekday, look up the route via Ayashi Station in advance.
- Seen from the lookout and from the basin, the same waterfall makes a completely different impression. If you have time, go to both.
Sources
Updated 30 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
