Koryuta Falls

Overview

Koryuta Falls is located in Samegawa Village, Higashi Shirakawa District, Fukushima Prefecture. It's a collection of waterfalls of varying sizes found in a valley formed by the Watasegawa River and the Otonakagawa River, both tributaries of the Kuji River. These waterfalls (Futamigatake Falls, Somen Falls, Niji Falls, Aoba Falls, Ryujin Falls, and Shoryu Falls) are collectively known as 'Koryuta Falls'. Each waterfall is accessible via walking paths, and the area is particularly beautiful in spring with fresh greenery and in autumn with vibrant foliage, attracting many photographers. In the dead of winter, parts of the waterfalls may freeze. A rural park, Koryuta Nou-son Koen, is located along the route from National Route 289 to Koryuta Falls, offering seasonal flowers and trees. 4.1 hectares around Koryuta Falls were designated as a Fukushima Prefecture Natural Environment Conservation Area in February 1975 (part of the area is designated as a special zone. For details on the Natural Environment Conservation Area, please see the page on Tsuyoshi Falls). The walking paths are also selected as one of the 'Fukushima Walking Trails 50'. Recently, due to the impact of Typhoon No. 19, which made landfall in October 2019, the river swelled, causing the collapse of a bridge on the walking path. As a result, some waterfalls (Ryujin Falls and Shoryu Falls) are currently inaccessible. Also, due to mild winters in recent years, the waterfalls freeze less often. Because the collapsed bridge prevents river crossing, Ryujin Falls, Bonten Rock, Futami Rock, and Shoryu Falls (downstream of Futami Rock) are inaccessible. (Currently, there is no prospect for restoration.) Please use the facilities in the rural park for parking and restrooms. It's about a 3-minute walk from the rural park to Futamigatake Falls.