tripuuu.log
Winter Scenery · Chubu & Hokuriku

Hirayu Great Falls

Okuhida, GifuFrozen waterfall & icicles❄ Best season: Mid Feb – Late Feb✦ Illumination
Search by dates and destination
Overview

Overview

Hirayu Great Falls, at Hirayu Onsen in the Okuhida Onsengo hot spring area, is 64 m high and 6 m wide. It freezes in the harsh cold of midwinter, and every February the Ice Festival (Keppyo Matsuri) is held with the frozen falls illuminated.

Address
Hirayu, Okuhida Onsengo, Takayama, Gifu
Official website
https://okuhida.or.jp/
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonEvery February (the Ice Festival is held every year from February 15 to 25)
December
January
February

How much the falls freeze depends on how cold that year is. Check the official website for the latest information

This season’s events & operating dates

2027 Ice Festival February 15–25, illumination 19:00–21:00

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

The highlight is the great falls frozen white in winter. During the Ice Festival, the frozen falls and their surroundings are bathed in magical light, and every night at around 20:30 fireworks are launched from Hirayu Onsen Ski Area. Free zenzai (sweet red bean soup) and amazake are also handed out at the venue.

📷 Best views
Hirayu Great Falls

The 64 m falls frozen solid. Illuminated on Ice Festival nights

Illumination

Illumination & winter lights

Period
February 15–25, 2027
Hours
19:00–21:00
Admission
Free

Fireworks every night at around 20:30. Cancelled in rain; may be postponed in bad weather

Admission

Admission & fares

ViewingFree

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓You will walk on snowy paths at night, so a light for your feet and shoes with grip are reassuring
  • ✓The festival is cancelled on rainy days, so check the day’s status with the Okuhida Onsengo Tourism Association
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Otaki-guchi / Camping-jo-mae (Nohi Bus)About 15 min on foot
From major stations & airports
  • Takayama Nohi Bus Center: Nohi Bus to Hirayu Onsen (¥1,600) (About 53 min)
Driving & winter roads
In winter, use the Ankiya parking lot rather than the lot beside the falls (about 30 min on foot to the falls). Winter tires and other snow-road equipment are essential in winter
Getting back
  • Local buses are infrequent at night, so staying at Hirayu Onsen means you will not need to worry about getting back
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
February normals for Takayama: high 4.7°C, low -4.9°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Hirayu is at a high altitude and even colder than central Takayama
What to wear & bring
You will spend a long time outdoors at night, so bring a heavy down jacket, a hat and gloves, hand warmers, and waterproof, non-slip snow boots
☁ Chubu & Hokuriku weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Hirayu Great FallsPR

PRSee more places to stay near Hirayu Great Falls on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Takayama

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Takayama

Experience

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama

An open-air museum in Takayama where more than 30 buildings, including thatched- and shingle-roofed farmhouses relocated from across the Hida region, are arranged like a village. It's about 9 minutes by Sarubobo Bus from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Takayama's old town.

See all attractions →
Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Chubu & Hokuriku

Mountain & highland

Amaharashi Coast

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takaoka, Toyama

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Mar

Mountain & highland

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Okuhida, Gifu

❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Apr

Old town

Narai-juku

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kiso Valley (Tsumago & Magome)

❄ Best season: Early Feb

✦ Illumination
See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookTateyama Kurobe Alpine Route toursBook the mountain route’s rides in one goView