CastleTsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle) in Snow
Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku
❄ Best season: Mid Nov – Mid Mar
✦ Illumination
Winter Scenery · Tohoku
Tamasudare Falls Frozen Waterfall
Sakata, YamagataFrozen waterfall & icicles❄ Best season: Mid Jan – Early Feb
Overview
Overview
Tamasudare Falls, 63 m high and 5 m wide, is the largest vertical waterfall in Yamagata Prefecture and is said to have been named by Kobo Daishi about 1,200 years ago. In the coldest season you may be able to see it as a frozen waterfall.
- Address
- Omori, Masuda, Sakata, Yamagata
- Time needed
- About 30 min to 1 hour round trip from the parking lot
- Official website
- https://yamagatakanko.com/attractions/detail_297.html
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonUsually mid-January to early February (the coldest period)
December
January
February
Whether the falls freeze depends on the cold
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
In the depths of winter, the falls dropping down a rock wall surrounded by giant cedar trees turn into a white pillar of ice. The falls are about a 10-minute walk along a trail from the parking lot.
📷 Best views
In front of the falls
The 63 m vertical falls frozen solid
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The trail is generally not cleared of snow in winter. Depending on the snow, kanjiki (snowshoes) may be needed
- ✓There has been no winter illumination since 2013
- ✓Access by public transport is difficult, so a car is basically required. If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, do not push yourself
Access
Getting there
- From major stations & airports
- Sakata Station: Car (About 40 min)
- Sakata-Minato IC: Car (About 30 min)
- Driving & winter roads
- In winter, snow is cleared only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. On weekdays the road to the parking lot may be impassable due to snow
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- January normals for Obanazawa, the nearest weather guide observation station: high 1.7°C, low -4.1°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The falls are in the mountains of Sakata, some distance from Obanazawa, so use these as a rough guide
- What to wear & bring
- You will walk on snowy paths, so wear waterproof snow boots and warm clothing. Depending on conditions, kanjiki (snowshoes) may be needed
Winter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Tohoku
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Old townKakunodate Samurai District in Snow
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Lake
Frozen waterfall & icicles
Snow corridorSeasons, 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
