Houmeishijuhataki 48 Waterfalls, Miyagi Prefecture | A Comprehensive Guide to Sendai’s Hidden Waterfalls
Located along National Route 48 heading toward Akiu Onsen in the western part of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Houmeishijuhataki (鳳鳴四十八滝) is a collective term for numerous large and small waterfalls that cascade along the upper reaches of the Hirose River. Despite being only about 30 minutes by car from central Sendai, the landscape woven by abundant nature and clear waters continues to captivate visitors.
This article provides detailed information you should know when visiting this notable destination, including the charm of Houmeishijuhataki, access methods, seasonal highlights, and nearby tourist information.
What is Houmeishijuhataki | Origin of the Name Inspired by a Legendary Bird
Houmeishijuhataki is a collective term for a series of waterfalls in the upper reaches of the Hirose River in Aoba Ward, Sendai City, spanning from around the Seikou Bridge to the entrance of Sendai Highland. The name does not literally refer to 48 waterfalls, but rather is an expression describing the appearance of numerous cascading waterfalls.
Origin of the Name and Legend
The name of these waterfalls is said to have been given because the beautiful sounds of water from the falls resemble the cries of the phoenix (houou), a legendary divine bird in Chinese mythology. The various sounds produced by countless waterfalls of different sizes—gentle, clear tones mixed with loud sounds that resonate throughout the surrounding area—seemed to echo like the cry of a phoenix, thus earning this elegant name.
The phoenix has long been revered as a symbol of good fortune and as a sacred bird that brings peace and prosperity. Houmeishijuhataki, named after this legendary bird, is a scenic site that can be considered a work of art created by Sendai’s natural environment.
A Painting Drawn by Nature
Although Houmeishijuhataki is located just slightly off National Route 48, its landscape invites visitors into another world. The sight of waterfalls cascading in steps with Kamakura Mountain as a backdrop is like a painting drawn by nature itself.
The clear waters of the Hirose River flow down the rocky surface and fall as waterfalls of various sizes, creating white spray as they cascade in overlapping fashion. This spectacular view, combined with the lush forests surrounding the area, makes this a precious spot where one can enjoy pristine natural beauty despite its proximity to an urban area.
The Charm of Houmeishijuhataki | Spectacular Scenery in Every Season
The greatest charm of Houmeishijuhataki lies in its natural landscape that reveals a different character with each season. Depending on the season of your visit, you can enjoy completely different vistas.
Spring’s Awakening and Snowmelt Waters
Spring at Houmeishijuhataki is a season when increased snowmelt water swells the waterfalls, intensifying their power. The natural world, which had slumbered through winter, awakens, and the surrounding trees begin to bud. From April through May, delicate greens begin to color the gorge, and you can enjoy the sounds of the waterfalls in refreshingly clear air.
The Radiance of New Green
The season of fresh green foliage from late May through June is considered one of the most beautiful times to visit Houmeishijuhataki. The sight of the surrounding fresh greenery combined with the shimmering white water spray is exceptionally beautiful. The vibrant green color of young leaves catching the sunlight shines brilliantly, creating a magnificent landscape with striking contrast against the white water.
During this period, temperatures are also comfortable, making it an ideal season for leisurely exploration while breathing in air rich with negative ions and pure essence. Combined with the forest bathing benefits, you can look forward to an experience that refreshes both body and mind.
Summer’s Coolness and Water Sounds
Summer at Houmeishijuhataki becomes an ideal retreat from the heat for Sendai residents. The gorge covered in deep green blocks out the sun’s rays, and the water spray from the falls cools the surrounding air. Even on days when the urban area suffers from intense heat, you can feel refreshing coolness here.
The water sounds are most pleasant during this season. With stable water levels, you can fully enjoy the harmony of water sounds produced by waterfalls of various sizes.
The Spectacular Autumn Foliage
From mid-October through early November, the autumn foliage season is, along with the fresh green season, one of the most beautiful times to visit Houmeishijuhataki. Broad-leaved trees including maples, beeches, and oaks turn red and yellow, transforming the entire gorge into a landscape like a brocade picture.
The sight of waterfalls flowing down with white spray against a backdrop of mountains colored in autumn foliage is truly like a painting. During this season, many tourists and photography enthusiasts visit to capture this magnificent scenery.
Winter’s Silence and Frozen Waterfalls
Winter at Houmeishijuhataki attracts fewer visitors and offers a mystical atmosphere enveloped in silence. During the coldest periods, parts of the waterfalls freeze, creating ice falls. Combined with the snow-covered surroundings, you can enjoy a fantastical winter landscape.
However, winter requires sufficient preparation and caution due to the possibility of icy roads and snow accumulation.
Access Information | About 30 Minutes from Central Sendai
Access to Houmeishijuhataki is most convenient by automobile. With relatively close access from the center of Sendai City, it is ideally located for day-trip tourism.
Access by Car
From Central Sendai
- Head west on National Route 48 toward Yamagata
- Travel time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
- Primary viewing points: Around Seikou Bridge or the Sendai Highland entrance
- Parking: Possible to park at safe shoulder locations (caution during crowded periods)
From Sendai-Miyagi IC
- From Tohoku Expressway Sendai-Miyagi IC via National Route 48
- Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes
From Yamagata Direction
- Head east on National Route 48 toward Sendai
- Pass through Sekiyama Tunnel toward Akiu Onsen
Access by Public Transportation
For public transportation, the JR Senzan Line is the nearest option.
Using JR Senzan Line
- From JR Sendai Station on the Senzan Line, get off at “Akiu Station”
- Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes
- On foot from Akiu Station: Approximately 30-40 minutes (about 3 km)
- By taxi: Approximately 5-10 minutes
When using public transportation, there is some distance from the station, so using a taxi or combining a visit with accommodation at Akiu Onsen is recommended.
Tips for Navigation System Settings
If searching “Houmeishijuhataki” on your navigation system yields no results, try the following methods:
- Set “Sendai Highland” as your destination
- Search for “Seikou Bridge”
- Address: Sendai City, Aoba Ward, Shinkawa (along National Route 48)
Viewing Points and Photography Spots
Since Houmeishijuhataki consists of a series of waterfalls, there are several viewing points. You can enjoy the waterfalls from different angles at each location.
Around Seikou Bridge
The area around Seikou Bridge is one of the representative viewing points for Houmeishijuhataki. From the bridge or nearby, you can view the full panorama of waterfalls cascading in steps. The composition with Kamakura Mountain as a backdrop is beautiful and ideal for photography.
Near the Sendai Highland Entrance
The area near the Sendai Highland entrance along National Route 48 is another spot where you can view the waterfalls up close. Here you can feel the power of the waterfalls more directly and experience the sound of the spray and the pure air.
Best Timing for Photography
If your aim is photography, the following timings are recommended:
- Early morning: With few tourists and sunlight streaming in, the atmosphere is mystical
- Overcast days: The white water spray and green foliage contrast beautifully
- Autumn foliage season mornings: Colors appear most vivid
- After rain: Water volume increases and the waterfall’s power intensifies
Long exposure techniques to smoothly express flowing water are also effective for these waterfalls. Bringing a tripod allows you to enjoy more professional-level photography.
Nearby Tourist Attractions | Enjoying the Akiu Onsen Area
Various attractive tourist attractions are scattered around Houmeishijuhataki. Combining a visit to the waterfalls with these sites allows for a more fulfilling journey.
Akiu Onsen
Located approximately 5-10 minutes by car from Houmeishijuhataki, Akiu Onsen is known as “Sendai’s inner sanctuary” and is a historic hot spring resort. Hot spring inns line the gorge along the Hirose River, allowing visitors to enjoy hot springs surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Day-use bathing facilities are well equipped, making it recommended to soothe tired muscles in hot springs after viewing the waterfalls. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the view of the gorge’s foliage from an open-air bath is spectacular.
Nikka Whisky Sendai Plant – Miyagikyo Distillery
Located further west from Akiu Onsen, the Nikka Whisky Sendai Plant offers tours of whisky manufacturing processes. You can learn about the history and methods of whisky made using the clear water of the Hirose River and enjoy tastings (reservations recommended).
Jogi Nyorai Seihouji Temple
Located in the Jogi district in the western part of Sendai City, Jogi Nyorai is an ancient temple known for benefits related to matchmaking and fertility. Approximately 30 minutes by car from Houmeishijuhataki, it is also famous for its specialty “triangular fried tofu.”
Nikka Whisky Sendai Plant – Miyagikyo Distillery
Located in a naturally rich gorge, this facility offers whisky manufacturing tours and tastings. As a facility that also utilizes the blessings of the Hirose River’s clear water like Houmeishijuhataki, it is worth visiting in combination.
Ways to Enjoy Houmeishijuhataki | Recommended Activities
Here are some recommended ways to enjoy your visit to Houmeishijuhataki.
Listening to the Waterfalls’ Sound
Take time to enjoy the water sounds produced by the waterfalls, which inspired the name Houmeishijuhataki. The harmonic interplay of water sounds from numerous waterfalls of different sizes is like music created by nature itself. By closing your eyes and listening intently, you might come to understand the sensibilities of the ancients who imagined the phoenix’s cries.
Forest Bathing and Negative Ions
The area around the waterfalls is surrounded by abundant forest, making it an ideal environment for forest bathing. The combined effect of negative ions generated by the waterfalls and phytoncides released by the forest provides refreshment for both body and mind. Slow, leisurely walking while taking deep breaths will free you from daily stress.
Enjoying Photography
Houmeishijuhataki is a photography spot visited by numerous photography enthusiasts, both professional and amateur. With seasonal variations, changes in light with different times of day, and differences in atmosphere based on weather conditions, there are always new discoveries with each visit.
Excellent photographs can be taken with a smartphone, but bringing a DSLR camera or tripod allows for more professional-level creation.
Day Trip Combining Akiu Onsen
A day trip combining viewing Houmeishijuhataki with bathing at Akiu Onsen is a classic itinerary in the Sendai vicinity. The recommended plan is to visit the waterfalls in the morning and spend the afternoon relaxing in the hot springs after lunch.
Precautions and Items to Bring When Visiting
Here are important precautions to know and useful items to bring when visiting Houmeishijuhataki.
Safety Precautions
- Watch your footing: Areas around the waterfalls have rocky or wet surfaces that are slippery, so wear easy-walking shoes
- Some areas lack railings: Certain areas lack railings, so special care is needed, especially with children
- Water level increases from weather: After heavy rain or during snowmelt seasons, water volume increases and can be dangerous
- Winter road freezing: In winter, road surfaces may be frozen, requiring studded tires or chains
Recommended Clothing and Items
Clothing
- Comfortable, movable clothing that can get dirty
- Non-slip shoes (trekking shoes or sneakers)
- Weather-appropriate outerwear or rain gear
Items
- Camera or smartphone
- Drinks (vending machines may not be nearby)
- Towel (risk of getting wet from spray)
- Insect repellent (summer)
- Tripod (for serious photography)
Basic Information for Houmeishijuhataki
Finally, here is the basic information for Houmeishijuhataki.
Location
Shinkawa, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture; along National Route 48
Viewing Hours
24 hours (though daytime visits are recommended)
Admission
Free
Parking
No dedicated parking lot (parking available at safe shoulder locations)
Best Season
Fresh green foliage: Late May to June
Autumn foliage: Mid-October to early November
Inquiries
Sendai City Construction Bureau, Hundred-Year Forest Promotion Division, Parks Division
Telephone: 022-214-8394
Related Links
- Sendai City Official Site “100 Selected Green Destinations”
- Miyagi Marugoto Exploration (Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Information Site)
Conclusion | A Notable Destination to Experience Sendai’s Natural Beauty
Houmeishijuhataki is a precious spot where one can enjoy magnificent scenery created by abundant nature and clear waters, despite being accessible within a short distance from central Sendai. The water sounds of the waterfalls, compared to a phoenix’s cry, the step-like waterfalls with Kamakura Mountain as backdrop, and the surrounding landscape that changes with each season—each visit brings new discoveries.
Houmeishijuhataki displays particularly beautiful scenery during the fresh green and autumn foliage seasons, yet each season has its own unique charm. Combined with Akiu Onsen and nearby tourist attractions, you can spend a fulfilling day.
When visiting Sendai, be sure to see for yourself this landscape like a painting drawn by nature. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, a luxurious time awaits, soothed by the sound of waterfalls and abundant nature.
