A Cluster of Waterfalls in the Gorges of Mount Osuzu
The Osuzuyama Waterfall Group (尾鈴山瀑布群, Osuzuyama Bakufugun) is a group of waterfalls on Mount Osuzu in Tsuno Town, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture, which in 1944 was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs lists it under the criterion for gorges, waterfalls, mountain streams and deep pools. The Tsuno Town tourism association describes Mount Osuzu as a peak of 1405.2 metres straddling Tsuno and Kijo, with many waterfalls in the headwater valleys of the Nanuki River, including Amacha, Keyaki and Yatogi.
The Miyazaki Prefecture tourism association counts more than 30 falls, large and small, including Yatogi Falls and Shirataki Falls.
Why It Was Designated
The designation text preserved in the Agency's database says Mount Osuzu is made of hard quartz porphyry and is known for its towering form and dense forest.
Because the hard rock resists erosion and the streams carry plenty of water, the mountain holds many waterfalls of different character, named Iwami, Enokinoha, Banjaku, Hachinosu Senjo, Sudare, Momiji, Sagiri, Shira, Suzumi and Yatogi. The text names Yatogi the finest, describing the roar and spray of its fall of thirty jo as a great spectacle of the gorge.
What to Look For: Yatogi and Shirataki Falls
The Tsuno tourism association describes Yatogi Falls dropping straight for 73 metres; it is one of Japan's 100 finest waterfalls. Its name recalls the tradition that Emperor Jimmu sharpened his arrows here before setting out to found the nation. To the left of the falls, a rock bears the characters kami sakan nari, written by Akizuki Tanetatsu, Meiji-era lord of Takanabe.
Shirataki Falls slides like white threads down a cliff 75 metres high. On the way to it, a succession of smaller falls and streams line the path.
The Miyazaki tourism association notes rhododendrons and azaleas among the seasonal plants. The waterfalls and forest together make up the scenery the Osuzuyama Waterfall Group protects.
Visiting the Osuzuyama Waterfall Group
According to the Tsuno tourism association, Yatogi Falls is about 1.2 kilometres, or 30 minutes on foot one way, from the Osuzu campsite. Shirataki Falls is about 5 kilometres, or 2 hours one way, from the second Osuzuyama car park, with level stretches, climbs, a tunnel and, depending on the water, stream crossings. In warm weather mountain leeches appear, so take precautions.
The Miyazaki tourism association gives access as about 30 minutes by car from JR Tsuno Station. Trail conditions can change with the weather, so check the latest information with the Tsuno Town tourism association on 0983-25-5712 before setting out.
Q&A
- When was the Osuzuyama Waterfall Group designated?
- It was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty on 7 March 1944.
- How many waterfalls are there in the Osuzuyama Waterfall Group?
- More than 30, large and small, according to the Miyazaki Prefecture tourism association.
- How high is Yatogi Falls?
- It drops 73 metres, according to the Tsuno tourism association, and is one of Japan's 100 finest waterfalls.
- How far is the walk to Yatogi Falls?
- About 1.2 kilometres, or 30 minutes on foot one way, from the Osuzu campsite.
- How do I get to the Osuzuyama Waterfall Group?
- About 30 minutes by car from JR Tsuno Station.
Basic Information
| Name | Osuzuyama Waterfall Group (尾鈴山瀑布群) |
|---|---|
| Location | Tsuno Town, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture |
| Designation | Place of Scenic Beauty |
| Year Designated | Designated 1944/3/7 (Showa 19) |
| Quantity | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Dimensions | Mount Osuzu 1405.2 metres; Yatogi Falls drop 73 metres |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Accessible by mountain trails |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Osuzuyama Waterfall Group (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/2935
- Cultural Heritage Online: Osuzuyama Waterfall Group (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/162668
- Tsuno Town Tourism Association: Mount Osuzu (Japanese)
- https://www.tsunokanko.com/contents/osuzuyama.html
- Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism Association: Yatogi Falls (Japanese)
- https://www.kanko-miyazaki.jp/spot/1009
Last verified: 2026.09.27