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By Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan - Kawarage jigoku, CC BY 2.0

Kawarage Jigoku Complete Guide: Akita’s Hell and Hidden Hot Spring Waterfall

Explore Kawarage Jigoku in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture! Plan your unique adventure, from the desolate landscape of one of Japan’s three sacred sites to the hidden hot spring waterfall limited to summer.

Introduction

Imagine a desolate mountain valley with no vegetation, exposed grayish-white rocks, the air filled with the smell of sulfur, and steam erupting everywhere, presenting a scene straight out of a legendary “hell.” This is Kawarage Jigoku in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, a mysterious place ranked alongside Mt. Osorezan in Aomori Prefecture and Mt. Tateyama in Toyama Prefecture as one of “Japan’s Three Sacred Sites.” However, next to this seemingly barren “hell,” a “paradise” full of vitality and healing energy is hidden – the Kawarage Oyutaki Falls, an extremely rare hot spring waterfall in Japan where the waterfall itself is a hot spring. This article will take you into the strange world of Kawarage Jigoku, exploring its unique geological landscape and historical significance, experiencing the wild fun of soaking under a magnificent waterfall, and providing detailed transportation methods and travel tips, allowing you to fully experience this hidden gem in Akita where hell and paradise coexist.

One of Japan’s Three Sacred Sites: The Desolate Beauty of Kawarage Jigoku

Kawarage Jigoku is known for its unique and somewhat eerie landscape and is considered one of Japan’s important spiritual places.

Desolate Hellish Landscape: Imprints of Volcanic Activity

  • Geological Formation: This vast grayish-white mountain valley is a remnant of ancient volcanic activity. Welded tuff expelled by volcanic eruptions was eroded into a grayish-white color by long-term action of geothermal heat and acidic spring water, forming the current landscape.
  • Bare Land, Steaming Air: Due to active geothermal heat, many fumaroles still continuously emit volcanic gases containing hydrogen sulfide and water vapor, filling the air with a strong smell of sulfur. The high temperature and acidic environment make it difficult for most plants to grow, creating this desolate landscape like an alien world.
  • History of Sulfur Mining: From the early Edo period to the mid-Showa period (approximately 1623-1966), this was one of Japan’s leading sulfur mines, and sulfur was extensively mined as a raw material for matches, fertilizers, etc., bringing a period of prosperity to the local area. Sulfur crystals can still be seen on the rock surfaces today.

Why is it called “Jigoku” (Hell)? The Meaning of the Three Sacred Sites

  • Visual Impact: Its desolate appearance with no vegetation, the pervasive smell of sulfur and steam, reminds people of the hellish scenes depicted in Buddhism, hence the name.
  • Japan’s Three Sacred Sites: Kawarage Jigoku, along with Mt. Osorezan in Aomori Prefecture and Mt. Tateyama in Toyama Prefecture, is called one of “Japan’s Three Sacred Sites.” These places usually possess strong natural forces (such as volcanic activity), unique landscapes, and are linked to mountain worship or views of the afterlife, and have been regarded as special places full of spirituality since ancient times. It is said that Kawarage Jigoku was founded in 807 AD by the monk Getsuso.

Miraculous Contrast: Kawarage Oyutaki Falls

Not far from this desolate “hellish” landscape, about a 15-20 minute walk away, you can reach a completely different “paradise” – Kawarage Oyutaki Falls, where the waterfall itself is a hot spring!

Hot Spring Waterfall! A One-of-a-Kind Wild Hot Spring

  • Formation of the Hot Spring Waterfall: High-temperature hot spring water gushing out about 1 kilometer upstream of Kawarage Jigoku merges with the mountain stream and cascades down from a height of about 20 meters, forming this extremely rare “hot spring waterfall.”
  • Natural Open-Air Bath: The basin below the waterfall and the surrounding stream all become natural open-air hot spring baths. Soaking in the hot spring here allows you to enjoy both the impact of the waterfall (natural spa) and the healing of the hot spring simultaneously, completely surrounded by nature, offering a unique wild experience.
  • Summer-Limited Wild Hot Spring Experience: Since the water temperature of the hot spring waterfall is affected by the amount of stream water, the most suitable period for bathing is from early July to mid-September each year. During this period, the water temperature is relatively moderate, and simple changing tents are usually set up near the waterfall basin. This is a completely open natural environment with no separate facilities for men and women, so you must wear a swimsuit when bathing. Here, under the magnificent waterfall, feeling the warm spring water, listening to the sound of water and insects and birds chirping, and breathing the air filled with phytoncides will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. It is deeply loved by hikers, local residents, and hot spring enthusiasts.
  • Precautions: As it is a natural stream hot spring, the water temperature may change due to the weather (such as rain). Please be aware if the water temperature is too high or too low. The stones on the streambed may be slippery, so please be careful when walking. Please do not use soap or shampoo, and help maintain the natural environment together.

How to Explore Kawarage Jigoku and Oyutaki Falls

To visit these two unique attractions, you mainly need to travel on foot.

Walking Routes and Time Required

  • Starting from Kawarage Jigoku Parking Lot:
    • To reach the Jigoku Valley, start from the Kawarage Jigoku parking lot (equipped with restrooms and a rest area) and walk down the well-maintained trail to enter the grayish-white Jigoku Valley area. Walking around this area takes about 30-40 minutes round trip.
    • To reach Oyutaki Falls, continue walking downstream along the trail from the Jigoku Valley area, passing through a mountain path (some sections are relatively steep or slippery), and you will arrive at Oyutaki Falls in about 15-20 minutes.
  • Starting from Kawarage Oyutaki Falls Parking Lot:
    • There is a smaller parking lot closer to the waterfall. From here, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to Oyutaki Falls, a relatively shorter distance, but you still need to go down a downhill mountain path.
  • Hiking Route: You can also combine the two by planning a hiking route from the Jigoku Valley to Oyutaki Falls and then back to the parking lot, which takes about 1.5 – 2 hours for the entire trip.

Parking Information

  • Kawarage Jigoku Parking Lot is larger and better equipped, serving as the main entrance.
  • Kawarage Oyutaki Falls Parking Lot is smaller and closer to the waterfall.

Both parking lots are free.

Practical Travel Information: Transportation, Best Season, and Precautions

Transportation Methods

  • Driving (Most Recommended): The most convenient way to get to Kawarage Jigoku is by car.
    • Exit the Yuzawa-Yokote Road at “Sukawa IC” or “Yuzawa IC” and head towards the area via Prefectural Road 51 and other roads. It takes about 40-50 minutes by car. There are signs along the way.
    • It takes about 45 minutes by car from JR “Yuzawa Station”.
  • Public Transportation (Very Inconvenient): There are almost no bus routes that go directly there, making access by public transportation very difficult and not recommended.

【Important!】Winter Road Closure

  • The mountain roads, including Prefectural Road 51, leading to Kawarage Jigoku and Oyutaki Falls, are completely closed in winter (usually from early November to early May of the following year) due to snow, making vehicle access impossible and the scenic spots inaccessible.
  • The exact dates of closure and opening are adjusted annually depending on the snow conditions, so be sure to check if the roads are open through the Akita Prefecture road information website (such as “Akita no Michi Joho”) or the Yuzawa City tourism website before departing.

Best Time to Visit

  • Hot Spring Waterfall Experience: From early July to mid-September is the only suitable season for soaking in the hot spring at Oyutaki Falls.
  • Jigoku Valley Landscape: The Jigoku Valley landscape can be visited anytime during the period when the roads are open (approximately from mid-May to the end of October). In autumn, the contrast between the autumn leaves in the surrounding mountains and the grayish-white Jigoku Valley also creates a very special view.

Clothing and Items to Bring

  • Shoes: You must wear non-slip, comfortable hiking shoes or athletic shoes as you need to walk on mountain paths and potentially slippery trails.
  • Clothing: The weather in the mountains is changeable, so it is recommended to bring a windproof, waterproof jacket. If you plan to soak in the hot spring in summer, you need to prepare a swimsuit and a towel.
  • Drinking Water: There are no supply points along the trail, so please bring enough drinking water.
  • Protection: The smell of sulfur is relatively strong, so if you are sensitive to odors, consider bringing a mask. There may be mosquitoes and insects in the mountains, so it is recommended to bring insect repellent.
  • Safety: Be sure to walk on the designated trails and avoid approaching fumaroles or dangerous areas. Watch out for falling rocks.

Nearby Attractions

  • Doroyu Onsen: About 2 kilometers from Kawarage Jigoku (about a 30-minute walk or short drive), it is a historic hidden hot spring area known for its grayish-white mud bath.
  • Oyasukyo Daifunto: Located nearby, you can see a large amount of hot spring steam喷涌 from cracks in the riverbank rocks.

Official Tourist Information

  • Please refer to the Yuzawa City Tourism and Product Association website or the Yuzawa City official website.

Conclusion

Kawarage Jigoku and Kawarage Oyutaki Falls, these two places with contrasting names, together form an extremely unique and unforgettable natural landscape. Here, you can witness firsthand the desolate “hellish” scene left by volcanic activity, feeling the pulse of the earth and the smell of sulfur. Turn a corner, and you can jump into the hot spring waterfall “paradise” cascading from the sky, enjoying the wild fun and healing surrounded by nature. As one of Japan’s three sacred sites, Kawarage Jigoku brings not only visual impact but also a unique hot spring waterfall experience. If you love exploring hidden gems and seeking extraordinary natural wonders, then this corner of Akita Prefecture is definitely worth driving to and exploring in summer or autumn!

Are you more interested in the desolate hellish landscape, or do you want to experience the one-of-a-kind hot spring waterfall? Share your thoughts in the comments section below! If you found this guide helpful for your exploration of Akita’s hidden gems, please share it with friends who also love adventure!