What Is Tsukimachi Falls? A Walk-Behind Waterfall in Daigo, Ibaraki
Tsukimachi Falls (Tsukimachi-no-taki) is a waterfall on the Ōnamase River in Daigo Town, Kuji District, Ibaraki Prefecture, with a drop of about 17 meters and a width of about 12 meters. Its greatest feature is that you can walk behind the flow instead of viewing it only from the front.
The experience of seeing the surrounding greenery and light through a curtain of water creates an experience unlike viewing a waterfall only from an observation deck.
Why It Is Known as a Walk-Behind Waterfall
Because the terrain behind the falls is hollowed out, allowing you to step behind the flow, it is also called an "urami-no-taki" (waterfall viewed from behind) or "kuguri-daki" (walk-through waterfall).
Walk-behind waterfalls that can be viewed from behind with little spray are rare in Japan, making this one of the highlights of Tsukimachi Falls.
Start with the full view from the front, move to the side, and then proceed behind the falls to enjoy the changing scenery in a natural sequence.
Changing Expressions of the "Married Couple Falls" and "Parent-and-Child Falls"
Normally, the two streams of water are called the "Meoto-daki" (Married Couple Falls).
When the water volume increases, another stream appears from the middle section, forming three streams called the "Oyako-daki" (Parent-and-Child Falls).
Since the water volume changes with natural conditions such as the weather, the scenery will not necessarily look the same each time you visit.
The Moon-Waiting Belief Behind the Name "Tsukimachi"
This place is connected to the Tsukimachi (moon-waiting) faith of praying while waiting for the moonrise on the 23rd night (nijūsan-ya), and it has long been a place where people pray for safe childbirth, healthy children, and good fortune.
Beside the falls, an image of Tainai Kannon is enshrined, and the site is associated with Nijūsan-ya-son, a deity linked to prayers for safe childbirth.
Viewing the falls after learning the name "Tsukimachi" reveals that it is not merely a natural landscape but a place connected to the prayers of the local community.
Top Things to See at Tsukimachi Falls: Scenery That Changes from the Front, Side, and Back
At Tsukimachi Falls, rather than standing in one spot the whole time, changing your viewpoint while checking your footing makes it easier to sense the differences in the water's shape and sound.
Prioritize safety and view the falls in accordance with the on-site guidance and the permitted range of entry.
Seeing the Whole Shape of the Falls from the Front
Start by viewing the entire falls from a short distance to see how the multiple streams, rock face, and surrounding trees fit together.
Grasping the whole view first makes the change in viewpoint easier to appreciate when you move to the side or behind.
Observing the Thickness and Fall of the Water from the Side
From the side, it is easier to see how the water leaves the edge of the rock as it falls and how the droplets scatter into a fine spray.
Since your clothing or camera may come into contact with the spray, store anything you want to keep dry in your bag before moving closer.
Viewing the Scenery Through the Curtain of Water from Behind
From behind, the water flowing in front overlaps with the trees and the silhouettes of people visible beyond it, creating the depth characteristic of Tsukimachi Falls.
Because the difference between the dark rock shadow and the bright exterior is large, pause until your eyes adjust, and avoid moving around carelessly.
Paying Attention to the Changes in Sound as Well
From the front, the side, and behind, the way the sound of the water resonates also changes.
Rather than focusing only on photos, lower your camera for a moment and take in the sound and air; the three-dimensional quality of the falls will stay with you more vividly.
The table below summarizes the differences by viewpoint.
| Viewing position | Point of focus | How to enjoy it |
|---|---|---|
| Front | The whole flow | Grasp the shape |
| Side | Thickness of the water | Observe the fall |
| Behind | Curtain of water | Feel the depth |
| A slightly distant spot | Harmony with the trees | Take in the scenery |
Best Time to Visit Tsukimachi Falls: Fresh Greenery, Autumn Leaves, and Winter Ice
Because the atmosphere of Tsukimachi Falls changes with the color of the trees, the water volume, and the temperature, each season offers a different way to enjoy the scenery.
Since natural conditions differ day by day, avoid expecting one specific scene and appreciate the conditions you encounter that day.
Spring and Summer: Fresh Greenery and Cooling Water Views
From around April when fresh greenery appears through summer, the bright greenery and white water create a striking contrast.
Even on hot days, the rocks and waterside are slippery, so rather than entering the water to seek coolness, view the falls from the designated area.
In Autumn, See the Maple Leaves and Falls as One Scene
Many maple trees are planted along the path leading to the falls, so in autumn you can see the flowing water framed by colorful leaves.
The best time for autumn leaves is usually from late October to late November, but since the progress varies with the climate, checking the coloring status before your visit makes planning easier.
Winter: Watch for Ice and Slippery Paths
In winter, you may see the falls frozen, but they do not freeze the same way every time.
Because cold weather can make the paths and rocks slippery, assess conditions on-site and turn back if the route feels unsafe.
Here is a concise summary of how to view the falls and how to prepare by season.
| Season | Scenic focus | Approach to preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Budding and water | Prepare for temperature changes |
| Summer | Green and spray | Prepare for getting wet |
| Autumn | Maple leaves and falls | Check the coloring status |
| Winter | Frozen scenery | Watch for slipping |
Clothing and Local Etiquette for Walking Safely at Tsukimachi Falls
Because Tsukimachi Falls is at a natural waterside, treat the area as a natural outdoor site rather than an indoor tourist attraction, and expect wet rocks and uneven steps.
Do not let the scenery distract you from the ground; move one step at a time and check your footing.
Choose Non-Slip Shoes
Avoid shoes with flat, slippery soles or footwear that does not secure your feet, and choose shoes that are easy to walk in and can handle getting wet.
Long skirts or clothing that hangs near the ground make your footing harder to see, so caution is needed.
Do Not Force Your Way Close During High Water or Bad Weather
After rain and at other times, the water volume and ground conditions may change.
Always follow any no-entry signs, ropes, or guidance from staff, and do not step outside the permitted range to take photos.
Do Not Enter for River Play or Unauthorized Waterfall Training
In response to safety guidance from local residents and the police, Tsukimachi-no-taki Momijien prohibits unauthorized waterfall training and entry for river play.
Because there are also dangers of falling rocks and fallen trees, treat the area as a place for viewing the falls, not for entering the water, and be considerate of nearby residents and other visitors.
Keep Distance When with Children or in Groups
Standing side by side in a narrow spot, or suddenly stepping back to take a photo, can cause contact.
Walk single file with your companions, stop in a safe place, and then take turns taking photos.
Here is a comparison of situations that often cause confusion on-site and the basic actions to take.
| Situation | Action to choose | Action to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| The rocks are wet | Take small steps | Rush forward |
| High water volume | Keep your distance | Approach the flow |
| Many people | Wait your turn | Block the path |
| There is signage | Follow the instructions | Step outside the range |
Composition and Considerations When Photographing Tsukimachi Falls
Tsukimachi Falls has strong contrast between light and shadow depending on where you view it, so even in the same spot, simply changing the composition changes the impression of the water.
If there is on-site signage about whether photography or equipment is allowed, give that guidance the highest priority.
From the Front, Use Vertical and Horizontal Compositions Differently
A vertical composition makes it easier to emphasize the direction of the water falling from above, while a horizontal composition makes it easier to capture the falls together with the surrounding trees.
When including people, do not obstruct passage, and when other visitors appear in the shot, care is needed to choose an angle where faces are not prominent.
From Behind the Falls, Expose for the Bright Background
In a composition looking out from the rock shadow, the background can easily become overexposed, so tap a bright area on your smartphone screen and adjust the exposure to keep the lines of water visible.
Since tripods and large equipment can narrow the passage, shoot handheld and keep your photo session brief when it is crowded.
Organizing the standing positions by photographic purpose makes it easier to decide your composition.
| Impression you want | Standing position | Compositional axis |
|---|---|---|
| The whole falls | Front | Vertical flow |
| Water and trees | Step back a little | Horizontal spread |
| Curtain of water | Behind | Contrast of light and shadow |
| Movement of water | Side | Thickness of the flow |
How to Get to Tsukimachi Falls and What to Do Nearby
Tsukimachi Falls is located at 1369-1 Kawayama, Daigo Town, Kuji District, Ibaraki Prefecture, and can be reached by walking from the nearest station, taking a taxi, or driving.
Since operating and road conditions change, check the transport operators' and the municipality's service and road information before setting out.
When Using the Train, Check Your Return Transport First
It is about a 30-minute walk from Shimonomiya Station on the JR Suigun Line.
From Hitachi-Daigo Station, it is about 6 km, or approximately 11 minutes by taxi, so choose the option that best suits your luggage and the weather.
On rural lines, train intervals can be long, so check both your outbound and return train times in advance.
By Car, Follow Signs to the Designated Parking Areas
By car, the drive takes approximately 60 minutes from the Naka Interchange on the Jōban Expressway via National Route 118, and parking is available.
On-site, follow the signage and use the designated parking areas and respect private-property boundaries.
During busy periods such as the autumn leaves season, avoid dropping off passengers or waiting on the road near the entrance, and do not block pedestrian traffic.
Dining Information at Tsukimachi-no-taki Momijien
Near the falls is "Tsukimachi-no-taki Momijien," which serves house-milled soba made with Hitachi Aki Soba buckwheat, self-roasted coffee, and shaved ice made from natural ice.
Business hours are usually 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last order at 4:00 p.m.), and the regular closing day is generally Wednesday. After the soba sells out, only the café may remain open; winter hours may be shorter, and temporary closures may occur. The falls can be viewed from within the grounds only during business hours.
Summary: Enjoy Tsukimachi Falls Quietly by Changing Your Viewpoint
The appeal of Tsukimachi Falls lies not only in viewing it from the front but also in shifting your viewpoint to the side and behind to feel the changes in the water's shape, sound, and light.
Knowing the name derived from the Tsukimachi faith and the "Married Couple Falls" and "Parent-and-Child Falls" names lets you savor the natural scenery layered with local culture.
Choose non-slip shoes, stay mindful of high water, freezing, and the on-site entry guidance, and enjoy the falls and take photos at a relaxed pace.
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