Tateshina Otaki

Tateshina Otaki is a majestic waterfall located in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture. At 25 meters high and 10 meters wide, it is said to be the largest waterfall in the Zako River. You can see the powerful spray of water falling dramatically from the wide waterfall mouth up close, making it a truly impressive sight. Standing in the space surrounded by mossy trees and the waterfall, you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and refresh yourself! To get to Tateshina Otaki, you need to walk through the primeval forest from the parking lot. The promenade takes about 10 minutes, and there are guide signs along the way, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. Since the mossy stones and tree roots can be slippery, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking.

The promenade leading to the waterfall is surrounded by a magnificent primeval forest. This is a natural forest untouched by human hands, where diverse plants coexist. Broad-leaved trees such as beech and oak are predominant, and moss and ferns grow abundantly. Walking along the path, you'll be struck by the greenery of the trees and the colors of the moss. There is also a covered rest area near the waterfall, so it's recommended to take a break and enjoy the scenery if you get tired from walking. Even in the summer, the air is cool and refreshing, so you can be sure to be healed both mentally and physically by the relaxing effect of forest bathing.

The waterfall can be enjoyed year-round, but the best season to see the breathtaking scenery is autumn. The promenade is surrounded by beautiful colors during the autumn foliage season. Especially near the waterfall basin, the leaves reflecting on the water create a fantastic atmosphere. The collaboration between the waterfall and autumn leaves is a must-see for photography enthusiasts. In addition, there are many spots around Tateshina Otaki where you can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves. For example, the hiking course, which is maintained to be enjoyed by beginners to advanced hikers, allows you to walk while enjoying nature. There are also observation decks and rest areas in the area where you can take a break while enjoying the scenery. The course is free to use. In addition, if you climb from Pool Hei to the North Yatsugatake Ropeway, you will find the Tateshina Kogen highland resort at an altitude of 2200 meters. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Northern Alps and Mt. Fuji from the observation deck, as well as flower gardens and forest walks. Please take a walk around and enjoy various beautiful autumn leaves.

In the area surrounding Tateshina Otaki, there are many outdoor experiences that the whole family can enjoy. For example, there are spots where you can enjoy camping, barbecuing, and fishing. In addition, the Tateshina Kogen area offers a variety of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. For those who want to fully enjoy nature while moving their bodies, "Forest Adventure Tateshina" is recommended. You can experience various activities set up in the forest, and choose from three courses depending on the difficulty level. You can spend time enjoying nature with your family, making it a trip that will surely be a memorable one.

In the Tateshina Otaki area, there are many restaurants and cafes where you can savor delicious cuisine. For example, you can't miss the specialty "Touji soba" at "Teuchi soba Mokubo". The way to eat it is to dip the cold soba, which is put in a small wooden basket, into the hot and richly flavored soup with plenty of toppings, and enjoy the firm texture of the soba throughout the meal. At "Cafe Glace Goth", you can enjoy sweets such as homemade German-style cakes. Each cake is elaborately designed and has a deep and impressive flavor. The interior of the cafe is cute with a pink color scheme, and there are also spacious sofa seats, making it the perfect place for a fun tea time.

There are many hot spring facilities around Tateshina Otaki. You can refresh your mind and body by soaking in hot springs in the midst of nature. There are also outdoor baths and hot springs with natural flowing water, allowing you to spend a luxurious time. When touring hot springs, it's convenient to travel by car. Free parking is also available in the area. One highly recommended spot is "Tateshina Grand Hotel Takinoyu." It's a resort hotel located close to the waterfall, where you can enjoy a dynamic bath that blends in with nature in the stream-side outdoor bath. There are also private outdoor baths available. Please enjoy the wide variety of beautiful hot springs, perfect for healing your tired body after activities.