Koto Falls (琴滝)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A waterfall in the mountains of Kyotamba Town, distinctive for the way the water slides down a single sheet of rock. The sound is said to resemble the melody of a koto, which is how it came to be called Koto Falls. The area around the basin is enclosed by trees, and even in midsummer the air feels distinctly cold. You reach it with only a short walk along a footpath from the car park, so it is no trouble even with small children. Tamba Nature Sports Park is about ten minutes away by car, making this just the right distance for the first stop of the morning.

Tips

The footpath is earth and stone and becomes slippery after rain, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The rocks near the basin are wet, so hold hands with children as you walk. Check in advance whether there are shops or toilets, and bring drinks with you to be safe. There are insects in summer, so insect repellent makes the visit more comfortable.

Best time to visit

About 50 minutes. Visiting in the morning lets you see the falls in the coolest air of the day.

Access & map

Koto Falls, Ichimori, Kyotamba Town, Funai District, Kyoto 622-0212