Akiu Great Falls

Overview

The falls are located on the upper reaches of the Natori River, within the borders of both the Zaō Quasi-National Park and the Futakuchi Kyokoku Prefectural Park. The falls have a height of 55 metres (180 ft) and width of 5 metres (16 ft). According to legend, the falls were discovered by the priest Ennin in the early Heian period, when he was founding the temple of Yama-dera in Dewa Province. In 1825, a small Buddhist chapel dedicated to Fudō Myōō was erected near the base of the falls.