Written by Aarohi Narain
This is not your average winter illumination event.
What to expect
The Hirayu-Ōtaki Keppyō Festival takes place in the Hirayu Onsen area of Okuhida, Gifu Prefecture, home to Hirayu Ōtaki, named one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
In mid-winter, temperatures regularly drop low enough — all the better for enjoying the area’s healing hot spring waters — for the 64-metre-high waterfall to freeze over completely.
During the festival period, the frozen waterfall is illuminated after dark.
Schedule
The festival is held every year from February 15 to February 25.
Illumination hours are from 7 to 9 p.m., but you can visit the waterfall during the day, too, if you wish.
How to get there
From Takayama Station, take a bus bound for Hirayu Onsen (about 60 minutes). From the Hirayu Onsen bus terminal, it’s around a 25–30 minute walk to the waterfall.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
