Snowshoeing Amidst the Grand Ice Falls in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park
The Yonako Great Waterfall is situated in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, and it consists of two falls cascading down the northern wall of Mount Azumaya, the headwaters of the Yonako River. These falls are known as 'Fudo Falls (89m)' and 'Gongen Falls (82m).' Especially, Fudo Falls has been a traditional site for mountain ascetic training, alongside the inner sanctuary of Yonako Takiyama Fudo Temple. In the summer, you might even catch a glimpse of ascetic practitioners engaging in waterfall meditation known as 'misogi.’
During the winter period, the area transforms into a challenging environment with snow accumulation exceeding 3 meters and temperatures dropping below -20 degrees Celsius. Due to these harsh conditions, access for general visitors is prohibited to access. Thanks to the full cooperation of Suzaka City and Yonako Takiyama Fudo Temple, a special snowshoe tour around the snowy and icy world of Yonako Great Ice Falls and the inner sanctuary of Yonako Takiyama Fudo Temple during the severe winter period has been realized.