Travel

Miroku Waterfall: A Stunning 'Power Spot' with Curious Nicknames in Aomori

The 30-meter-high Miroku Waterfall in the town of Takko has recently gained attention for a rock face that resembles a popular comic character.

Published

3 months ago

August 9, 2024

Noriyuki Fukuda

Miroku Waterfall in Takko, Aomori Prefecture.

Miroku Waterfall lies in the heart of Takko, a town in Aomori Prefecture, celebrated for its garlic production. Nestled within an ancient forest, this enigmatic waterfall is a scenic retreat that many consider a "power spot." Here, visitors find a haven of serenity, a place where time seems to stand still, offering a space to rejuvenate both mind and body. The waterfall is approximately 30 meters high and 20 meters wide.

However, the name "Miroku Waterfall" has a sad origin story. In the early Muromachi period (1336–1392), villagers discovered a monk named Kyugakubo who had starved to death while fasting at the waterfall. To honor his memory, they erected a memorial stone there. It is said that Miroku Waterfall eventually got its name because of Kyugakubo's devotion to Maitreya Buddha ("Miroku Bosatsu" in Japanese).

*A gazebo and benches near Miroku Waterfall. (©Sankei by Noriyuki Fukuda)*

A Journey Through Nature

A five-minute stroll from the nearby parking area, through a verdant tunnel of broadleaf trees such as beech, oak, and Japanese horse chestnut, leads to the breathtaking Miroku Waterfall. Surrounded by the symphony of cascading water and enveloped by lush greenery, time seems to slow down.

As I watched the water flow over the rock formations, I noticed something oddly familiar. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the rock surface resembled the popular character Snoopy. The right side looked like his ear, while the left resembled his nose. Later, I discovered that this resemblance had become a popular topic on social media, earning the affectionate nickname "Snoopy Falls."

Miroku Falls has another nickname among the locals of Takko. The streams of water cascading down resemble white threads, inspiring the name "Somen Falls" after the thin white noodles.

*Miroku Waterfall, aka "Snoopy Falls." (©Sankei by Noriyuki Fukuda)*

A Waterfall for All Seasons

Yoshiyuki Umenai from the town's commerce and industry promotion division reminisced about a time in his childhood when locals enjoyed nagashi somen by flowing the noodles down the water. "It's no longer practiced due to hygiene reasons, but it remains a cherished memory," he notes.

Another member of the division reflected on the unique atmosphere provided by the falls. He says, "Thanks to the negative ion effect, the waterfall offers a cool haven with crisp, refreshing air. It brings a sense of peace and renewed energy, making it a popular stop for people driving home to Takko."

*Some people visit to enjoy the soothing sounds of the river. (©Sankei by Noriyuki Fukuda)*

These comments reminded me that Miroku Waterfall is deeply ingrained in the lives of the locals.

Miroku Waterfall reveals a unique charm with each season, from the vibrant greenery of spring and the fiery hues of autumn to the silvery blankets of winter. During the summer, it serves as an ideal escape from the heat, inviting visitors to step away from the clamor of daily life into an almost otherworldly realm.

About Miroku Waterfall

Miroku Waterfall is located in Seki Minami Raiman-yama within Takko Town, Aomori Prefecture. To visit, take the Aoimori Railway from Hachinohe Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen and get off at Sannohe Station. From there, take a public bus and then switch to a taxi in Takko Town for the final 40-minute journey to the falls. Takko Town also offers other attractions, such as the Takko Garlic Center, which features local garlic products and a restaurant, and Tapukopu Village, an experiential attraction showcasing rural life from days gone by.