Frozen fall trekking

Overview

Available languages

Portuguese

Japanese

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Hida-Osaka is situated 40 minutes south from Takayama, and 40 minutes north from Gero either by train or bus or car. It's the best choice for those who are looking for the off-the-beaten path in Japan.

The frozen waterfall gets as big as 15 meters (50 feet) high and 5 meters (16 feet) wide. It starts forming in early November and will drop and disappear by the end of April. The local guide who knows the area better than anyone will take you to the waterfall in all its beauty.

The trail is about total 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and takes about 4. 5 hours round trip. It’s a complete snow trail which requires snowshoes and spikes. The trail starts at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). There, the air gets as cold as -20 ℃ (46 ℉), and the snow piles up as high as 2 meters (6.6 feet).

Physical toughness and the ability to walk and stay outside in these conditions is necessary for this tour. During the tour, the guide will prepare a hot outdoor lunch.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Please make a reservation at least 3 days before the tour date.

Bread and hot soup lunch will be optionally available.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

equipment

Lunch

What To Expect

While you are walking in the deep forest, giant blue ice suddenly appears in front of you. The frozen waterfall is the most-admired waterfall in Hida-Osaka. A local guide who knows the area better than anyone will take you to the waterfall in all its beauty. This tour suits those who would like to spend more time around the beautiful frozen waterfall. The time you’ll spend to reach this breathtaking scenery will sure be the unforgettable time in Japan. You will walk through the winter forest. The snow-capped forest bathing experience would be one of the highlights of your Japan trip. Hida-Osaka is accessible both from Takayama and Gero in 40-50 minutes either by train or bus or car. The area is surrounded by mountains and forests. The clean and fresh air full of negative ions makes you feel so relaxed and refreshed. It's the best choice for those who are looking for the off-the-beaten path and forest bathing experience in Japan. In order to operate the tour within the spec of the gear, you have to be taller than 140 cm (4’7” ft) and shorter than 190 cm (6’2” ft), and also weigh less than 90 kg (198 lbs).

Options

Frozen fall trekking

Reviews

5.00

19 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Fabulous day snowshoeing to the frozen waterfall
786grahamt,
Feb 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I would recommend this tour to anyone, from the initial communication to the day itself. Reiki, Komo and Matchan were excellent along with the other team members. From the pick up from the station to drop off it was all well organised . The provision of some of the required kit was useful. The route to the waterfall was enjoyable, with some fun along the way. The guides ensured the group were kept safe through the tour. Thanks again!
Fun in the snow!
sydneykaren10,
Jan 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fantastic time trekking to the frozen waterfall with Jun. The snow was really deep and the forest was beautiful. Jun got us really close to the waterfall which was cool. The teenagers loved it. A really fun day!
A hidden and distant gem but don't miss it!
OriLevy150,
Feb 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The trip was simply amazing, there really are no words to describe it. Absolutely crazy nature, pristine and clean - the town is very small (2000 inhabitants) and accordingly there are no travelers except for the group that goes there. Endless powdery snow and breathtaking waterfalls. The guide was excellent, really attentive and went over everything with us and made sure we had a hot lunch (packed in thermal packaging) and hot chocolate for dessert in the middle of the snow. warmly recommended!!!
Highly recommended!
tanj0023,
Feb 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked the frozen waterfall hike, but due to weather, the tour agency recommended another hike which we accepted. Boy, were we glad that we went ahead with the tour. From booking till after our tour, Reiko-san was friendly and professional. We were properly geared for the hike and very well taken care of! Reiko-san even took photos of us throughout the hike. Thanks for capturing these precious memories for us! We will definitely be back again to catch the frozen waterfall! Highly recommended, you will not regret!
A perfect 10 experience!
joye615,
Feb 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was an experience for the books. We are really happy and it will be a memory we will keep looking back. Our guide Reiko was easy to communicate with and gave us clear and specific instructions on what to bring and what to expect for the trek…and was very patient with us when we missed a few. Hee hee. The experience, the trek, THEEE VIEW, the photos, the guides are all perfect 10! ps. we love the red bean+walnut sweets! Thank u!
THE TOUR HIGHLIGHT OF MY CENTRAL JAPAN TRIP
richardjohnb2024,
Feb 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The frozen waterfall trekking was so interactive and fun. The trekking activity has allowed me to be immersed with nature and history of Hida Osaka town. It was the highlight of my Central Japan tour.
Unique Outdoor Winter Experience
COKEJAM,
Jan 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our snow hiking tour with the adventure group turned into an unexpectedly delightful personal adventure with my partner. The setting allowed us to immerse ourselves in the snowy landscapes, creating unforgettable memories. The knowledgeable and friendly guide (Reiko) ensured a safe and enjoyable experience, making it a perfect blend of adventure and laughter. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a unique outdoor experience.
Shower Climbing
raoul799,
Aug 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wunderful canyoning tour with Hora and Mura, excellent and save guided through the beautiful nature and waterfalls of Hida-Osaka. A very warm thank-you for the perfekt coordination of transportation and showing us additionally the nature park of the „three Layer waterfalls“ and a visit at the best Sake brewery of Hida. So cool to walk, climb, slide, and jump with you in the river. It was a pleasure and we can Really recommend 213 works. Very kind regards Raoul Ando
Our favourite Japan experience
magnusbM1875TS,
Apr 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We went on the group frozen waterfall hike in February 2023, and it was the best experience of our entire trip to Japan. Incredibly beautiful scenery on the way there, the waterfall itself was breathtaking, and on the way back there was several opportunities to have silly fun in the snow including a snowball fight and big snow slides! Once you book (or if you email them with enquiries) they are quick to respond, very polite and send very comprehensive information. We booked the option to have all gear and a hot lunch provided by the company. Their gear is excellent quality and the food was very welcome after several hours hiking through the snow. Our guide Reiko spoke impeccable English and was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. She answered our questions on everything from both old and recent history to the local economy and even ecology. She was also happy to translate for us so that we could chat with the others in our group, who once again were all very friendly. Hida-Osaka is a wonderful place with wonderful people. A small, quiet, hidden gem of a town where most people only speak Japanese and where not many international tourists go. It’s very easy to get to (only about an hour south of Takayama on the train), so we highly recommend staying for two nights and using your full day to hike to a waterfall with this company.
Frozen Waterfall Trek - Highly Recommend!!
ClaraBen476,
Mar 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A very beautiful trek to the frozen waterfall. Definitely worth visiting!! Our guide Reiko and Jun made the experience very delightful - they were experienced, knowledgeable and fun to be around with! They are bilingual and communication in English was not a problem at all. In fact, Reiko speaks fluent English was even able to explain to us many things about the mountain. Shoutout to both of them for helping and guiding my 59 year old mum through the trek. They were patient and expressed genuine care throughout the whole thing. Thank you for such a wholesome experience, this was the highlight of our japan trip! 😊