Saruo Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in the Muraoka area of Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture. Known as one of the Three Great Waterfalls of Tajima, it has also been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls. Surrounded by lush woodland and dramatic rock formations, it attracts visitors who appreciate scenic landscapes and the natural beauty of the Japanese countryside.
Saruo Waterfall lies in the basin of the Sakuyama River, a tributary of the Yubune River, which flows into the Yada River system. The surrounding mountains include Mount Myoken, which rises to 1,139 meters above sea level.
The waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff formed by basaltic dikes and is divided into two distinct tiers. The upper fall drops approximately 39 meters, while the lower fall descends another 21 meters. The name Saruo, meaning “monkey’s tail,” is said to come from the shape of the lower cascade, which resembles a monkey’s tail as the water flows down the rock face.
Saruo Waterfall has long been known as a scenic view along the approach to Nagusa Shrine on Mount Myoken. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the Yamana family, who governed the area as local feudal lords and later ruled the Muraoka domain, reportedly visited the waterfall to escape the summer heat and enjoy nagashi somen, a traditional way of eating thin noodles as they flow through a stream of cold water.
This custom continues today through the annual Saruo Waterfall Festival, held on the second Sunday of July. Local residents and visitors gather to enjoy large-scale nagashi somen, combining a traditional Japanese summer pastime with the refreshing atmosphere of the waterfall.
The waterfall is surrounded by deciduous trees, including beech, maple, cherry and zelkova. Each season brings a different atmosphere, from fresh greenery in spring and the cool shade of summer to brilliant autumn foliage.
Autumn is particularly popular, when the surrounding trees turn shades of red, orange and gold. During periods of severe winter cold, the waterfall may partially or completely freeze, creating an impressive landscape of ice and frozen cascades.
In recognition of its outstanding scenery, Saruo Waterfall was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty by Hyogo Prefecture in 1968. The following year, in 1969, it became part of Hyonosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park.
From Yoka Station on the JR San’in Main Line, take a Zentan Bus bound for Muraoka, Wada, Yumura Onsen or Akioka. Get off at the Hikage bus stop. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes, followed by a walk of about 20 minutes to reach the waterfall.
From National Route 9, turn onto Prefectural Route 267 and continue for approximately 1.2 kilometers to the parking area. A small shop and public toilets are available near the parking area. From there, the waterfall is only about 100 meters away on foot, making it relatively easy to reach.
The area around Saruo Waterfall offers many opportunities to enjoy the natural scenery of Tajima. Nearby destinations include Nagusa Shrine, Onsui Gorge, Torokawa Gorge and Tendaki Gorge, where visitors can enjoy forest walks, hiking and autumn foliage.
Other attractions within the wider region include the Tajima Plateau Botanical Garden, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Wood, Kannabe Highlands and Uwano Highlands. Together, these destinations make the area an appealing choice for travelers looking to explore the mountains, forests and seasonal landscapes of northern Hyogo Prefecture.