This time I stayed at a hotel in Hanamaki Onsen, and before checking out in the morning, I made time to walk behind the hotel and visit the waterfall. Following the riverside trail, you can see two other waterfalls along the way, and the entire loop takes about 40 minutes.
It was truly beautiful in the fall! The forest was covered in intertwined shades of red, yellow, and orange, while the clear stream wound through the trees. Walking slowly to the sound of the waterfalls made me feel completely at peace.
However, the trail is fairly rugged and narrow, and about half of it consists of stairs, so you need to watch your step. There are also quite a few signs warning you to watch out for bears, which adds a little sense of adventure.
If you're staying in Hanamaki Onsen, I highly recommend getting up early and walking the loop. It doesn't take much time, and you can enjoy the beautiful combination of the autumn forest and waterfalls. Kamabuchi Falls in the fall is truly beautiful, with so many layers of color. Strolling through the red maple forest while listening to the gentle sound of the water, this morning walk became one of my favorite scenes from the trip.
