桃尾の滝, Waterfall in Tenri, Nara Prefecture, Japan

桃尾の滝 (Momoo no Taki) is a waterfall in the eastern part of Nara prefecture, within the city of Tenri. The water drops about 23 meters over a layered rock face that follows the line of a geological fault.

The waterfall was the grounds of Tōbi-san Rengeō-in Ryūfuku-ji, a Shingon temple abolished in the Meiji era. It is also said to have been the original shrine site of Isonokami Jingū. Every year on the third Sunday of July, a waterfall-opening rite is held there.

On the left side of the basin, a Buddhist trinity (Fudō and two attendants) is carved into the rock face; it dates from the mid-Kamakura period. Beside it are stone figures of Nyoirin Kannon and another Fudō trinity from the early Northern and Southern Courts period. Each July, on the third Sunday, a waterfall-opening Shinto rite is held here.

The site is within walking distance of Tenri Station, and parking as well as restrooms are available on location. The path to the waterfall can get slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.

In winter, when temperatures drop far enough, the falling water can freeze into large columns of ice that completely change how the waterfall looks. This only happens during the coldest spells, so it is far from guaranteed even in winter.