Ameushi Falls

Ameushi Falls is a waterfall in Kamisakata, Taketa, where water flows beneath the Inaba Dam and cascades over dark rocks. The stream carries substantial flow throughout the year, creating multiple tiers as water drops across the terrain.

Local records describe an old ritual where villagers offered an animal to the waterfall basin to please a dragon deity, guided by a Buddhist monk's advice. This practice reveals the spiritual role the falls held in the community's past.

The name Ameushi comes from a local legend about a yellow calf, showing how waterfall names in Japan often reference folklore and spiritual beliefs. Visitors walking here can sense how these stories remain part of how locals think about the place.

The falls are about 15 minutes by car from JR Bungo Taketa Station, followed by a short walk from the parking area. The trail is manageable for most visitors, though sturdy shoes are helpful since rocks near the water can be slippery.

The falls sit near the Deai-no-Yu hot spring facility, allowing visitors to experience both natural flowing water and traditional warm spring bathing in one visit. This combination of water features is unusual for most waterfall destinations.