2023.02.04

Cold-weather fun in Ino Town

Kochi is definitely a paradise for water activities, but Ino Town offers an unusual and dramatic take on this theme—Otabi Falls, which can freeze over in winter! Tucked away in a remote corner of Ino, the approximately 35-meter-high waterfall takes some effort to reach. However, if you time it right, you could be lucky enough to encounter the otherworldly scenes created when the water is completely frozen, which generally happens between December and February. If you decide to make the drive out, please be mindful of the winter road conditions and be sure to dress warmly!

For a more accessible type of winter activity, head out to the family-friendly Hongawa Snow Park, about 45 minutes from Otabi Falls by car. An event rather than a place that typically takes place in early February, the snow park provides an opportunity for youngsters—and the young at heart—to play in the snow to their heart’s content! Slide down a slope on a sled, throw some snowballs, build a snowman—or even an igloo if you are up for the challenge! Warm up afterwards with one of the hot meals available at the event. It is still uncertain whether the event will take place this year so please keep an eye on the Ino Town website (linked below) for updates!

It usually takes around 2 hours by car from Kochi City to Otabi Falls, but you should allow more time in winter due to the potentially icy conditions
Thank you to @foxface8 for letting us share this beautiful photo of Otabi Falls!

Follow @foxface8 on Instagram for more majestic photos in and around Kochi: https://www.instagram.com/foxface8/

Ino Town: https://www.inofan.jp/
Ino Town has a long history of traditional Japanese paper-making. Head over to Ino-cho Paper Museum to learn all about this traditional craft and experience making your own one-of-a-kind paper too: https://visitkochijapan.com/en/see-and-do/10156
  • Cold-weather fun in Ino Town

  • Cold-weather fun in Ino Town

  • Cold-weather fun in Ino Town