Junidaki Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the southern part of Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Traveling south along National Route 168 from Futatsuno Dam, visitors can spot the waterfall on the right-hand side of the road. Its height is estimated at approximately 80 to 100 meters, making it an impressive natural feature. However, its relatively modest water flow gives it a quiet, serene character rather than the overwhelming force associated with more powerful waterfalls.
The falls are located about two kilometers from the Nanairo district, near the border with Wakayama Prefecture. Their convenient roadside location makes them an easy stop for hikers and travelers exploring the region by car. Autumn is an especially attractive time to visit, when the surrounding trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, creating a beautiful seasonal landscape characteristic of Totsukawa Village.
Completed in 1962, Futatsuno Dam is an arch dam constructed to harness the abundant waters of the Totsukawa River. Its design takes advantage of the steep, mountainous terrain, and the facility continues to play an important role in supporting local communities and the surrounding environment.
The area around the dam is rich in natural beauty and attracts visitors who enjoy fishing for largemouth bass. It is also well known as an important wintering ground for mandarin ducks, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts.
Futatsuno Dam Lake is an artificial lake formed by the construction of the dam. Stretching along National Route 168, it is a scenic destination surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation. Inns and shops serving the Totsukawa Onsen area are clustered along the lakeside, making the lake a convenient base for sightseeing, scenic drives, and hiking.
The lake’s emerald-green waters harmonize beautifully with the surrounding mountains, creating a landscape that changes with the seasons. In autumn, the colorful foliage reflected on the water makes the scenery particularly captivating, offering visitors a peaceful place to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the Kii Mountains.
Futatsuno Dam Lake is recognized as one of Japan’s notable wintering grounds for mandarin ducks. Estimates suggest that the birds arriving here may account for around five percent of the national total. Along the lake’s left bank, there are no roads or settlements, leaving extensive woodlands of Japanese chinquapin and evergreen oaks. The acorns produced by these trees provide an important food source for the ducks.
The area’s quiet surroundings, abundant food, and shaded lakeside vegetation offer ideal conditions for the birds to feed and shelter from predators. During winter, more than 2,000 mandarin ducks have sometimes been recorded here. The lake’s relatively stable water levels and temperatures also make it a popular fishing destination throughout the year.
Futatsuno Ohashi is a suspension bridge spanning the area between Yamatedani and Kuwahata in Totsukawa Village. It measures 193 meters in length and stands 35 meters above the water. Crossing above Futatsuno Dam Lake, the bridge offers thrilling views of the lake far below.
Although its design is simple and functional, the bridge has a distinctive engineering feature: two sets of wind-resistant cables arranged at different heights to help compensate for the structural challenges of a long-span suspension bridge without stiffening trusses. A settlement lies to the east, and the bridge continues to serve as a practical route for local residents as well as an attraction for visitors.
Sarukai Bridge is located near Totsukawa Onsen and measures 131 meters in length, with a height of 34 meters above the water. Like Futatsuno Ohashi, it spans Futatsuno Dam Lake and offers an opportunity to enjoy elevated lake views while exploring the surrounding hot-spring area.
Kominoe Bridge is located near Totsukawa High School. It is 161 meters long and stands 19 meters above the water. Its lower height makes it a relatively approachable option for visitors who are new to suspension bridges, while the open views across the lake provide a rewarding perspective on the surrounding landscape.
Junidaki Falls, Futatsuno Dam Lake, and the area’s distinctive suspension bridges together showcase the close relationship between nature and daily life in Totsukawa Village. From the quiet beauty of the waterfall to the emerald waters of the lake and the excitement of walking high above it, the region offers a variety of memorable experiences.
With its dramatic mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere, this part of Nara Prefecture is an appealing destination for travelers seeking relaxation, outdoor exploration, and a deeper appreciation of Japan’s unspoiled rural landscapes.