Winter Waterfall Illumination Begins in Takayama

Feb 17, 2026 | News On Japan

GIFU, Feb 17, 2026 (News On Japan) - The Hirayu Great Falls Ice Festival will begin on February 15th in the Okuhida Onsen area of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, where a massive frozen waterfall is illuminated during the winter months to create a fantastical nighttime scene.

At the festival, the grand waterfall, frozen solid throughout winter, is lit up after dark, producing an otherworldly atmosphere. Staff from the local tourism association conducted a test lighting of 10 lamps on the night of February 13th, checking their positions and overall effect.

Larger-than-usual ice pillars had formed this year, though some reportedly fell in recent days due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Even so, ice columns exceeding 10 meters in height still line the area around the waterfall.

The Hirayu Great Falls Ice Festival will run from February 15th through February 25th, and visitors will be able to approach close to the waterfall between February 16th and February 20th.

Source: Nagoya TV News

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