Steam and a Cool Sound from the Open-air Hot Springs

Zao Onsen Town stands at the foot of the Zao Mountain Range. There, a rare waterfall awaits, where pure spring water and hot springs from the mountains meet. This small waterfall, known as "Dondondake," carries a pleasant echo to the hot spring town as if it were a reverberation.

A Mysterious Water Landscape Enveloped in Steam

The waterfall, enveloped in gushing steam, seems to have come from a fantastical world. The air, filled with the scent of hot springs, mingles with the splashes of water in the basin, creating a faint steam. Sitting on a bench and gazing at it, one would surely forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and become entranced.

Enchanted by the Seasonal Changes

In spring, summer, autumn, and winter, the Dondondake Falls presents a different face each season. The fresh greenery enhances the green of the falls, and the remnants of autumn leaves add color to the clear air. The steam rising from the snow-covered basin is a supreme spectacle. It is inevitable to be captivated by the changing expressions with the passage of time.

Listen to the Murmur of the Falls

As you walk through Zao Onsen Town, the sound of water can be heard from various places. That is the murmuring of the Dondondake Falls. Following the pleasant sound, when you reach the falls, you will experience a relaxed time that is completely different from the liveliness of the hot spring town. Take a moment to look down at the basin of the falls and listen to the harmony played by nature.