Discover the Beauty of Deai Falls
A Two-Tier Waterfall Beside a Mountain Road
Deai Falls is formed by a small branch stream of the Ōnakao-dani River, a tributary of the Akui River. One of its most distinctive features is its two-tier structure: two separate flows meet in the upper section and descend together, creating the appearance of a single cascade.
The waterfall can be viewed from the roadside along National Route 438 near Dosu Pass, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the mountain scenery around Kamiyama. Unlike more remote waterfalls that require a lengthy hike, Deai Falls can be enjoyed as part of a scenic drive through the region.
The Meaning Behind Its Name
Before it was officially named Deai Falls in 2012, the waterfall was commonly known as “the fifth waterfall below Higashidani Ōtaki.” Its present name was chosen to reflect the meeting of the two streams at the top of the cascade.
A sign near the waterfall conveys a warm message to visitors, encouraging them to experience good encounters with people, animals, and nature during their visit. This thoughtful theme adds a human touch to the landscape and makes the waterfall an appealing stop for couples, families, and anyone seeking a quiet moment in the natural world.
Enjoy the Scenery Throughout the Seasons
Deai Falls offers a different atmosphere with each season. In spring, fresh green leaves brighten the surrounding forest, bringing a sense of renewal to the mountain landscape. Summer is an especially pleasant time to visit, when the sound of falling water and the cool breeze provide a refreshing escape from the heat.
Autumn transforms the surrounding mountains with vivid red, orange, and yellow foliage, creating beautiful opportunities for photography. The combination of flowing water, forest vegetation, and seasonal colors makes the waterfall an attractive destination throughout much of the year.
Visitors can enjoy the scenery from the nearby road and explore the surrounding area on foot. Although the waterfall is relatively easy to view, the terrain is still part of a natural mountain environment. Take care on wet surfaces, and avoid approaching the water too closely when the flow is strong.
Access to Deai Falls
Deai Falls is approximately a 60-minute drive from JR Tokushima Station. By car, follow National Route 438 toward Dosu Pass, where the waterfall can be seen near the mountain road. Parking facilities are available in the surrounding area, making it convenient to stop and enjoy the scenery.
The drive itself is part of the experience, passing through the green mountains and rural landscapes of Tokushima Prefecture. As this is a mountainous route, drivers should allow extra time and check road conditions before traveling, especially during periods of heavy rain or in winter.
Dosu Pass: A Mountain Gateway Between Kamiyama and Naka
Location and Natural Features
Dosu Pass lies on the boundary between Naka Town in Naka District and Kamiyama Town in Myozai District, Tokushima Prefecture. At an elevation of approximately 1,023 meters, the pass has long served as an important route connecting the mountain communities of the region.
The pass sits on the watershed between the Kamagatani River, part of the upper Naka River system, and the Jintsudani River, an upper tributary of the Akui River. Its position between these river basins has shaped both the local landscape and the historic movement of people between Naka and Kamiyama.
The Origin of the Name
The name Dosu is thought to be connected to baikeisō, a mountain plant that grows naturally in the area. The plant was once found in clusters around the pass, and it is believed that this local vegetation influenced the place name.
The pass is also recorded as “Awagi Pass” in the historical travel account known as the Awa-koku Manyūki, reflecting the area’s long history as a route through the mountains of Tokushima.
Natural Attractions Around Dosu Pass
Mount Kumoso rises to the southeast of Dosu Pass, providing a striking backdrop for the surrounding mountain scenery. Below its northeastern slopes lies Jintsu Falls, another of Kamiyama’s celebrated waterfalls. On the Kamiyama side, visitors can also discover Deai Falls and Hinyūga Falls, adding further interest to a drive through the area.
Gakujin no Mori, a forest recreation area in the surrounding mountains, is another destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers opportunities to appreciate forest landscapes, explore mountain roads, and enjoy the quieter side of Tokushima’s natural environment.
A Historic Route Through the Mountains
For generations, the route across Dosu Pass connected the communities of the former Kisawa Village area, now part of Naka Town, with Kamiyama. It served as an important passage for local residents and helped link settlements separated by steep mountain terrain.
The route is now served by National Route 193 and Tokushima Prefectural Route 253, also known as the Yamakawa-Kainan Line. A forestry road connecting Kisawa and Kamiyama opened near the summit in 1967, and the 123-meter-long Sōun Tunnel was subsequently part of the road infrastructure in the area. These routes have made travel through the mountains more practical while preserving the pass’s importance as a connection between neighboring regions.
Getting to Dosu Pass
Dosu Pass can generally be reached by car using National Route 193 and Tokushima Prefectural Route 253. It provides a useful route for exploring several natural attractions in the surrounding mountains, including Deai Falls, Hinyūga Falls, and Jintsu Falls.
Because the roads pass through mountainous terrain, conditions can change with the weather. Visitors planning to explore several attractions in one trip should check road access in advance and take extra care during heavy rain, fog, or winter conditions.
Discover Nature Along the Mountain Roads of Tokushima
Deai Falls and Dosu Pass offer a rewarding way to explore the natural beauty of Kamiyama and its neighboring mountain communities. At the waterfall, two streams meet before flowing over a series of rocks, creating a scene that reflects the meaning of its name. Around Dosu Pass, forested mountains, winding roads, and other waterfalls reveal the rich natural character of this part of Tokushima Prefecture.
Whether you stop briefly to admire the cascade, enjoy the changing colors of the seasons, or plan a longer drive through the mountains, this area invites you to slow down and appreciate the landscape. A visit to Deai Falls is not only an opportunity to discover a beautiful waterfall, but also a chance to experience the spirit of connection between people and nature that its name represents.