Cow Waterfall (Ushinotaki) is 10 meters high and 2 meters wide, featuring a secondary cascade at the top that is approximately 4 meters high and 4 meters wide; it is a very popular tourist spot located between the cities of Toyokawa and Shinshiro, attracting many visitors in the summer.
The waterfall is located exactly on the border between Shinshiro and Toyokawa; although the parking lot is in Toyokawa, the waterfall itself is situated in Shinshiro. The area surrounding the waterfall basin is covered by natural forests of oak and other vegetation, and due to the high humidity, many plants—including ferns—grow in abundance, keeping the area very cool.
The parking area near the waterfall is spacious and has restrooms for visitors.
Parking Map: Aichi Toyokawa Tojocho Takinoiri 82-34
In 2024, the city of Toyokawa created a trail connecting Higashijo Station on the JR Iida Line to Cow Waterfall (Ushi-no-taki), designed for those who enjoy combining a train ride with a walk. The walking route takes about 30 minutes.
The staircase leading to the waterfall is well-maintained, and the descent takes less than two minutes; upon arrival, you will find an observation deck offering a spectacular view.
HISTORY OF THE WATERFALL
According to legend, a villager named Rokuzaemon, who lived in this region, was fishing at this waterfall when a cow suddenly emerged from the pool below and attacked him.
Rokuzaemon fled, but that night he developed a high fever and died. The villagers believed it was a curse from the Dragon God inhabiting the waterfall and that the cow that had appeared was his messenger; consequently, they came to call it “Cow Waterfall,” and the site became sacred.
This story, set along the banks of the Sakaigawa River—a tributary of the Toyokawa River—was likely created by local residents of the time in an attempt to put an end to the fishing of *ayu*, a practice monopolized by the Yana district in the upper reaches of the Toyokawa River.
Given these points, the name “Rokuzaemon” took on special significance. At that time, Ayu Fish was a valuable source of protein.
- Tourist Attraction: Vaca Waterfall (Ushinotaki).
- Height of Main Waterfall: 10 meters (2 meters wide).
- Height of Secondary Waterfall (upper section): 40 meters (4 meters wide).
- Location: Border between Toyokawa and Shinshiro, Aichi.
- Access: Free.
- Parking (Toyokawa side): Free.
- Restroom: Available (next to the parking lot).
Ushinotaki: Aichi Shinshiro