10 Best Waterfalls In Japan

1. Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls has the classic picturesque vibe of a waterfall because it is nestled against a mountain rock-face in Nikko, Tochigi prefecture. It ranked as the most widely known falls in Japan, and you can clearly see why. You can witness the 97 meters (318.24 feet) of cascading water from Lake Chuzenji from a free viewing deck. If you want to witness it up close, you can pay JPY 503.53 (USD 4.85) for a lift that will take you to the waterfalls’ base. They also recommend coming in winter so that you can watch the blue ice phenomenon where the frozen waterfall creates a mesmerizing view.

Kegon Falls

Address: Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan

Website: Kegon Falls

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

2. Fukoroda Falls

Also included in Japan’s top three most beautiful waterfalls is Fukoroda Falls, located in Ibaraki prefecture. It is settled in the mountainous town of Daigo. With a height of 120 meters (393.70 feet) and a width of 73 meters (239.50 feet), it is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country. Before you reach the falls, you will have to conquer its impressive hiking path that is very popular among nature lovers. You have to pay JPY 300 (USD 2.89) for an admission fee, but you can access a multi-level observation platform where you will bask in Fukoroda Falls’ beauty. Within 45 minutes of walking, you’ll reach a temple dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy.

Fukoroda Falls

Address:３-19 Fukuroda, Daigo, Kuji District, Ibaraki 319-3523, Japan

Website: Fukoroda Falls

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 2.89 USD

3. Shiraito Falls

Found in Shizuoka prefecture, Shiraito Falls’s crystal water is from the famous Mt. Fuji. What makes this falls unique is its 150-meter (492.12 feet) width and white thread-like cascading water of 20 meters (65.62 feet) high, making it a national scenic beauty spot and one of the World Heritage Sites around Mt. Fuji. People recommend that you visit in spring or autumn to hike and take pictures of colorful trees along with the majestic waterfalls. It is also easily accessible because you just have to take a five-minute walk after getting off at Shiraito no Taki bus stop.

Shiraito Falls

Address: 273-1 Kamiide, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0103, Japan

Website: Shiraito Falls

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls is located in Wakayama prefecture. It is also considered the tallest single-tiered waterfalls in Japan, with its height of 133 meters (436.35 feet) and width of 13 meters (42.65 feet). For just JPY 300 (USD 2.89), you can fully enjoy the full view of the falls. You can also visit one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kumano Kodo, where you will find various sacred trails and historic sites. Experience mountain worship and a sacred destination, since this is also closely located to Seigantoiji Temple.

Nachi Falls

Address: Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan

Website: Nachi Falls

Opening hours: 7am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 2.89 USD

5. Fukiware Falls

Nestled in the heart of Oze National Park Katashina, Gunma prefecture, you will find Fukiware Falls. It is dubbed The Oriental Niagara Falls because of its unique appearance of only 7 meters (22.97 feet) high and 30 meters (98.43 feet) wide. You will enjoy the deep rocky valley and the lush forests surrounding the falls that change their color every season. Besides the relaxing walking trail, you can also visit other nearby tourist attractions because it is located in the Fukiware Gorge. This waterfall location is just a 40-minute bus ride from the Numata Station to Fukiware no Taki.

Fukiware Falls

Address: Tonemachi Okkai, Numata, Gunma 378-0303, Japan

Website: Fukiware Falls

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Ryuzu Falls

If you plan to visit Kegon Falls in Nikko, don’t forget to visit Ryuzu Falls because it is just a walking distance away from it. When translated, its name means “dragon’s head” because, as you can observe, there is a forked path in the fall that looks like a dragon’s head. Ryuzu Falls has a height reaching 210 meters (688.98 feet) and a width of 10 meters (32.81 feet). There is a nearby teahouse where you can enjoy hot tea and Japanese sweets as you enjoy the waterfall’s view in the free observation deck at the back.

Ryuzu Falls

Address: Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1661, Japan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Waterfall of Oshinkoshin

Oshinkoshin Falls in Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido, is popularly known by its nickname Sobi no Taki. It means twin beauties waterfall. True to its name, the stream splits into two cascading wide fan-type falls with a height of 70 meters (229.66 feet). What makes it different from other falls is it’s nestled in a slanting rock-face. When you reach the falls, you have to take a short flight of steps to reach the platform, where visitors can marvel at the beauty of it while just being a couple of meters away. You can also go shopping for gifts and souvenirs because many shops are located in the area.

Waterfall of Oshinkoshin

Address: Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4354, Japan

Website: Waterfall of Oshinkoshin

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Nabegataki Falls

Besides the rushing waterfall, tourists are fascinated by Nabegataki Falls’ rock overhang. It creates a little cave on its opposite side. Visitors can access the little cave, so you can go in it and see what the mystic view behind the fall is. This cute waterfall, which is 10 meters (32.80 feet) tall and 20 meters (65.62 feet) wide, is located in Kumamoto prefecture. For JPY 300 (USD 2.89), you can see what this fall has to offer. They recommend visiting tourists to come during summer to experience the Golden Week when they have a light show in the waterfall from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Nabegataki Falls

Address: Kurobuchi, Oguni, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2502, Japan

Website: Nabegataki Falls

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 2.89 USD

9. Akiu Great Falls

Also included in Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls is Akiu Great Falls in Miyagi prefecture. It offers a fantastic view with its height reaching 55 meters (180.45 feet) and width of 6 meters (19.69 feet). If you’d like to get a closer look at the falls, you can walk on the trail to the bottom of the falls. They recommend tourists to come in autumn to witness the foliage of varying colors such as red, orange, and yellow, which are perfect for unlimited picture taking.

Akiu Great Falls

Address: Otaki Akiumachi Baba, Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 982-0244, Japan

Website: Akiu Great Falls

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

10. Shomyo Falls

Nestled in Toyama prefecture in the quiet town of Tateyama is Shomyo Falls. This fall is very popular among tourists because of its 350 meters (1148.29 feet) height, making it the tallest waterfall in Japan. Its rushing water comes from the Toyama Mountain Range, which is also a place to visit the city. You will be able to witness the waterfall’s four stages that range from 70 meters (229.66 feet), 58 meters (190.29 feet), 96 meters (314.96 feet), and 126 meters (413. 39 feet). It is also near scenic spots such as Mount Tate, Kurobe Dam, and Snow Corridor.

Shomyo Falls

Address: Ashikuraji, Tateyama, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama 930-1406, Japan

Website: Shomyo Falls

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

Fall for nature at its best

Get away from all the stress brought by work and city life. Everybody deserves some time to relax and discover places that will bring peace. You don’t even have to stray from Tokyo to be close to nature. There’s nothing more tranquil than a quick trip to natural attractions. Fall in love with all the waterfalls that Japan has to offer. Grab your bags and be ready because you deserve to see nature at its best.