Japan's Three Greatest Waterfalls: A Complete Guide to Their Names, Locations, and Highlights!
The "Waterfalls of Japan" is a list of three historically famous and beautiful waterfalls that represent Japan. Japan's Three Famous Waterfalls/Three Famous Waterfalls ".
This time, Tochigi Kegon Falls , Wakayama Nachi Falls , Ibaraki Fukuroda Falls Including Famous waterfalls will be featured.
While also touching on other theories about famous waterfalls,
Activities you can enjoy around famous waterfalls around the country
Also introduced.
Please feel free to use this as a reference.
table of contents
- 1 What are the three most famous waterfalls in Japan?
- 2 The charms and highlights of Japan's three most famous waterfalls
- 3 Other than the three most famous waterfalls? Other famous waterfalls you should know about
- 4 Visit Japan's three most famous waterfalls!
- 5 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What are the three most famous waterfalls in Japan?
" Japan's Three Famous Waterfalls/Three Famous Waterfalls (Nihon Sanmeibaku/Sanmeibaku) A collective term for three waterfalls that are said to be "Japan's most representative waterfalls" due to their size, beauty, and history. is.
There are no clear official standards or announcements, but it is more of a common understanding among many people. The following three waterfalls are typical examples.
On the other hand, the three most famous waterfalls Other theories Instead of Fukuroda Falls, Akiu Falls (Akiu Otaki/ Miyagi )or, Shomyo Falls (Shomyodaki/ Toyama ), Shiramizu Falls (White Waterfall/ Gifu There is also a theory that I will.
Especially outside the Kanto region, there are voices recommending other waterfalls based on their popularity and familiarity, so there is no definitive answer.
Every waterfall,
A spot where you can enjoy the stunning scenery nurtured by the nature and culture of each region
is!
The charms and highlights of Japan's three most famous waterfalls
The roar of the falls, the cool spray of the water, and the soothing air and scenery...the charm of these three famous waterfalls is indescribable.
In the following,
The charms and highlights of each of Japan's three most famous waterfalls
We will introduce the following.
Kegon Falls (Tochigi)
Kegon Falls
teeth,
Tochigi
・
Nikko City
Nikko's most famous waterfall
.
It is said to have been discovered by Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko, about 1,200 years ago.
Nikko 48 Waterfalls
It has an overwhelming presence among the waterfalls known as "the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan."
Kegon Falls is The waters of Lake Chuzenji fall from a cliff in a single go, creating a spectacular straight waterfall with a drop of approximately 97m and a width of approximately 7m. is!
In addition to the free observation deck, There is also an elevator that takes you down to the waterfall basin (fee required) where you can experience the power of the water hitting the rocks and the fine spray up close. can.
There are many attractions in the surrounding area, such as Senjogahara and Oku-Nikko Yumoto Onsen, and the area is also attractive for its seasonal changes, with fresh greenery in the summer and autumn leaves in the fall.
In the following,
Activities you can enjoy around Nikko
Now posted!
Why not combine this experience with viewing Kegon Falls to create some special memories?
This is the plan for 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00. You will canoe around Lake Chuzenji in Nikko, a World Heritage Site. When you canoe on the lake, you can see the amazing scenery that you can't see from land. The tour is limited to small groups and the guide will give you easy-to-understand instructions on how to ride and paddle the canoe, so even first-timers can feel at ease.
This is the 5:00-7:00 plan. You will canoe around Lake Chuzenji, a quiet area in the early morning hours of the World Heritage Site of Nikko. The highlight of this tour is the beautiful morning sun shining in from Mount Nantai and the mirror-like surface of the lake. The tour is limited to small groups and the guide will carefully and clearly teach you how to canoe and paddle, so even first-timers can participate with confidence.
This is the [15:30~17:30 plan]. You will canoe around Lake Chuzenji in the beautiful evening hours of the World Heritage Site of Nikko. Floating on the lake and watching the sun slowly set will surely relieve the fatigue of the day! The tour is limited to a small group and the guide will carefully and clearly teach you how to canoe and paddle, so even first-timers can enjoy it.
Address: 2479-2 Chugushi, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
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Nachi Falls (Wakayama)
Nachi Falls
teeth,
Wakayama
・
Nachikatsuura Town
Famous waterfalls in
.
Deep in Mount Nachi, the clear streams flowing from Mount Okumotori in the Kii Mountains become numerous waterfalls.
Nachi 48 Waterfalls
It is one of the waterfalls known as "
Among them, Nachi Falls is With a drop of approximately 133m, it is the largest single-tiered waterfall in Japan. We are proud of this. The waterfall basin is about 10m deep, and the scale of the waterfall as it drops at a rate of about 1 ton per second, accompanied by a thunderous roar, is overwhelming!
Also known as "Ichinotaki," there are two other waterfalls, "Ninotaki" and "Sannotaki," located nearby upstream. Together, the three are called "Nachi Falls," and part of them has been designated a national scenic spot.
Of course, you can enjoy the waterfall up close,
The view from afar over the three-story pagoda of the adjacent Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple is also a classic, spectacular sight not to be missed.
!
If you take a leisurely stroll along the approach to the shrine or the Kumano Kodo trail, you can enjoy the sacred atmosphere along with the scent of the forest.
In the following,
Enjoyable plans around Nachi and Katsuura
is currently being posted.
Marine Activities
from
Guided tour
There are a wide variety of plans available, so be sure to find one that suits your tastes!
Nachikatsuura Fresh Tuna Market is the number one in Japan for landing fresh tuna! We will guide you through the auction. "What is that doing?" "How much is that tuna worth?" As you watch the auction, many questions will arise. Since this is a private tour, we will carefully answer each and every one of your questions. Only a local guide who lives in this town can tell you about tuna.
[Wakayama / Nanki Katsuura] Choose your marine activity! SUP & surfing experience
Choose from a variety of marine activities at Nachi Beach, one of the prefecture's best blue beaches, located just a 3-minute walk from the store! ・Popular SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) experience & cruising! Why not take a stroll on the ocean? SUP is also suitable for families with dogs, so
[Wakayama Prefecture, Nachikatsuura] Timeless Katsuura Town Walking Food Tour (Private Tour)
Katsuura was once a bustling town with tuna boats coming and going and bustling with the tourism boom of the Showa era. On this tour, you will walk with a local guide, tracing the town's story that has continued since the early Showa era. Why not visit the guide's favorite delicious restaurants and interact with the locals to get a feel for the daily lives we weave in this town today? Katsuura can only be seen by touring with a guide
This plan does not support English.
☆ Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Wakayama ☆ You'll be amazed to find such a beautiful sea in the Kansai region! The waters of Kushimoto, the southernmost town on Honshu, are blessed with the Kuroshio Current, allowing you to enjoy tropical coral reefs, an abundance of tropical fish, and highly transparent waters. The fish you can see change depending on the season, so you can enjoy it no matter how many times you come.
Address: Nachisan, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
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Fukuroda Falls (Ibaraki)
Ibaraki
・Located in Daigo Town
Fukuroda Falls
.
It boasts a drop of approximately 120m and a width of approximately 73m, and is known for the way it flows down a huge rock face in four stages.
"
Yodo Falls
"
It is also called.
If you want to see the waterfall up close,
Two observation decks
There is "
Fukuroda Falls Tunnel
"fart.
Near the waterfall basin
Daiichikan Falls
" and feel the power and splashes of water.
Second viewing platform
The three decks of "" offer a panoramic view of the four-tiered waterfall.
Legend has it that Saigyo Hoshi once visited the waterfall and praised it, saying, "You can only truly appreciate the beauty of this waterfall by visiting it in each of the four seasons."
The appeal is that the scenery changes with each season.
!
Of course, fresh greenery and autumn leaves
In winter, you can enjoy the frozen waterfall and illuminations.
.
In the following,
Experience plan for Kitaibaraki, Okukuji, and Hitachi areas
Now posted!
Nature Experience
from
Manufacturing experience
We carry everything from home to home, so be sure to check it out!
We operate kayak, SUP, and boat tours every day on the lake surrounded by the natural beauty of Ryujin Valley in the northern area of Ibaraki Prefecture. Enjoy the fresh greenery and mountain cherry blossoms of spring, and splash around in the natural pool of Ryujin Falls, which can only be reached by water in summer. In autumn, you can enjoy the dynamic panorama of the beautiful autumn leaves of Ryujin Valley from the water's surface. You can also enjoy the thrill of bungee jumping, looking up from the lake's surface.
[Ibaraki / Ishioka] Enjoy with your family or group! Horse riding experience [30 minutes]
Families and groups can take turns riding! The price is per horse. Multiple people can ride within the time limit. (For example, if three people ride, the price is 30 minutes, with A being 5 minutes, B being 10 minutes, and C being 15 minutes.)
Address: 3-19 Fukuroda, Daigo-machi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture
Other than the three most famous waterfalls? Other famous waterfalls you should know about
In addition to the three most famous waterfalls, there are many other popular waterfalls all over the country.
In the following, Introducing the candidates for famous waterfalls you should know about I will.
Akiu Falls (Miyagi)
Akiu Otaki Falls teeth, Miyagi ・ Sendai It's located in the city.
This waterfall has a drop of approximately 55m and a width of approximately 6m, and is characterized by the overwhelming amount of water that falls in one go and the roaring sound it makes.
!
You can enjoy a panoramic view from the viewing platform, and you can also get close to the waterfall basin by walking down the footpath next to Fudotaki Bridge for a few minutes. You can experience the thrill of being enveloped in misty spray.
The attraction is that you can enjoy the spectacular scenery in each season: fresh greenery in spring, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.
.
The adjacent "
Akiu Otaki Fudoson Temple
In autumn, the large ginkgo trees at the temple turn golden yellow, creating a picturesque landscape that complements the tranquility of the temple grounds.
In the following,
Plans available for booking around Sendai and Akiu
Introducing!
Including Akiu Otaki Falls,
A tour around Miyagi's popular tourist spots
So if you want to enjoy sightseeing to the fullest, be sure to join!
[Miyagi, Sendai] Starting from the city of trees, Sendai! Akiu and Jogi course
This plan does not support English.
Departing from the reserved bus stop at the west exit of Sendai Station or the area around the station, the tour will visit Akiu Rairaikyo Gorge, Akiu Otaki Falls, Nikka Whisky Factory, and Gokurakuyama Saihoji Temple (Jogi Nyorai). This is a private sightseeing taxi that can be rented for a time and dropped off at Sendai Station or the surrounding area!
■ Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple Many worshippers have visited this temple since ancient times as a Buddha who can grant even the greatest wish of a lifetime. It is said to be particularly beneficial for matchmaking, fertility, and safety, and it is customary to make a wish while receiving a prayer. In addition, the Tennozuka, where Emperor Antoku's belongings are said to have been buried, is also a power spot for matchmaking. ■ Housewife's Shop Saichi Sendai
Address: 11 Baba Otaki, Akiu-cho, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
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Shomyo Falls (Toyama)
Toyama
・Located in Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District
Shomyo Falls
.
This four-tiered waterfall has a maximum drop of approximately 350m, making it the largest in Japan!
The sight of the water splashing and flowing down dynamically is a spectacular sight.
Designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument
It has been done.
In spring, when the snow melts and the water volume increases, the mysterious "Hannoki Falls" (approximately 500m drop) appears to the right of Shomyo Falls.
.
You can also see the spectacular spring-only scenery of two waterfalls flowing side by side in a V shape!
Also, near the parking lot, Shomyo-daira Rest Area At the museum, you can learn about the history and origins of Shomyo Falls through models and videos, and you can also enjoy soft serve ice cream at the rest house in the back.
At Activity Japan,
Various experiences available in Toyama
We also carry:
Be sure to enjoy it along with Shomyo Falls!
Address: Shomyo River, Ashikuraji, Tateyama-cho, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama Prefecture
Shiramizu Falls (Gifu)
Shiramizu Falls
teeth,
Gifu
・A straight waterfall in Shirakawa Village, Ono County, Hakusan National Park
.
The waterfall has a drop of about 72m and a width of about 8m.
The name comes from the milky white appearance of the flowing water.
It has become.
The white water flows through the valley surrounded by virgin forest, creating a mystical landscape.
It is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season.
The leaves usually start to change color in early October, and by the end of October you can enjoy the view of the falls surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves.
!
In the following,
Experiences to enjoy alongside Shiramizu Falls
Now posted!
Why not enjoy sightseeing and experience Gifu's spectacular scenery and traditions?
A swordsmith will teach you how to make a Japanese knife using blacksmithing techniques. Using the same material as Japanese swords, "Tamahagane," the forged iron is shaped with a hammer. You can apply the earthenware yourself and add the blade pattern. After attaching the blade, you will carve your name and sharpen it to complete the knife. It is a physically demanding process, but the swordsmith will be happy to assist you.
[Gifu/Seki] Japanese sword making experience
A swordsmith will teach you the techniques of Japanese sword making, and you will spend a whole day making a short sword with a blade length of less than 30cm. During the experience, you will go through charcoal cutting, tamaheshi (striking), tsutsumaki (pile boiling), forging, sobori (stretching), fire making, soil placement, quenching, and blacksmith sharpening. After registration and finishing sharpening, the sword will be completed and delivered to your home along with a registration certificate. If you select an option,
You will spend a whole day making a kozuka (small blade) to be attached to a Japanese sword. The material is the same as that of a Japanese sword, the world's highest quality iron (tamahagane), which has been forged, and the kozuka (small blade) with a blade length of less than 15cm is made using almost the same process as a Japanese sword. You can apply the soil yourself and add a blade pattern. After attaching the blade, carving your name, making a sheath, and sharpening it, it is complete.
Address: Hirase Oshirakawa, Shirakawa Village, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture
Visit Japan's three most famous waterfalls!
This time,
Japan's three most famous waterfalls
We featured the following.
Become famous throughout the country
Tochigi
・Kegon Falls,
Wakayama
・Nachi Falls,
Ibaraki
・Fukuroda Falls
.
Why not experience the differences in the scenery, power, and charm of the three waterfalls for yourself?
Take a trip to visit waterfalls and refresh your mind and body!
*The content of this article is current as of October 2025.
Featured image provided by:
PIXTA
