If you are visiting Kurokawa Onsen, Aso or just a fan of waterfalls put the Nabegataki Falls high on your list to see. Only recently discovered as a tourist location, the fall itself is a wide sheet of water; though not particularly high at 10 meters it makes up for it with a width of around 20 m across. The area behind the waterfall is surprisingly spacious, the beautiful views through the cascade making it an ideal spot for keen photographers.
From the spacious carpark you pay an entrance fee of 300 Yen then walk down the steps a couple of hundred meters through the woods into the river valley where you will see the falls, keep following the path and it will lead you all the way behind the falls to the far river bank. (At busy times you may have to park further down towards the main road and take the free shuttle bus up to the entrance.)
The combination of the falls, the water spray glistening in the air, the tall sugi trees, moss and the sunlight filtering through the trees make this a very special place earning it the deserved reputation as a Japanese ‘power spot’.
Travel Advice:
Avoid the crowds by planning a trip on a weekday or in the morning at the weekends.
Nabegataki Falls is not accessible with a wheelchair or push chair, there are walking sticks available to borrow for free.
If there has been heavy rain, bring an umbrella and some non slippy shoes as when the fall is in full flow you may get wet going behind it. If there has been really heavy rain it may not be possible to walk behind the falls.
or you could try a plastic bag!
During Golden Week in early May and in the summertime the falls are illuminated in a light up show every evening from 6:30 pm to 9:30.
The only way to get to Nabegataki is by car or taxi from Oguni town or Kurokawa Onsen. Explore Kumamoto includes Nabegataki Falls in the Kurokawa Onsen Day Trip and it can also be added in as an extra stop in the Around Aso Tour or included in Kuju sights or your own customised itinerary.
Contact Explore Kumamoto now for more details.
