Nabegataki Waterfall: A Beautiful Hidden Gem in Kumamoto

Explore Kumamoto’s breathtaking nature at the Nabegataki Waterfall just outside of Oguni Town in Kumamoto. At only 10 meters tall, this volcanically crafted waterfall is not the tallest waterfall around, but it makes up for this by being over 20 meters wide. You can pass under the waterfall to emerge on the other side offering countless idyllic photo opportunities from all angles. Why not visit Nabegataki Waterfall, one of the best things to do in Kumamoto?

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Nabegataki Waterfall: One of the Prettiest Waterfalls in Japan

alt The area north of Mt Aso is well known for its onsen hot springs, but there are numerous waterfalls scattered around the area created by the 4 major super eruptions of the Aso caldera, which ranged from 90,000 to 270,000 years ago. Among these, one of the most famous waterfalls is the Nabegataki Waterfall in northern Kumamoto, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole of Japan. alt Waterfall in Japanese is “taki” and the name of the Nabegataki Waterfall is thought to come from the fact that when seen from the side, the waterfall looks like a pot or “nabe” in Japanese is having its contents poured out.

“Ura Mi No Taki”: Go Behind the Water Curtain!

alt The Nabegataki Waterfall is also known as the “Ura mi no taki” or “view from behind waterfall”, as it is possible to walk all the way behind the waterfall, under the river and emerge on the other river bank. This is possible because of the large area carved away by the centuries of water falling from the rock above, and the splash back effect carving away at the rock behind one drop at a time! Since this area is behind the waterfall, it is wet and slippery it is advisable to wear appropriate shoes.Those with difficulty walking should perhaps just enjoy the view from the front. Also, because of the spray effect of the waterfall, it may be appropriate to bring an umbrella or rain gear to avoid your regular clothes from getting wet.

How Nabegataki Waterfall Got Its Unique Shape

This unique and rather large area which enables you to pass behind the Nabegataki Waterfall is believed to have been created because there was a river originally where the Nabegataki Waterfall is located. The Aso caldera erupted and magma flow covered the original river. The heat and pressure resulted in a harder rock on top of the softer rock that was formed from the old riverbed underneath. The softer rock of the riverbed was eroded over the centuries creating the present unique shape of the Nabegataki Waterfall.
The amazing combination offered by nature, of the waterfalls, the water spray hanging sparkling in the air, the tall cedar trees and moss growing with the sunlight filtering through the leaves make this the Nabegataki Waterfall a very special place. You can easily see why many think of it as a ‘power spot’. To avoid the crowds, it would be best to plan a trip on a weekday or in the morning on the weekends.Entry to the Nabegataki Waterfall Park costs 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for children and is free entry for children under elementary school age. The park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and accepts visitors until 4:30 PM. The money is used for the upkeep and improvement of the park, and recently the car park and steps down to the waterfall have been improved to enable easier access for visitors, however, unfortunately there is still no disabled access.
From the newly constructed car park, it is a few hundred meters walk down to the waterfall, and as you approach you will hear the waterfall before you step around the final corner to witness the spectacular beauty of the Nabegataki Waterfall take your breath away!

Fantastic Spring Illuminations

alt Furthermore, during a limited period of time in spring (from the 31st of March to the 5th of April in 2018), the falls are illuminated in the evening from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm offering another side to the magical beauty of the Nabegataki Waterfall if you are visiting during this time. The schedule of the illumination will be announced on their website.
Japanese nature has a huge variation of picturesque scenery for us to enjoy, and Nabegataki Waterfall is definitely one of those to leave a deep impression on travellers. You cannot possibly leave Japan without seeing this incredible waterfall when you visit Kumamoto!

Enjoy Soba Noodles Made with the Pristine Clear Water on Soba Road

alt After exploring the beautiful nature in Nabegataki Waterfall Park, why not try delicious soba noodles on Soba Road? Soba Road located in Minami Oguni Town, about 15-minute drive down south from Nabegataki Watefall Park. It is a quiet old road running through the woods with more than 10 Soba restaurants along the road. As clear pure water is essential for Soba making, and this place filled with such gifts from Mt Aso, is perfect to eat Soba noodles. They are so delicious and can be enjoyed in various ways; eat as it is to enjoy the taste of just the ingredients, try them with a pinch of salt (this goes perfectly with Japanese Sake!), have it with a bit of wasabi to enjoy the refreshing sharpness, the list goes on… Each restaurant welcomes you to their quaint traditional establishments where you can relax and treat yourself to this delicious meal, to mark a special memory in your trip to Japan.

Information

From Tokyo to Kumamoto You can take an airplane from either Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Kumamoto Airport. The journey takes around 90 minutes to 120 minutes.

How to Get to Nabegataki Waterfall
By Car
It is about a 45-minute drive from Kokonoe Interchange on Oita Expressway. Or it is about an 80-minute drive from Kumamoto Airport.

By Bus & Taxi
Take a Sanko bus bound for Tsuetate Onsen from Aso Station on JR Hohi Main Line (about an hour journey). Get off at Yu-Station bus stop and take a taxi from there to the Nabegataki Waterfall Park (about a 15 minute ride). The waterfall is in the park.

Address: Kurobuchi, Oguni, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2502, Japan
Tel: +81 967-46-2113