Fukiware Falls (Fukiware-no-Taki)
Tonemachi Okkai, Numata, Gunma, 378-0303
Located in a ravine formed by the Katashina, Hiragawa, and Kurihara Rivers, Fukiware Falls forms a dramatic V-shape—it's among the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. From afar, the falls look like water is draining down a large plug hole because it seems to disappear from the river’s surface.
The basics
Formed by erosion over 10,000 years, Fukiware Falls is 23 feet (7 meters) high and 98 feet (30 meters) wide. People visit throughout the seasons to admire the flow of the rivers and falls, and the colors of the surrounding foliage. A suspension bridge provides views of the falls from above and there are walking trails through the nearby forests. Travelers usually visit off-the-beaten-path Fukiware Falls independently, although they’re not too far from the town of Nikko.
Things to know before you go
Entrance to the falls is free, and free parking is available.
Allow time to explore the other sights around the gorge, including the 50-foot (15-meter) high Masutobi-no-Taki Falls.
A 1-hour circuit walking trail crosses the Ukijima Bridge through peaceful forest to the Ukijima Kannon-do Hall, a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kannon.
How to get there
Fukiware Falls are in rural Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo. The fastest way of reaching the falls from Tokyo is by taking the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo Kogen Station (around 75 minutes) and taking a bus from there to Fukiware Falls (70 minutes). A cheaper option is to take a local train to Takasaki Station, where you can change to the JR Joetsu line to Numata Station (around 2.5 hours). From there, take a bus to the falls (40 minutes). You can also reach the falls from Nikko by road, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the east.
When to get there
Spring and fall are two popular times to visit the falls. In spring the falls are most powerful thanks to the snowmelt after the winter. In fall, colorful foliage adds to the beauty of the surroundings. Access to the falls is closed for the winter, between mid-December and late March.
Soak at Oigami Onsen
Just 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) further along the Katashina Gorge is the small town of Oigami Onsen, where you can bathe in soothing hot spring waters surrounded by nature. Around 20 ryokan provide accommodation, meals, and bathing to overnight guests, and you can also get day passes or visit the public bath house.
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