6 Waterfalls in Gunma worth your time

A scenic pair of waterfalls in Gunma featuring a unique cavern where visitors can stand behind the falling water.

What it is

• A natural site in Shibukawa City recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.
• The location consists of two distinct falls known as Odaki and Medaki.
• A sacred site where Fudo Myoo is enshrined within the cliff behind the water.
• The Medaki waterfall features a vertical drop of forty meters.

What to see

• The Odaki waterfall which allows visitors to view the cascade from behind the flow.
• A statue of Fudo Myoo located in the cliffside behind the waterfall.
• New stairs installed in 2020 to provide safe access for visitors.
• The natural landscape following restoration after a major landslide in 2011.

Getting there

• A thirty-five minute walk from Tsukuda Station.
• A ten minute walk from the designated parking lot.
• A twenty minute drive from the Akagi Interchange.

Read more about Tanashita Fudo Waterfalls

A massive natural monument nicknamed the Niagara of the East, featuring unique volcanic rock formations and scenic valley walking trails.

What it is

• A natural monument and scenic spot designated in 1936 on the Katashina River.
• Formed by the erosion of volcanic welded tuff over many years.
• Nicknamed the Niagara of the East due to its unique shape and scale.
• A waterfall measuring seven meters high and thirty meters wide.

What to see

• The waterfall basin which local legends claim leads to the Dragon Palace.
• The Fukiware Valley Promenade which received a Furusato Road award.
• Masutobi Falls located just downstream from the main waterfall area.
• The surrounding scenery of the Katashina Valley and its rock formations.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from the JR Numata Station.
• Located twenty kilometers east of the Numata Interchange by car.

Read more about Fukiware Falls

A 70-meter waterfall on the Osawa River recognized as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan.

What it is

• A 70-meter waterfall located in Kusatsu Town within Gunma Prefecture.
• One of the Top 100 Waterfalls of Japan situated on the Osawa River.
• A natural site featuring rock faces of welded tuff, volcanic ash, and lava.
• Recipient of a Furusato Award in 1993 for its local significance.

What to see

• A distant view of the water drop from a dedicated viewing platform.
• The upper section of the falls containing Moto-Shirane lava formations.
• A nearby wild hot spring known as Jofu no Takishita.
• The surrounding natural habitat where bears are frequently spotted.

Getting there

• Accessible by vehicle via National Route 292 to the viewing area.
• The hiking trail to the falls has been closed since 2014.

Read more about Jōfu Falls

A forty-meter waterfall in Gunma featuring a hidden shrine and a unique path that allows visitors to walk behind the cascade.

What it is

• A waterfall on a tributary of the Irisawa River standing 600 meters above sea level.
• The site features a drop of 30 to 40 meters over a hard chert layer.
• A small shrine dedicated to Fudo Myoo is located directly behind the falling water.

What to see

• The upper section of the falls where visitors can walk behind the water curtain.
• A small shrine dedicated to Fudo Myoo tucked into the rock face.
• Three stone lanterns that were dedicated at the site in 1910.
• The remains of the temple building which burned down in April 2024.

Getting there

• Drive via National Route 462 to the parking area near the Irisawa Fudo.
• Walk approximately 90 minutes from the Fudobashi bus stop to reach the falls.

Read more about Irisawa Falls

A twenty-five meter waterfall featuring red volcanic rock and a massive, nationally recognized katsura tree in a mountain forest setting.

What it is

• A twenty-five meter waterfall formed from volcanic welded tuff.
• The rock surface appears red because of iron content in the water.
• The surrounding forest contains large horse chestnut and oak trees.

What to see

• A thirty-five meter tall katsura tree from the Forest Giants 100 Selection.
• Red-colored rock faces created by the mineral-rich stream water.
• The twenty-five meter drop of the falls into the mountain stream.

Getting there

• Park at the lot located two kilometers from Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland.
• Walk one kilometer down a mountain path to reach the falls.
• Carry bear precautions and avoid drinking the stream water.

Read more about Ōsen Falls

A 32-meter waterfall and scenic Buddhist site featuring a 15th-century statue and historic caves along a mountain trail.

What it is

• A 32-meter high waterfall also known as Fudo Otaki in Maebashi City.
• Designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Gunma Prefecture in 2009.
• Home to the Takizawa Fudoson Buddhist statue likely created in 1406.
• A spiritual site situated at an elevation of approximately 820 meters.

What to see

• The 32-meter waterfall belonging to the Tone River system.
• An 85-centimeter tall Fudo Myoo statue housed in a downstream cave.
• Chuji's Cave located along the walking path to the waterfall.
• Scenic mountain views throughout the 2.5 kilometer approach from the parking lot.

Read more about Takizawa no Fudō Waterfall