8 Waterfalls in Hyōgo worth your time

A 24-meter vertical waterfall formed by ancient lava flows, offering a scenic stop within the San'in Kaigan Geopark.

What it is

• A vertical waterfall with a 24-meter drop located in the Kannabe Highlands.
• Part of the San'in Kaigan Geopark within the Kannabe lava flow valley.
• Formed by volcanic activity and lava flow from Mount Kannabe.
• The name refers to a height equivalent to eight tan of cloth.

What to see

• A 24-meter drop of water falling into the valley below.
• An observatory providing views of the falls and surrounding nature.
• A promenade for walking through the scenic geopark area.
• The nearby Tajima Dome located a five-minute walk from the site.

When to go

• Visit from mid to late May when water volume reaches its peak.

Getting there

• Take a 20-minute bus ride from Ebara Station to the Tajima Dome stop.
• The waterfall is a five-minute walk from the Tajima Dome bus stop.
• Michi-no-Eki Kannabe Kogen is located a 20-minute walk away.

Read more about Hattan Falls

A scenic ravine in Hyogo featuring a 98-meter waterfall ranked among Japan's top 100 forest bathing and waterfall sites.

What it is

• A natural ravine located within the Hyonosen-Ushironoyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park.
• A designated forest bathing site ranked among the top 100 in Japan.
• Home to one of the three famous waterfalls of the Tajima region.
• The filming location for the opening of the NHK drama Futarikko.

What to see

• Tendaki Falls, a massive waterfall with a vertical drop of 98 meters.
• A series of smaller cascades including Shinobi Falls and Couple Falls.
• A walking trail through dense forest leading to the main falls.

When to go

• The Tendaki Festival is held every year during April.
• The Tendaki Momiji Festival takes place in November for autumn colors.

Getting there

• Take a bus from JR Yoka Station to the Tendakiguchi stop.
• Walk 60 minutes from the bus stop to reach the main waterfall.

Read more about Tendaki Ravine

A scenic double waterfall featuring a shrine hidden in a cave behind the water flow within a coastal geopark.

What it is

• A designated Prefectural Cultural Property Scenic Spot located in Kami Town.
• Part of the San'in Kaigan Geopark featuring upper and lower falls.
• A natural site where Yoshitaki Shrine stands inside a cave behind the water.

What to see

• The upper waterfall dropping twenty-three meters and a lower five-meter fall.
• Two smaller flanking waterfalls named Kanataki and Gintaki.
• A view of the main waterfall from the cave behind the water flow.
• Large cedar, horse chestnut, and zelkova trees surrounding the falls.

When to go

• The surrounding forest area is known for colorful autumn foliage.

Getting there

• Accessible by taking a bus from JR Yoka Station.
• A seven-minute walk from the designated parking lot to the falls.

Read more about Yoshitaki Falls

A three-tiered waterfall ranked among Japan's top 100, featuring an 88-meter drop and a scenic suspension bridge for viewing.

What it is

• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls located in Shiso City.
• A three-tiered waterfall with a main drop of 88 meters.
• A site featured on a national park series stamp in 1969.
• A prefectural forest park containing a campsite and native beech trees.

What to see

• The main falls dropping across three tiers into a bottom basin.
• A smaller waterfall that joins the main falls at the base.
• The Oku-kaede suspension bridge which serves as a viewing point.
• The Fudo-do temple located along the path from the parking lot.
• Surrounding native beech and maple trees within the forest park.

Getting there

• Accessible via Shinki Bus departing from Yamasaki.
• Free parking is available near the entrance path for those driving.

Read more about Harafudou Falls

A two-tiered waterfall in Hyogo Prefecture ranked among Japan's top 100, featuring a sixty-meter total drop and seasonal forest scenery.

What it is

• A scenic waterfall designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.
• Part of the Hyonosen-Ushironoyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park in Kami Town.
• Named for the lower tier which resembles the tail of a monkey.
• Designated as a scenic spot by Hyogo Prefecture in 1968.

What to see

• The upper tier featuring a vertical drop of thirty-nine meters.
• The lower tier with a drop of twenty-one meters.
• Surrounding forest landscape containing beech, maple, and cherry trees.
• A parking area equipped with a local shop and toilet facilities.

When to go

• The Saruo Falls Festival takes place annually every July.

Getting there

• Accessible by taking a bus from Yoka Station.

Read more about Saruo Falls

A scenic series of waterfalls and unique deer-shaped rock potholes located within a prefectural natural park near Mount Seppiko.

What it is

• A series of waterfalls and dozens of potholes on a rocky riverbed.
• A designated Prefectural Scenic Spot within the Seppiko-Mineyama Prefectural Natural Park.
• A natural formation composed of Cretaceous rhyolitic welded tuff.
• A filming location used for the NHK drama Gunshi Kanbe.

What to see

• Waterfalls with a total vertical drop exceeding 70 meters.
• The largest pothole named Shikagatsubo for its distinct deer-like shape.
• Hiking trails surrounding the southwestern foot of Mount Seppiko.
• On-site facilities including a campsite and lodging for visitors.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus departing from JR Himeji Station.
• A 15-minute drive from the Yamasaki Interchange.

Read more about Shikagatsubo

A secluded eleven-meter waterfall surrounded by cliffs, featuring historical ties to a former regent's hermitage and nearby temples.

What it is

• An eleven-meter waterfall located in Takarazuka City within Hyogo Prefecture.
• The site of a former hermitage built by Hojo Tokiyori.
• Named after the Buddhist name of Hojo Tokiyori, Saimyoji.
• A natural landmark historically part of the Mangan-ji Temple territory.

What to see

• A waterfall with a drop of approximately eleven meters.
• Steep cliffs that surround the water on three sides.
• Hokyo-ji Temple located along the promenade leading to the falls.
• Mangan-ji Temple situated in the surrounding area.
• Rock wisteria and rock azaleas growing in the vicinity.

Getting there

• A thirty minute walk from Yamamoto Station.

Read more about Saimyoji Falls

A historic set of four waterfalls in Kobe, ranked among Japan's three most divine falls and perfect for a short hike.

What it is

• A series of four separate waterfalls located on the Ikuta River in Kobe.
• One of Japan's three divine waterfalls and a designated Top 100 Waterfall site.
• A former training ground for Shugendo practitioners featured in the Tales of Ise.
• The site consists of the Ontaki, Meotodaki, Tsutsumidaki, and Mentaki falls.

What to see

• Ontaki waterfall stands as the tallest of the group at 43 meters high.
• The Nunobiki Five-Matsu Dam located in the vicinity of the falls.
• A hiking trail that connects the waterfalls to the Nunobiki Herb Gardens.

Getting there

• The waterfalls are a short walk from Shin-Kobe Station.

Read more about Nunobiki Falls