5 Waterfalls in Nara worth your time

A 70-meter tiered waterfall in Nara Prefecture ranked among Japan's top 100, accessible only via a challenging mountain trail.

What it is

• A 70-meter vertical drop waterfall located in Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls featuring a multi-tiered upper cascade.
• A site characterized by hornfelsed sandstone and granite formations of the Tenkawa Subgroup.

What to see

• The 70-meter high multi-tiered cascade of the main waterfall.
• A distant view of the falls from a terrace on the Ura-somon ridge.
• Challenging trail features including thirty-two iron ladders and several chain sections.
• Natural geological formations consisting of sandstone and granite.

When to go

• Entry to the mountain trail is strictly prohibited during rainy weather.

Getting there

• Take the Kintetsu Yoshino Line to Shimoichiguchi Station.
• Access the site via National Route 309 to the Kumawatari area.
• Follow a hiking route designed for advanced climbers only.

Read more about Sōmon Falls

A historic waterfall on the upper Furu River featuring ancient Buddhist rock carvings and ties to Isonokami Jingu shrine.

What it is

• A waterfall located on the upper Furu River in Tenri City.
• The former grounds of Ryufukuji Temple and original site of Isonokami Jingu.
• A sacred natural site used for traditional waterfall opening ceremonies.

What to see

• Buddhist rock carvings from the Kamakura period beside the waterfall basin.
• Stone statues dating back to the Nanboku-cho period.
• The flowing waters of the falls within a historic temple setting.

When to go

• The waterfall opening ceremony is held every third Sunday of July.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Tenri Station to the Kamitakimoto bus stop.
• The falls are a five-minute walk from the Kamitakimoto bus stop.
• A sixty-minute walk or fifteen-minute car ride from Tenri Station.
• Free parking is available for those arriving by car.

Read more about Momonoo Falls

A massive 105-meter vertical plunge waterfall on the Takitani River, ideal for travelers seeking impressive natural scenery in Nara.

What it is

• A vertical plunge waterfall located on the Takitani River in Kamikitayama Village.
• Known officially as Kakure-daki in local village pamphlets.
• Situated near the Kitayama River and the Ikehara Dam area.
• A natural landmark featuring a significant drop of 105 meters.

What to see

• The 105-meter vertical drop of the main waterfall.
• Views of the surrounding Takitani River landscape.
• The waterfall's position near the border of Nara and Mie Prefectures.

Getting there

• Drive 19 kilometers from the Owase-kita Interchange via the Kisei Expressway.
• Follow National Route 425 toward the Mie Prefecture border.
• Located 100 meters from the road near the border line.

Read more about Kakure Falls

A massive seven-tiered waterfall in Nara's Yoshino-Kumano National Park, ranked among Japan's top one hundred scenic falls.

What it is

• A seven-tiered waterfall located on the Zenki River in Shimokitayama Village.
• Part of the protected Yoshino-Kumano National Park system.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls with a total height of 160 meters.
• A natural formation composed of ancient Cretaceous sandstone.

What to see

• Seven distinct tiers of falling water cascading down the rock face.
• The surrounding forest landscape of the national park.
• Mie Falls located further upstream from the main site.
• The Ikehara Dam situated downstream from the waterfall area.

Getting there

• Take a bus to the Zenkiguchi stop on National Route 169.
• Follow the forest road leading from the bus stop to the falls.

Read more about Fudō-nanae Falls

A scenic waterfall in Nara Prefecture ranked among Japan's top 100, featuring granite cliffs and multiple upstream cascades.

What it is

• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls located in Totsukawa Village.
• A natural site situated at an elevation of approximately 500 meters.
• The water source originates from Mount Nehan on the Omine Okugakemichi trail.
• A geological site featuring granite rock formations on the upper Takigawa River.

What to see

• A main vertical drop and a secondary stream waterfall.
• Granite cliffs surrounding the water flow.
• Yotsu Falls and Meoto Falls located further upstream.
• Views of the falls from a distance as entry nearby is prohibited.

Read more about Sasa Falls