7 Waterfalls in Yamanashi worth your time

A ten-meter branched waterfall on the Katsura River featuring dual streams and evening illuminations within the Fujisan Museum Park.

What it is

• A branched waterfall standing ten meters high and six meters wide on the Katsura River.
• The water source originates from Lake Yamanaka and flows over volcanic lava rock.
• The site is named after a nearby small mountain on the border of Fujiyoshida and Oshino.
• The surrounding area is preserved as part of the Fujisan Museum Park.

What to see

• Two separate streams of water falling over dark volcanic rock formations.
• A dedicated viewing deck installed directly in front of the falls for close observation.
• The natural landscape where the river crosses the border of two local towns.

When to go

• Visit between sunset and 10:00 PM to see the waterfall illuminated by lights.
• The winter months offer a view of the waterfall when the streams freeze solid.

Getting there

• The waterfall is a one-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Read more about Kaneyama Falls

One of Japan's top 100 waterfalls featuring a massive granite drop within the Minami Alps National Park.

What it is

• A major waterfall designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.
• The water originates from Mount Jizogatake in the Ho-o mountain range.
• A site historically used by ascetic monks for purification rituals.
• The falls are situated on the Ishiutoro River within a national park.

What to see

• A total vertical drop estimated between 121 and 180 meters.
• Water flowing over a cliff of exposed biotite granite.
• Kudan Falls located directly below the main waterfall.
• A large granite cliff standing on the right bank of the falls.
• The surrounding scenery of the Ishiutoro River Valley.
• A viewing platform accessible via a dedicated walking trail.

Getting there

• A walking trail connects the parking lot to the viewing platform.
• The walk from the parking lot takes approximately 40 minutes.

Read more about Kitashōji Falls

A 60-meter waterfall in the Tanzawa Mountains, offering a rugged hiking experience through a scenic quasi-national park.

What it is

• A 60-meter waterfall located on the Hondana Stream in the Tanzawa Mountains.
• One of the three major waterfalls within the Tanzawa region.
• Part of the protected Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park area.
• Named after a local custom of referring to waterfalls as shelves.

What to see

• The main 60-meter drop of the waterfall along the mountain trail.
• Karatana Falls, a seasonal waterfall located to the right of the main drop.
• Shimontana Falls, which is situated further downstream from the main site.
• Mountain streams that must be crossed along the hiking route.

Getting there

• A 100-minute walk from the Nishi-Tanzawa Visitor Center to reach the falls.
• Follow the hiking trail leading toward the summit of Mount Azegamaru.

Read more about Hondana Falls

A wide subsoil waterfall in the Kawamata River Valley where groundwater flows through lava layers into a scenic basin.

What it is

• A subsoil water waterfall located within the Kawamata River Valley in Yamanashi Prefecture.
• The water originates from groundwater flowing through ancient lava layers.
• The falls stand at an elevation of 1250 meters above sea level.
• This site appeared in the opening of the 2002 NHK drama Toshiie and Matsu.

What to see

• A waterfall measuring 10 meters in height and 15 meters in width.
• The Kawamata Higashizawa Valley Nature Trail which passes through the area.
• Consistent water flow and temperature that remain steady throughout the entire year.

Getting there

• A 30-minute drive from the Nagasaka Interchange to the local parking area.
• A 15-minute walk from the parking lot to reach the waterfall site.

Read more about Doryu Falls

A historic ritual purification site featuring eight small streams and seasonal skunk cabbage flowers within a peaceful forest park.

What it is

• A series of eight water streams falling two meters from a forest spring.
• A historic site used for ritual purification in front of Serizawa Fudoson.
• Part of the Okubo Iyashi no Mori Park in Fuefuki City.
• A location introduced to readers by the author Masuji Ibuse.

What to see

• Eight separate waterfalls fed by twelve degree Celsius spring water.
• Approximately 3,000 skunk cabbage plants growing along the nearby stream.
• Serizawa Fudoson at Koshoin Temple located directly behind the falls.
• A park area featuring a promenade, gazebo, and playground equipment.

When to go

• Mid-April to see the skunk cabbage flowers in bloom.

Read more about Fujinuta no taki fall

A scenic thirty-meter waterfall on a granite face, ranked among Japan's top one hundred falls and located near Kakuenpo Peak.

What it is

• A thirty-meter waterfall created by a fault from crustal movement.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls located on the upper Arakawa River.
• A natural landmark named after a woman from Chinese mythology.
• A site situated at the base of the granite Kakuenpo Peak.

What to see

• Water dropping thirty meters down a steep granite rock face.
• The surrounding landscape of the Shosenkyo area in Kofu City.
• Views of the nearby Kakuenpo Peak rising above the falls.

When to go

• The autumn foliage season when many tourists visit the area.

Getting there

• A five minute walk from the nearby parking lot.

Read more about Senga Falls

Japan's highest icefall features 100-meter frozen pillars formed by snowmelt inside the Mount Fuji summit crater.

What it is

• A seasonal icefall located within the Dainaiin area of the Mount Fuji summit crater.
• The highest altitude icefall in Japan at an elevation of 3670 meters.
• Frozen pillars created when snowmelt from the Nishiyasanokawara area freezes at night.

What to see

• A vertical icefall with a drop of approximately 100 meters.
• Frozen formations developing directly below the peak of Mount Hakusan.

When to go

• The icefall is visible from mid-May through late June.

Read more about Fuji Summit Falls