Niohoga Falls

Along the road through Nishimeya Village toward the World Natural Heritage site of the Shirakami Mountains, Niohoga Falls appears almost without warning. A waterfall some thirty meters high slips quietly down the rock face, while great aged cedars wrap around it. This is not a place where tour buses noisily pull in, but a clean space befitting the gateway to Shirakami, where only those in the know stop by.

What makes this fall special is its winter form, when it freezes and hangs as a thick icicle before the basin. It is said that long ago there was a custom of divining the year crop by the thickness and shape of this ice, making it a place of faith where nature and daily life were bound together.

Highlights

- A slender, clear waterfall about thirty meters high. - The icefall form, frozen into a giant pillar of ice in winter. - A quiet space surrounded by great aged cedars. - A small shrine enshrined beside the falls.

Enjoying the Seasons

In summer, wrapped in the deep green of the surroundings and the negative ions pouring down, you can feel the cool. And in deep winter, the greatest sight is the icefall, when the waterfall itself turns into a pillar of ice. It is a mysterious scene you can meet only in a limited part of the year.

Access and Basic Information

- Located along the road toward the Shirakami Mountains in Nishimeya Village. - Reachable by car from the Hirosaki direction. - Road surfaces freeze in winter, so take care with your footing and gear.

A Quick Tip

If you visit the Shirakami Mountains, this is a fall well worth stopping for. The winter icefall in particular is worth seeing. Still, prepare for snowy and icy roads by dressing warmly and wearing slip-resistant shoes for peace of mind.