Ogawa Falls, a Healing Power Spot in Minamiosumi with a Mysterious Emerald Green Pool

Ogawa Falls lies on the upper reaches of the Ogawa River in the southern part of the Osumi Peninsula in Minamiosumi, Kagoshima. It is a powerful waterfall about 46 meters tall and 60 meters wide. Its greatest attraction is the way groundwater seeps out from all over the columnar jointed rock face while the plunge pool glows emerald green. Although it has become known as the filming location for the opening sequence of the NHK historical drama Segodon, it lies at the end of a walking trail and remains a quiet, healing power spot where you can face nature alone.

Highlights

• The clear emerald green plunge pool. The vivid color is said to appear most easily when fine weather continues and the flow is low.
• A landscape found nowhere else, with countless streams of groundwater pouring from columnar jointed rock.
• A walking trail of about 1.2 kilometers leading to the pool. You can stroll along enjoying the clear stream of the gorge and the songs of birds.
• The full view of the falls from the observation point is also impressive.

Enjoying the Seasons

From the fresh green of spring into summer, the spray of the falls and the negative ions refresh both body and mind. Autumn brings the colored leaves of the gorge, and winter offers a quiet waterfall scene in the clear air. After rain the flow increases and the falls grow more powerful, but the colored pool is best aimed for during a run of fine weather.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kawakita, Nejime, Minamiosumi-cho, Kimotsuki District, Kagoshima
• By car: about 20 minutes from the town center of Nejime, parking available for about 70 cars, with a cafe and restrooms
• It is about a 1.2 kilometer walk one way along the trail to the pool
• The trail has rough patches in places, so sturdy shoes are recommended

Practical Travel Notes

• If you are aiming for the emerald green of the pool, the ideal time is when the flow is low after several days of fine weather. After rain the flow increases, and you can enjoy the power rather than the color.
• The trail is about 1.2 kilometers one way, and allowing for the round trip and time at the pool, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours is a good guide. Bring a drink and allow plenty of time for your visit.
• The parking area has a cafe and restrooms, handy for a rest before or after the hike.
• There is a route that looks down on the falls from the observation point and a route that descends the trail to the pool, and if you have time it is best to enjoy both.
• Since 1 July 2024 a visitor contribution applies: 300 yen for adults (junior high school age and above) and 150 yen for elementary school children (preschoolers free). Located in the southern Osumi Peninsula, it is easy to fold into a driving trip together with nearby sights such as Cape Sata.

A Quick Tip

If you are aiming for the emerald green of the pool, the ideal time is when the flow is low after several days of fine weather. The trail is a fair distance, so bring a drink and allow plenty of time for your visit. Viewing it from both the observation point and the pool lets you fully enjoy the charm of Ogawa Falls.

📚 Sources

This information is based on public materials from local governments such as Minamiosumi Town and tourism associations, and on on-site guidance. As an outdoor waterfall, conditions change with the weather and water volume. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please check official information before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip on the trail and time at the pool
• What to bring: Clothes you can get wet and comfortable shoes, as spray may reach you; rain gear is reassuring
• Suggested route: View the falls up close as noted in the article and enjoy the surrounding nature together
• Access: In the southern Osumi Peninsula, getting around is mainly by car
• Budget: An entry fee of 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for elementary school children applies; otherwise only transport costs

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Visiting hours: From 8:00 in the morning until sunset
• Fees: A visitor contribution system was introduced on July 1, Reiwa 6 (2024), and the entry fee is 300 yen for adults (junior high school age and over), 150 yen for elementary school children and free for preschool children. Holders of a disability certificate pay 200 yen for junior high school age and over, and children of elementary school age and under are free. Payment is made at the toll booth at the far end of the car park, which accepts both cash and cashless payment
• Closing days: None (access is restricted when the walking path floods after rain)
• Inquiries: 0994-24-3115 (Minamiosumi Town, Planning and Tourism Division, Tourism Promotion Section)
• Official information: Minamiosumi Town official website, "About the Ogawa Falls Visitor Contribution System"; Minamiosumi Town official tourism site Southern Openers

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.