Nabegataki Falls: Spectacular Scenery of "Ura-mi no Taki" Viewed from Behind the Waterfall

Nabegataki Falls: A Spectacular Behind-the-Waterfall View of the Curtain of Water

Nabegataki Falls in Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a wide waterfall about 20 meters across with a drop of about 10 meters. Its greatest feature is that you can walk behind it. The space behind the thin, curtain-like sheet of falling water is a fantastical scene woven by moss-covered rock and the light streaming in. Strata formed by the great eruption of the Aso volcano some 90,000 years ago created this rare behind-the-falls formation.

A Spectacular View Through the Green Curtain

Nabegataki is characterized by its thin curtain of water, and seen from behind, the outside light sparkles as it passes through the sheet. Known also as a filming location for a tea commercial, it has grown popular as a secret waterfall in the forest. The scene woven by fresh greenery, dappled sunlight, and spray is highly photogenic, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.

Nearby Attractions

Oguni Town sits at the northern foot of the Aso outer rim, a tranquil highland area dotted with pastures, hot springs, and old farmhouses. Nearby highlights include the Great Ginkgo of Shimojo (estimated age 1,000 years), and the famous Kurokawa Onsen lies in neighboring Minami-Oguni Town. The charm of this area is enjoying waterfall visits, hot springs, and highland drives together.

Best Season

• Fresh greenery (April to June): The vivid green and the curtain of water are beautiful; the most popular season
• Autumn (around November): You can enjoy the falls framed by autumn foliage
• Limited-period evening illuminations are sometimes held in spring and autumn (whether held varies by year, so check official information)

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Oguni, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• Admission: Paid (an admission fee that doubles as a contribution to environmental conservation; roughly 300 yen for high school students and up, 150 yen for elementary and junior high students, free for preschoolers)
• Opening hours guide: Generally around 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission is about 30 minutes before closing, varying by season)
• Reservations: To manage crowds, an advance web reservation (purchase) system is in place. Before visiting, check the official or tourism association site for how to reserve and whether same-day slots are available
• By car: About 30 minutes via National Route 212 from the Hita City direction in Oita Prefecture; about 2 hours 30 minutes by car from central Kumamoto. Dedicated parking available
• By public transport: From JR Aso Station, take a Sanko bus toward Yu Station (Michi-no-Eki Oguni), then continue by taxi or similar

Practical Travel Notes

• Do not forget to reserve: Because of the advance reservation system, dropping by on the day can mean you cannot enter. Once you fix a date, arrange it online early
• Watch your footing: From the parking lot to the falls you descend stairs (said to be about 120 steps). Behind the falls is wet with spray and slippery, so sturdy shoes are reassuring
• Clothing: It is cool around the falls, so a layer is comfortable even in summer. Waterproof any gear or cameras that must stay dry
• Time of day: The morning, when dappled sunlight lights the curtain of water, is especially beautiful. Right after opening is relatively uncrowded
• Combine nearby: Pairing with Kurokawa Onsen, the Great Ginkgo of Shimojo, and an Oguni highland drive fills out a full day

A Word of Advice

Since the advance reservation system was introduced, Nabegataki can no longer be visited quite so spontaneously. On the other hand, with a reservation you can avoid crowds and enjoy the space behind the falls at leisure. The falls themselves take only a short time to see, so combining them with a hot-spring circuit at Kurokawa Onsen or a cafe tour of Oguni makes for a full day savoring the highlands of northern Aso.

📚 Sources

This article was edited as general sightseeing information based on the published information on admission, opening hours, and advance reservation for Nabegataki issued by Oguni Town and the local tourism association, and public information around Nabegataki. Nabegataki uses an online advance-reservation system, and the admission, opening hours, and whether night illumination is held may change. Before you set out, please confirm the reservation method and the latest details through official sources for Oguni Town and the tourism association.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: The falls can be seen in a short time, about 30 minutes to 1 hour including the walk behind them and photos
• What to bring: Behind the falls it is wet and slippery from spray, so wear comfortable shoes; it is chilly around the falls, so bring a layer even in summer, and waterproof your camera
• Don’t forget to reserve: Reservation is required in advance, so arrange online early once you set a date, and have small change for admission
• Suggested route: Descend the stairs (said to be about 120 steps) from the parking lot, walk behind the falls, and enjoy the view through the water curtain; the dappled morning light is beautiful
• Nearby combination: Combine it with Kurokawa Onsen, the great ginkgo of Shimojo, and an Oguni highland drive for a full day