Nabegataki Falls

Located in Oguni, Aso District, Kumamoto, Nabegataki Falls is a soothing waterfall known mostly to insiders, said to have been formed by a colossal eruption of Aso some ninety thousand years ago. With a drop of only about ten meters it is not especially tall, but at roughly twenty meters wide it spreads like a thin curtain as the water falls, a remarkably graceful sight. Because the rock behind the falls is hollowed out and you can walk around to view it from there, it is also called the falls seen from behind.

Highlights

- A rare structure that lets you step behind the falls. The outside scenery viewed through the curtain of water is a strange sensation found only here. - A smooth, soft veil of water spreading across its full width as it descends. - The area around the basin is rich in negative ions, with fresh air that refreshes body and mind. - A photogenic landscape that has served as the setting for a television commercial.

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh green of spring the surrounding foliage is vivid against the falls. Summer feels like a natural cooler that makes you forget the heat. Autumn brings colored leaves to the waterside and a mellow charm. In winter, occasional illuminations make the falls glow like ice in the dark, a dreamlike scene.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Kurobuchi, Oguni, Aso District, Kumamoto - Entry is by advance reservation, with opening hours from about nine in the morning to five in the evening, with a slightly earlier final admission. - By car: About forty five minutes from the Kokonoe interchange on the Oita Expressway. Heading toward the Sakamoto Zenzo Art Museum makes it easy to find. - From the parking area you walk a little way down a footpath to the falls.

A Quick Tip

Complete your reservation before visiting. As you approach, spray will wet the ground underfoot, so non slip shoes are recommended. Take your time when photographing the view from behind.