Nabegataki Falls

Nabegataki Falls in Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a soothing waterfall said to have been shaped by a colossal eruption of Aso some 90,000 years ago. Its drop of about 10 meters is modest, but the falls are around 20 meters wide, and the water spreading like a thin curtain as it flows down is remarkably graceful. Because the rock behind the falls is hollowed out and visitors can walk around to view it from behind, it is also known as a back-view waterfall.

Highlights

• An unusual structure that lets you walk behind the falls. Looking out at the scenery through the curtain of water is a strange feeling found only here.
• A smooth, soft veil of water spreading across the full width of the falls.
• The area around the basin is filled with cool, fresh air, and a stroll by the water refreshes body and mind.
• A photogenic scene that has served as the setting for television commercials.

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh greenery of spring, the surrounding foliage is vivid against the falls. Summer brings a coolness like a natural air conditioner that makes you forget the heat. In autumn, colored leaves adorn the waterside for a mellow mood, and in winter, occasional illuminations make the falls glowing in the darkness feel dreamlike.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kurobuchi, Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
• Admission: Advance web reservation and purchase system. Opening hours are 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30), with closures around the New Year period (about December 28 to January 3)
• Fees: 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students (details may change, so check in advance)
• By car: Accessible via national roads from the Oita Expressway side or the Kumamoto side. From the parking area, walk down the path steps to reach the falls

Practical Travel Notes

• Phone reservations are not accepted, and web reservation and purchase are possible even on the day of your visit. Always complete the booking before you go
• Because you descend steps from the parking area to the basin, shoes that are easy to walk in are recommended
• Getting close to the falls will wet your feet with spray, so shoes with good grip and a towel are reassuring
• Stopping for a meal or rest near the Yu Station in central Oguni before heading over makes planning your route easier

A Word of Advice

Complete your web reservation before you visit. Since spray will wet your feet as you approach the falls, shoes with good grip are recommended. For the shot from behind the water, take your time and enjoy composing it.

📚 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 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: Approaching the falls, spray wets the ground, so bring non-slip shoes and a towel, and have small change for admission
• Don’t forget to reserve: Phone reservations are not accepted, but you can reserve and buy online even on the day of your visit, so be sure to complete the reservation before visiting
• Suggested route: Descend the trail stairs from the parking lot and view the thin curtain-like falls from behind; it helps to eat or rest around the Yu Station in central Oguni Town before heading over
• Closed days: It closes around the New Year holidays (about December 28 to January 3), so note the timing of your visit