Kanba Falls

In Maniwa, Okayama, Kanba Falls boasts a height of one hundred ten meters and a width of twenty meters, the grandest scale in the Chugoku region. Chosen among Japan finest hundred waterfalls, the force of the water pouring down the cliff in one rush is simply breathtaking. Stand beneath the falls and the spray and refreshing forest air enveloping your whole body naturally wash the heart clean.

The natural park where the falls lie is home to wild monkeys that have been studied since 1957, and with luck you may encounter a troop. Seeing monkeys living in nature rather than in cages is a sight unique to this place.

Highlights

- The grand one hundred ten meter falls. The sound and force of the falling water are overwhelming. - The wild monkeys living in the natural park. They are said to appear most often in July, August, November, and December. - The well maintained walking path. It takes about five minutes from the parking lot to the foot of the falls.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring fresh leaves bud and the area around the falls is wrapped in vivid green. Summer brings spray and shade for a cool retreat. In autumn the surrounding trees turn deep red, making the pairing of foliage and falls especially beautiful. In winter the flow eases, but you can face the falls in quiet, clear air.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Kanba, Maniwa, Okayama - By car: about twenty minutes from the Kuse Interchange on the Yonago Expressway. - From the parking lot it is about five minutes on foot along the walking path to the foot of the falls. - An admission fee applies, roughly six hundred yen for high school age and above and three hundred yen for elementary and junior high students.

A Quick Tip

Though the wild monkeys are used to people, they are still wild animals. Do not feed them carelessly or approach too closely, and observe from a distance. The monkeys may not appear on some days, so consider it good fortune if you meet them.