Kawazu Nanadaru

Located on the eastern side of the Izu Peninsula in Kawazu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, Kawazu Nanadaru is a scenic natural spot where seven beautiful waterfalls are scattered along the upper reaches of the Kawazu River. The name is read Nanadaru, and from upstream the falls line up as Kama, Ebi, Hebi, Shokei, Kani, Deai, and O. You can visit each waterfall, all with different expressions, along a walking trail, making it a popular course that combines escape from the heat, healing, and a power spot all in one.

Highlights

• Seven distinctive waterfalls, each worth seeing, from Kama Falls thundering down the rock face to Deai Falls where two streams meet.
• The statue of the Dancer and Me standing near Shokei Falls, cherished as a place linked to The Izu Dancer by Yasunari Kawabata.
• A refreshing walking trail wrapped in the negative ions rising from the falls.
• The enormous two tier loop bridge rising nearby, the Kawazu Nanadaru Loop Bridge, a dynamic structure about forty five meters high and about eighty meters in diameter.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time and seasons: In fresh greenery the tunnel of young leaves and the spray of the falls shine. Summer brings coolness through deep valley shade and water sounds, autumn brings the valley foliage, and in early spring the Kawazu cherry blossoms nearby let you combine a waterfall tour with flower viewing.
• Time needed: The trail visiting all seven falls takes about an hour on foot. There are ups and downs, so allow extra time.
• Avoiding crowds: During the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, around February to March, the area is very crowded. For a relaxed visit, weekdays or mornings are best.
• Nearby real spots: Day use hot spring facilities at Kawazu Nanadaru Onsen, Kawazu Bagatelle Park, and the early spring Kawazu cherry blossom rows are nearby. Take in the loop bridge as well.
• Budget sense: The walking trail itself is free. The main costs are a day use bath, bus fare, and parking.
• Safety notes: The trail has slippery wet sections and stairs. Wear comfortable shoes, and do not push on during high water after rain.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kawazu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Train and bus: About thirty minutes by bus toward Shuzenji from Kawazu Station on the Izukyu Line, getting off at Kawazu Nanadaru or Suishochika. Stop names and frequency vary, so check in advance.
• By car: Along National Route 414. The route passing the Kawazu Nanadaru Loop Bridge is a good landmark.
• Parking: Parking is available nearby, in some cases for a fee.
• Fees and hours: Strolling the trail is free. Day use hot spring and bus times and fares vary, so check officially.

A Quick Tip

If you want to visit all seven, plan whether to start from upstream or downstream according to your stamina. Walk slowly while taking in plenty of negative ions, then finish by washing off the sweat at Kawazu Nanadaru Onsen. In early spring you can enjoy both flowers and falls in a single day alongside the Kawazu cherry blossoms. (Tabitabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

This article is based on Kawazu Town and local tourism information, guidance on the Kawazu Nanadaru trail and each of its falls, and an introduction to the Kawazu Nanadaru Loop Bridge. It touches on the statue The Dancer and I beside Shokei Falls and the history as a site tied to Kawabata Yasunari's The Izu Dancer. Bus stop names and frequencies, and the times and fees for day-use hot springs and buses, may change, so please check official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About an hour on foot to tour all seven falls
• Access: About 30 minutes by bus toward Shuzenji from Izukyu Kawazu Station
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, as there are slippery spots and stairs
• How to get around: Plan whether to walk from upstream or downstream to suit your stamina
• Avoiding crowds: The Kawazu cherry blossom festival (around February to March) is very busy; weekdays and mornings are best
• Also enjoy: Day-use bathing at Kawazu Nanadaru Onsen and a look at the Loop Bridge