During the summer in Japan, what kind of activities are you planning to do? Will you go to fireworks festivals, to the beach, or visit Kyoto for the Gion festivals? Have you thought about cooling off in one of Japan’s waterfalls? Did you know there’s a waterfall like Niagara Falls in Japan? We recommend taking a trip to this waterfall – Fukiware Falls, known as ‘Oriental Niagara Falls’ located in Numata-shi, Gunma prefecture.
If you visit Gunma prefecture, make sure to explore the natural beauty around the waterfalls to experience fresh air and peaceful scenery. Recently, I went on a day trip to Fukiware Falls with my friend. Let’s explore the details!
At the Beginning of Fukiware Falls
Image credit: the author
Before reaching the falls, you will walk along the short street with souvenir shops from local people. They sell a wide variety of products, such as honey, toys, hats, and toy masks. As you go downstairs, you will see the tall trees, hear the powerful sound of rushing water, and feel the fresh scent of the natural forest. Beyond the forest, the water is flowing between the cracks in the rocks. This is Masutobi Falls and is downstream of Fukiware Falls. The Masutobi Fall stands 15 meters in height and 6 meters in width.
Discovering Nature in Fukiware Falls
Image credit: the author
If you continue to walk along the walking trail bypassing the falls, you will find Fukiware Falls.
The waterfall is 7 meters high and 30 meters wide. Massive erosion near Masutobi Falls causes the water to cut into cracks, creating the water flow from both banks and spraying small particles from the pool. As a result, this unique waterfall gives the name of Fukiware Falls. You will enjoy the views and cool mist in the air. During the humid summer, experiencing cool and fresh air around the fall and in the forest provides a valuable experience for visitors.
Image credit: the author
After chilling out the view of Fukiware Falls, you can pass through it and go to Ukishima Bridge. The Ukishima bridge is 150 meters and will take you to the Ukishima Kannon Temple which is unfortunately closing down.
How to Get to Fukiware Falls
Find it on Google Maps
There are several ways to reach the Falls. There are two common routes: from Tokyo station and from Takasaki station.
1. From Tokyo Station, it takes around 2 hours and 28 minutes.
- Take a Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo Kogen Station
- From Jomo Kogen Station, take the Kamata Line train to Numata Station
- From Numata Station, take the Kamata Line (Oze Tokura) to Okkai Kami Station
- From Okkai Kami Station, you have to walk for 8 minutes to Fukiware Falls
2. From Takasaki Station, It takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes.
- Take a local train to Shim-Maebashi Station
- From Shin-Maebashi Station, take the next local train to Numata Station
- Once you arrive at Numata Station, follow the route detailed above from Tokyo Station to Fukiware Falls
Image credit: the author
During the hot and humid summer season in Japan, residents often use cooling fans, neck fans, umbrellas, sprays, and neck wraps to save themselves from the overwhelming strength of the sun. These items are temporary relief from the heat and are not able to refresh your mind and body like visiting nature does. But a day trip to Fukiware Falls makes for a perfectly cooling experience to escape from the city and refresh your mental and physical conditions. You can visit in the summer, fall, and spring seasons to experience the different vibes of the surrounding forest. Fukiware Falls await you.
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Featured image credits: Canva.com
