The area north of Mt Aso is well-known for its onsen baths, but numerous waterfalls dot the hills as well for those with time, a good map and their own set of wheels. Nabegataki, located just outside Oguni Town, is one of the area's more well-known waterfalls. Looking like a mini-Niagara, you can actually climb behind the falls to see how the water has carved out the rock over the years. This is a great spot for both amateur and professional photographers - the light that filters through the trees creates an impressive backdrop if you can capture it. There is a car park at the top of the hill, though the path to the bottom is not handicap accessible.
- 1 min read
Nabegataki Waterfall
A hidden cascade in Oguni
Join the discussion
Asad Zaidi
9 years ago
Great place, thanks for sharing pix
Can you tell how long is the fall from parking area?
Thanks
Can you tell how long is the fall from parking area?
Thanks
Asad, it's about a 5-10 minute walk but you have to use the stairs and it's all uphill on the return.
George Tan
10 years ago
The waterfall view looks great!
Veronika Tomanova
10 years ago
This is an amazing spot. DO you think one can swim there?
I'm honestly not sure, Veronika. The pool in front of the waterfall is a decent size in width but I don't know how deep it runs. I have been here in all seasons EXCEPT for summer so I've never seen anyone in the water. But I didn't see any "no swimming" signs.
Thank you all for the comments! This is one of my favorite waterfalls in Japan - a bit tough to get to without a car but so stunning in any season.
Top Articles
-
![An Intellectual Journey Through Fujita Tsuguharu’s Legacy in Akita]( "An Intellectual Journey Through Fujita Tsuguharu’s Legacy in Akita")
1An Intellectual Journey Through Fujita Tsuguharu’s Legacy in Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
![Spa Resort Hawaiians: A Tropical Escape with a Japanese Soul in Iwaki]( "Spa Resort Hawaiians: A Tropical Escape with a Japanese Soul in Iwaki")
2Spa Resort Hawaiians: A Tropical Escape with a Japanese Soul in Iwaki
Fukushima - Sponsored -
![Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road]( "Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road")
3Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba -
![An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage]( "An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage")
4An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage
Akita - Sponsored -
![Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026]( "Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026")
5Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
![A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA]( "A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA")
6A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo]( "Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo")
7Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours]( "Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours")
8Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
![Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido]( "Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido")
9Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
![Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea]( "Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea")
10Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki - Sponsored
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Tokyo Christmas Market]( "Tokyo Christmas Market")
2Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)]( "November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)")
5November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka -
![Nabana no Sato Illumination]( "Nabana no Sato Illumination")
6Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
![Tori-no-Ichi]( "Tori-no-Ichi")
7Tori-no-Ichi
Tokyo -
![Japanese Urban Legends]( "Japanese Urban Legends")
8Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
![Tokyo Auto Salon]( "Tokyo Auto Salon")
9Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
![Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination]( "Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination")
10Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo
Can you tell how long is the fall from parking area?
Thanks