Beautiful Water Curtain:Nabegataki Falls

A Hidden Gem in Kyushu, Kumamoto

Nabegataki Falls – The Curtain of Water That Welcomes You

As you step into Nabegataki Falls, the first thing to catch your eye is a single “curtain of water” formed by a wide stream cascading evenly from one end to the other. Though the drop is modest at around 10 meters (about 33 feet), the width reaches approximately 20 meters (about 66 feet). The evenly flowing sheet of water resembles a translucent drape gently hung from above. Soft light filters through the water, shimmering as fine mist floats in the air, creating the sense of a natural stage.

Despite being a popular sightseeing spot, Nabegataki Falls offers the feeling of being deeply embraced by nature. The sound of the water is powerful yet never harsh, and its steady rhythm brings a sense of calm. The cool humidity rising from the ground and the gentle breeze brushing your cheek provide comfort in every season.

This very first view is one of the reasons why Nabegataki Falls captivates so many visitors. It is a place where you can feel the texture of the air and the scent of the water—sensations that photographs and videos cannot truly convey.

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A Geological Wonder Born from Aso’s Volcanic Activity

Nabegataki Falls is part of a landscape formed about 90,000 years ago during a massive volcanic eruption. The pyroclastic flow from the eruption cooled and solidified, and over time, the flow of the river carved into the rock, creating the current shape of the falls.

The geological layers here consist of a hard welded tuff on top and a softer volcanic ash layer below. The river more easily eroded the lower layer, gradually creating a hollow space behind the waterfall. This unique formation is what gives Nabegataki its identity as an Urami Falls—a waterfall you can view from behind. The harder rock above and the softer layer behind continue to undergo erosion, slowly altering the shape of the falls.

The name “Nabegataki” is said to come from its resemblance to hot water spilling over the rim of a pot. The water flow changes with the seasons and weather, becoming more powerful during the snowmelt in early spring or after periods of heavy rain.

This origin story is a natural sculpture shaped by the volcanic power of Aso and the continuous work of water, allowing visitors to feel the vast scale and strength of the Earth’s history.

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Changing Scenery Through the Seasons

Nabegataki Falls reveals a different charm in each season. When I visited in late April, the surrounding trees had just begun to sprout fresh green leaves. The pale green blended harmoniously with the curtain of water, creating an atmosphere of gentle brightness. The water was abundant, and when touched by sunlight, the mist sparkled, occasionally revealing a faint rainbow.

Large moss-covered rocks lay scattered around the falls, their deep green absorbing the moisture in the air. Each droplet that fell onto them created a tiny glimmer of light. The combination of rocks, moss, and the sound of water felt like stepping into a scene from a Studio Ghibli film.

The air was crystal clear, and stepping behind the waterfall brought a coolness that wrapped around me. Looking out from behind, the view through the water shimmered with the movement of light and leaves, as if peering into a world slightly apart from reality.

In spring, Nabegataki is a place where the vitality of life and a quiet sense of mystery coexist. Visiting in this season allows you to feel both the gentleness and strength of nature.

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The Allure of the Waterfall’s Hidden Side

Because of its distinctive shape, Nabegataki Falls is also known as an Urami Falls. In Japanese, urami means “viewing from behind,” and here you can literally walk behind the curtain of water. The falls are approximately 20 meters (about 66 feet) wide and 10 meters (about 33 feet) tall, with water flowing down a gently curving rock face. This formation makes it possible to pass through to the back side.

The space behind the falls is surprisingly deep. As you walk further in, the path narrows, and the rock walls on both sides press closer. The ground is uneven, and an overhead rock ceiling stretches above you. From here, you can watch soft light filter through the water, swaying with its movement.

The view from behind is entirely different from the front. Through the flowing water, the scenery shifts constantly with the angle of the light and the motion of the stream. The sound of the falls, the mist in the air, and droplets sliding down the rock surface combine to create an immersive experience.

Nabegataki’s beauty lies not only in its front-facing view but also in the extraordinary perspective offered from behind—a rare and memorable encounter with nature.

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Access & Visitor Information

Location
Kurobuchi, Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture

By Car

• About 1 hour from Hita IC on the Ōita Expressway

• About 1 hour 30 minutes from Kumamoto IC on the Kyushu Expressway

• About 10 minutes by car or taxi from “Yū Station” roadside station in Oguni

Opening Hours
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)

Closed
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 – January 3)
Always check the latest opening status before visiting

Temporary Closures

• Heavy rain or flood warnings, river swelling

• Typhoon warnings

• Earthquakes or other emergencies

• System maintenance

Admission

• Adults (high school students and older): 300 yen

• Children (elementary and junior high school students): 150 yen

• Preschool children: Free

• Free admission for the holder of a disability certificate and one accompanying person

Entry

• Advance online reservation required

• Same-day tickets available online if slots remain

• No phone reservations

• If online booking is difficult, same-day tickets can be purchased at the tourism association counter (8:30 am – 4:00 pm)

Parking
123 spaces (no large buses; mid-size and microbuses allowed with conditions)

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Editor’s Note

As I descended the steps, my heart beat a little faster, wondering what view awaited ahead. Step by step, the anticipation grew. Careful on the damp stairs, I continued until the path suddenly opened, revealing a waterfall far larger than I had imagined.

Drawing closer, cool air and fine mist touched my cheeks. Breathing deeply, I caught the mingled scents of forest and water, as if they were purifying my entire body.

I had hoped to visit in the morning light, but the sky was overcast that day. Even so, the faint rays filtering through gaps in the clouds seemed to be absorbed into the falls, glowing softly. This gentle light, together with the gray sky, created a quiet atmosphere, different from that of a sunny day, yet equally captivating.

They say Nabegataki changes its appearance with the seasons and weather. The soft spring water was pleasant to hear, but I found myself wanting to see its face in winter and autumn as well. I left with the resolve to return and witness the stories each season has to tell.

— written by Sumire