Fukiware no Taki Falls, Gunma

“Fukiware no Taki Falls” is a masterpiece that spans the Katashina Valley in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. Width 30 meters, height 7 meters. Because of its overwhelming power, it is also called “Oriental Niagara.” There are a suspension bridge and a viewing platform on the surrounding promenade, and you can enjoy the waterfall from various points while walking in the green.
If you go by car to “Fukiware no Taki Falls”, get off at Numata IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, and travel straight on Route 120 towards Oze in approximately 20 minutes. If you use public transportation, it takes about 40 minutes by bus from Japan Railway Joetsu Line Numata Station. From Tokyo, you can go in two and a half hours each way.
As you approach your destination, souvenir shops and restaurants will increase along Route 120. You will see a sign on the left side of the road saying “about 100 meters to Fukiware no Taki Waterfall”. This is the entrance of the promenade.
When you go down the valley slope and reach the riverside, you will first find the “Masutobi Waterfalls. The fall of this waterfall is about 15 meters. It makes a loud noise, and the water swells and falls. The fine splashes that are made to rise are cool and pleasant. It was once called “Masudomari’s waterfall” because the salmon that came up the river from the sea could not go upstream from this waterfall. It will be “Masutobi Waterfall” someday.
If you walk after “Masutobi Waterfall”, “Hannya Rock” will appear. The Fukiware Valley is also a treasure trove of rock formations and boulders here, and the dynamic topography created by nature can be admired. Not only the clear stream, but also natural beauty that is admired in all directions during the walk will appear one after another.
After a while, you will reach “Fukiware no Taki Waterfall”. A white, clean, clear stream is engulfed between the ground and the ground, which is completely broken. As it is said that “Niagara of the East” is truly amazing.
This waterfall is made of a rock called welded tuff, created by a volcanic eruption about 13 million years ago. About 10,000 years ago, a waterfall was created at the confluence point of the Katashina River and the Kurihara River about 750 meters downstream, and then it was gradually retreated to the present point by erosion.
The name of the waterfall is derived from “It looks like a huge rock has been broken.” In 1936, it was designated as a National Natural Monument and Scenic Spot as “Fukiware Valley and Fukiware Waterfall”.

100 selections of Japanese waterfalls

Fukiware no Taki Falls is a popular tourist resort in Gumma Prefecture called Eastern Niagara. It was specified as the natural treasure of the country in 1936. Moreover, it was chosen as “100 selections of Japanese waterfalls” and has been famous as the representatives of the most beautiful spots in Gunma. It is said that it was named “Fukiware no Taki” (breaking falls) since water flowed as if it spared the stream bed. The promenade is well-developed in the valley and beautiful scenery every spring fresh green, and autumn colored leaves please you.

Roaring loud sound can be heard

An entrance is the promenade wrapped green. If every step you take, a roaring loud sound can be heard. It is a first waterfall “Masu Tobi no Taki” (Flying trout falls) of Fukiware ravine. The scene, that abundant water poured by “Fukiware no Taki” falls to the small waterfall basin with a fall of 15 meters, is right the best part. It is said that it came to be called “Masu Tobi no Taki Falls” since the trout flew to cross this waterfall hard when a trout had ascended to the river a long time ago.

“Hannya” (Prajna) opens a big mouth

This is “Hannya Iwa” (Rock of Prajna) which “Hannya” (Prajna) opens a big mouth and seems to wait for. It is the point that can observe the art that nature created closely.

Sufficient vigor

When you advance to the point of huge “Hannya Iwa”, you arrive at “Fukiware no Taki Falls”. This place was selected as “100 selections of Japanese waterfalls”, “Natural Treasure” and “ Places of Scenic Beauty”. The scene that the river flows in from three directions towards the V-shaped valley which is eroded with sufficient vigor are powerful.

1 million people visit every year

They are 7 meters in height, 30 meters in width, and becomes the tourist attraction that 1 million people visit every year. Since amount of water will increase with the melted snow from Oze especially in May, it is the most powerful. One of the charm of “Fukiwari no Taki Falls” is what can thoroughly enjoy plain nature without unnecessary fence. For the reason, you can go to see to very near the waterfall. Water flows through the waterfall by awful force right next to a promenade. It is too much powerful, and you can feel a thrilling sensation.

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