The 10 Best Waterfalls in Hokuriku, Chubu

Reviewed By unescotravelbug - Wooster, United States

Shomyo Falls situated in Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture, is considered the tallest waterfall in Japan by the period of running water and is one of the significant attractions of Tateyama Kuorbe Alpine Route. Shomyo Falls can be accessed by Tateyama’s sightseeing bus at outside of Toyama Chiho Railway Tateyama Station during the Spring to late Fall season when Alpine Route is opened to the visitors. Each year after the heavy snow begins to melt in the late Spring, visitors can view the magnificent scenes of high-volume water continuingly rushing down from 350 meters high above, created thundering effects and colorful rainbow sights on the sunny days. Hannoki Falls flows down beside it actually situated at the higher position at 497 meters but waterfalling is only limited to April through July due to the origin of the melting snow from Midagahara plateau wet land. It’s paired with Shomyo Fall as a twin-waterfall. The winter heavy snow sometimes would cause the Somen Waterfall to appear to the right of the Hannoki Falls after the snow melted. If you visit at the right time you might be able to catch such extraordinary phenomenon that three waterfalls are seen spontaneously flowing down beside each other. There are two separate viewing decks and a covered rest area where you can watch the waterfalls up close, but you must take stone steps going up which can be a challenging task for people with mobility concerns. After you get off the final bus stop there is a rest area and toilet facility. To reach the Falls from the bus stop you can enjoy approx. 30 min. scenic walk with the stream of rushing water and lush greenery or autumn foliage along the way. You will see the famous part of the mountain range in this area appeared to be in shear cut bold cliff faces due to the volcanic erosion. Shomyo Falls National Park is closed during winter but other three seasons’ natural scenery are not to be missed. Bus ride from Tateyama Chiho Railway Station is about 15 minutes served by Tateyama Kurobe Kankou (TKK) bus, and then 30 minutes by foot. Bus service schedules between the Falls and Tateyama Station are infrequent so be sure to keep track of time during the visit. The bus fare is 500 yens each way. I highly recommend that you include the Shomyo Falls visit as part of your Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route itineraries if time allowed. It’s difficult to manage the Alpine Routes and Shomyo Falls all in one day. So I recommend that you either stay extra day in Tateyama (which is a small charming town with relaxing atmosphere and plenty of greenery) or Toyama and make it a half day trip before or after the Alpine Route journey.