Upper falls (Photo: Tomoko Kamishima)

Nikko Kirifuri-no-taki Falls

Mystic beauty in the misty forest

Tomoko Kamishima   - 1 min read

Kirifuri-no-taki Falls are elegant falls that drop in two stages. The upper falls come down straight and the lower falls drop to a basin that divides into many directions. Because the water splashes onto the rocks and whirls up, it’s misty (kiri) all around. The mountain surrounding the falls is ablaze with autumn colors in late October. The observation deck is far from the falls but the view is wide and gorgeous. The bus from Nikko Station comes only once per hour, so consider driving. Even during high season in autumn, the traffic here is not crazy like in other parts of Nikko, and there is no charge for both viewing the falls and parking.

Tomoko Kamishima

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...