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Waterfall · Toyama, Toyama
Shomyo Falls
The tallest waterfall in Japan, about 350 meters over four drops, in the valley below the Midagahara plateau near Tateyama Station; the access road closes in winter.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Shomyo Falls in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Shomyo Falls
Shomyo Falls is located high in the Shomyo River valley in the town of Tateyama, below the Midagahara plateau, which is part of the Alpine Route. At about 350 meters high, in four successive drops, it is the tallest waterfall in Japan. It is designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and a National Natural Monument.
The water plunges from a dark rock gorge carved by erosion in the Tateyama lava plateau. The name comes from a Buddhist tradition: the sound of the fall was said to resemble the recitation of the name of Buddha, shomyo. Beside it, for part of the year, a second fall called Hannoki appears; it runs strongly only during the spring thaw and after rains, and can seem even taller than Shomyo.
The visit starts at a parking lot at the bottom of the valley, from where a car-closed road climbs on foot about 1.3 km to the viewpoint in front of the base of the fall. In spring, with the thaw, the water volume is usually greater and the wind carries spray onto the viewpoint. In autumn, the foliage covers the valley.
The access road is usually closed from early December through the end of April because of snow. The waterfall can also be seen from afar, from a higher viewpoint near the Alpine Route road on the Midagahara plateau. There is no entrance fee.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour 30 minutes, including the round-trip walk to the viewpoint.
Best time
From May to June, when the thaw usually increases the water volume and the Hannoki waterfall appears beside it; from mid to late October for the foliage. The road usually closes from December to April. Check conditions before you go.
How to get there
From Tateyama Station, seasonal buses run to the waterfall parking lot in about 15 minutes; from there it’s about a 30-minute walk with a gentle uphill. By car, it’s about 15 km from Tateyama Station.
Tip
Bring a rain poncho or waterproof jacket, because the wind can carry spray from the fall onto the viewpoint. Check return bus times, which are infrequent.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Shomyo Falls
What is the height of Shomyo Falls?
About 350 meters, in four drops. It is the tallest waterfall in Japan.
What is Hannoki Falls?
It is a waterfall beside Shomyo that runs strongly only during the spring thaw and after rains. At that time it can seem even taller.
How to get to Shomyo Falls without a car?
By seasonal bus from Tateyama Station in about 15 minutes, plus about a 30-minute walk to the viewpoint.
Is Shomyo Falls open in winter?
No. The access road is usually closed from December to April because of snow.
Beyond the guide
