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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Shomyo Falls
Admire the natural wonder of the tallest waterfall in Japan, with great hiking trails nearby
Toyama Prefecture
Shomyo Falls is one of Toyama Prefecture’s finest out-of-the-way spots! It is Japan’s tallest waterfall, with a drop of 350 meters. It has been designated a National Scenic Spot and Natural Monument, and chosen as one of Japan’s 100 best soundscapes.
The best time to see this impressive waterfall and its powerful spray is in spring and summer, when the water flow is at its peak. In spring, when the snowmelt from the Tateyama Mountain Range is abundant, the Hannoki Falls form to the right of the Shomyo Falls. Sometimes the rare sight of a V-shaped waterfall can be seen. This is the only place where you can see such striking, rare scenery, with three parallel waterfalls combined with the roar of water crashing down.
In fall, you can witness the stunning natural landscape of vivid autumn colors contrasting with the glowing white waterfall. The beautiful trees, with their changing colors, will also welcome you on the path up to the falls, making the Shomyo Falls a picturesque location to enjoy with different scenery every season.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama Station (about 2 hours). From Toyama Station, take the Toyama Chiho Railway to Tateyama Station (about 1 hour). From Tateyama Station, take the Shomyo-daki Tansho Bus (about 15 minutes). The falls are about a 30-minute walk from the bus stop.
Ashikuraji, Tateyama-machi, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama-ken
