A 121 m waterfall at 1,400 m in the Ishiutoro River Gorge. It is one of Japan’s 100 finest waterfalls and is called the finest in eastern Japan.
The prefectural Shojigataki forest road to the car park usually closes in winter (from around late November or early December to late April). It also closes in heavy rain (10 mm an hour or 50 mm in total) and after earthquakes of intensity 4 or more. For road information, call the Chuhoku Forestry and Environment Office (0551-23-3863, Japanese).
How to enjoy it
On the gorge trail, count the falls as they appear, first, second and third. At the viewing platform at the end, watch the water drop 121 m in one go and spread into mist.
From the viewing platform at the far end of the trail you face Shojigataki, one of Japan’s 100 finest waterfalls. The water drops 121 m down a sheer rock face in one go, and the spray spreads into mist. The name recalls an old custom of bathing in the falls to purify body and mind before praying.
Going beyond the viewing platform is forbidden because it is dangerous.
The Ishiutoro Gorge flows from Mt. Jizogatake, one of the three Hoo peaks. From the car park, cross the suspension bridge and follow the gorge trail past the first, second and third falls and huge rocks such as Meoto-iwa, the “wedded rocks”.
There are many rocky stretches, suspension bridges and steep steps on the way. Wear sturdy shoes and proper gear.
A short way off the gorge trail you can see the Fossa Magna, the great rift that crosses Japan, up close.
Fresh green in spring and coloured leaves in autumn make the falls popular all year. Autumn colour peaks from mid-October to early November upstream (near the falls) and from mid-October to mid-November downstream (at the start of the trail). The main trees are maple, beech and Mongolian oak.
Hours
Open all day (no access while the forest road is closed in winter)
Closed
The forest road closes in winter (from late Nov or early Dec to late Apr)
NotesThe forest road is narrow, and vehicles seating 11 or more cannot use it.
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