
Magome Waterfall
A charming natural stop along the historic Nakasendo Trail, featuring two distinct waterfalls: Odaki and Medaki.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Crisp air, vibrant foliage

Magome Waterfall
Best Time
Crisp air, vibrant foliage

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming natural stop along the historic Nakasendo Trail, featuring two distinct waterfalls: Odaki and Medaki.
"A tiny waterfall on the way of Nakasendo detour path but it worths a visit."

Short Detour, Big Reward
The waterfall is a short, worthwhile detour from the Nakasendo Trail. Don't miss it!
Watch Your Step!
Paths can be icy and slippery in winter. Be cautious, as there are no guardrails.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Odaki (Male Waterfall)
Off Nakasendo Trail
The larger of the two falls, cascading approximately 10 meters. A powerful sight, especially after rain.

Medaki (Female Waterfall)
Off Nakasendo Trail
A slightly smaller, delicate cascade, offering a serene contrast to its male counterpart.

Nakasendo Trail Views
Along the path
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the ancient post road, with the waterfalls providing a perfect natural interlude.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Detour for Nature's Beauty
Best Footwear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Short Detour, Big Reward
The waterfall is a short, worthwhile detour from the Nakasendo Trail. Don't miss it!
Watch Your Step!
Paths can be icy and slippery in winter. Be cautious, as there are no guardrails.
Perfect Photo Spot
Great for scenic photos and a refreshing break. Bring your camera!
Feel the Mist
Get close enough to feel the cool mist, especially on a warm day.
Tips
from all over the internet
Short Detour, Big Reward
The waterfall is a short, worthwhile detour from the Nakasendo Trail. Don't miss it!
Watch Your Step!
Paths can be icy and slippery in winter. Be cautious, as there are no guardrails.
Perfect Photo Spot
Great for scenic photos and a refreshing break. Bring your camera!
Feel the Mist
Get close enough to feel the cool mist, especially on a warm day.
Literary Connection
The Medaki waterfall is mentioned in 'Miyamoto Musashi.'
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Magome Waterfall is a highly recommended, scenic detour off the Nakasendo Trail, praised for its natural beauty and refreshing atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the dual cascades and the opportunity for great photos. Some caution is advised during winter due to slippery conditions.
"Tiny waterfall on the way of Nakasendo detour path but it worths a visit. Some nice photos and break time is nice with the chill water. The male waterfall is slightly bigger than the female one."
Luke L'sk
"Odaki (“male waterfall”) is approximately 10 meters high, while Medaki (“female waterfall”) is slightly smaller.
Both are located just off the Nakasendo trail (short detour of approximately 250 meter) and are easy to reach on foot."
Anna Krzak
"Scenic waterfall along the nakasendo trail between tsumago and Magome. Falls are named male falls and female falls. Crisp autumn foliage that is on the cusp of the turning red. It would be fabulous in full fall colours.
This was probably the highlight of the hike."
Jeremy Lim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Magome Waterfall is located along the Nakasendo Trail, between the post towns of Magome and Tsumago. You'll need to hike a portion of the trail to reach it. The detour to the falls is approximately 250 meters off the main path.
No, Magome Waterfall is only accessible by foot via the Nakasendo Trail. This is a hiking route, so plan accordingly.
The Nakasendo Trail is an ancient route that connected Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) during the Edo period. Hiking sections of it, like the one between Magome and Tsumago, offers a glimpse into historical Japan.
The detour to the waterfall itself is a short walk of about 250 meters from the main Nakasendo Trail. The overall hike from Magome to Tsumago is around 12 kilometers.
Yes, there are signs indicating the detour to the waterfalls along the Nakasendo Trail. It's hard to miss if you're paying attention.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Magome Waterfall. It is a natural attraction along the public Nakasendo Trail.
As a natural attraction, Magome Waterfall does not have set opening hours. It is accessible whenever the Nakasendo Trail is open.
The falls are most impressive after heavy rain. Spring and autumn offer pleasant hiking weather and beautiful foliage. Winter can be beautiful but requires caution due to ice.
Yes, you can visit Magome Waterfall year-round. However, winter conditions can make the paths icy and slippery, so extra care is needed.
No, there is no visitor center directly at Magome Waterfall. It's a natural spot along the hiking trail.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find two distinct waterfalls: Odaki (the 'male waterfall,' about 10 meters high) and Medaki (the 'female waterfall,' slightly smaller). The area is scenic and offers a refreshing natural break.
While the water looks inviting, swimming is generally not recommended due to the cold temperatures and potentially strong currents. It's best enjoyed for viewing and cooling off with mist.
Restrooms and shops are typically found in the post towns of Magome and Tsumago, not directly at the waterfall detour. It's advisable to use facilities before or after your hike.
Absolutely! The waterfalls, surrounding nature, and the ancient trail provide excellent opportunities for photography.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes at the waterfall, enjoying the views, taking photos, and resting before continuing their hike.
🎫 👟 Hiking & Trails
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip are highly recommended. The trail can be uneven, and paths near the waterfall can be slippery, especially in wet or icy conditions.
The hike is considered moderately challenging, with some uphill and downhill sections. It's about 12 km and takes around 3-4 hours. The waterfall detour is a small, easy addition.
Be mindful of slippery surfaces, especially in winter. There are no guardrails near the waterfall, so exercise caution.
Yes, children can hike the trail, but it requires a good level of stamina. The waterfall detour is manageable for most kids.
Bring water, snacks, a camera, and wear appropriate footwear. A light rain jacket is also advisable, as you might get misted by the falls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nakasendo Trail: A Journey Through Time
Magome Waterfall is a delightful natural interlude along this historic journey. It's a testament to the enduring beauty of the Japanese landscape that has captivated travelers for centuries. The presence of the waterfalls, mentioned even in historical literature like 'Miyamoto Musashi,' adds another layer of cultural significance to the experience.
Understanding Odaki and Medaki
These falls are not just visually appealing; they are also a source of refreshment. The cool mist generated by the cascading water can be a welcome respite, especially during warmer months. Travelers often pause here to enjoy the sound of the water and the crisp, clean air before continuing their trek along the Nakasendo.
Navigating the Trail in Different Seasons
Summer can be warm, but the waterfall's mist provides a cooling effect. However, be prepared for potential rain showers. Winter presents a unique charm with icy formations and a serene, quiet atmosphere. However, visitors must exercise extreme caution as the paths, especially near the waterfall, can become very icy and slippery, with no guardrails. Sturdy, waterproof footwear with excellent grip is essential during winter months.






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