Abe Great Falls
Experience the awe-inspiring Abe Great Falls, one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, with an 80m drop and a scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Abe Great Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the awe-inspiring Abe Great Falls, one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, with an 80m drop and a scenic hike.
"This famous waterfall is considered one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. Its 80m drop and large volume of water make it truly impressive. "
👟 Wear the right shoes!
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for the hike. Avoid sandals.
🧥 Dress for leeches
Long sleeves and pants are recommended to protect against leeches.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abe Great Falls
Shizuoka Prefecture
An 80m high, 16m wide waterfall, one of Japan's top 100. The sheer volume of water is breathtaking.
Scenic Hiking Trail
Path to the falls
Enjoy suspension bridges, clear streams, and views of the Sakasakawa tributary.
Waterfall Spray
Base of the falls
Get close enough to feel the invigorating spray, a truly refreshing experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Hike
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear the right shoes!
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for the hike. Avoid sandals.
🧥 Dress for leeches
Long sleeves and pants are recommended to protect against leeches.
🧂 Leeches? Use salt!
Free salt is available at Yunohana parking to help remove leeches.
🚗 Parking options
Yunohana parking (500 yen) is closer. Free parking is 800m away.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear the right shoes!
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for the hike. Avoid sandals.
🧥 Dress for leeches
Long sleeves and pants are recommended to protect against leeches.
🧂 Leeches? Use salt!
Free salt is available at Yunohana parking to help remove leeches.
🚗 Parking options
Yunohana parking (500 yen) is closer. Free parking is 800m away.
📸 Capture the spray
Protect your camera from the mist when you get close to the falls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of Abe Great Falls, calling it one of Japan's top waterfalls. The scenic hike with its bridges and streams is a highlight, though some find the trail challenging, especially the final ascent. Leeches are a concern for some, but manageable with preparation.
"August 13, 2025: This famous waterfall is one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, so I followed my car navigation system without doing any research and ended up making a mistake. I ended up being directed to Toyooka Umegashima Forest Road, north of Abe no Otaki, but it was a dead end, so I made a U-turn... (There didn't seem to be any conspicuous signs along Prefectural Route 29 either...) In the end, I parked at Yunohana, near the Abe no Otaki Iriguchi bus stop (500 yen).
Abe no Otaki is 1.2 km away, but it feels like a hiking trail, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. I also wore a short-sleeved shirt, but I was bitten by leeches... I recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants. There was free salt available in the Yunohana parking lot to deal with leeches, so I took some and was able to get rid of them quickly. I was able to soak my whole body in the waterfall's spray, which was really cool. The promenade was apparently repaired in January of this year, but it was still in bad shape and it looked like it would be closed again if there was another typhoon or heavy rain. If you're interested in Abe no Otaki, I recommend going there early."
レオン
"Visited: July 28, 2025
This famous waterfall is considered one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. Its 80m drop and large volume of water make it truly impressive. 😀 Even from the observation deck, it's so impressive that I got soaked by the spray.
The hiking trail to the waterfall is also packed with highlights, including three suspension bridges and the view of Sakasakawa, a tributary of the Abe River, and an unnamed waterfall below.
"Abe no Otaki" (Abe Falls)
Also known as: Suruga Otaki Falls, Otome Falls
Waterfall Type: Straight Fall
Height: 80m
Waterfall Width: 16m
Water System: Sakasakawa, Abe River System"
中根守
"Parking: Use "Aoi no Mori," about 300 meters downstream from Umegashima Onsen Yunohana.
Course (1.2 km total): The climb continues until the 0.5 km signpost. From there, the first 1.0 km is relatively flat, with the Nametaki waterfall and clear streams offering a soothing view. The last 0.2 km is as difficult as a mountain trail, with uneven footing and steepness. There are many sturdy rest benches on the way to the waterfall, but they're covered in moss, so you'll need a sheet to sit on.
Around the waterfall viewing platform: Filled with spray. You can get up close, which is very impressive. Magnificent. Exhilarating."
長嶋規彰
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by car, using navigation to 'Aoi no Mori' parking near Umegashima Onsen Yunohana. Public transport options are limited, with buses to Umegashima Onsen Yunohana, followed by a hike.
Yes, there are two parking lots. Yunohana parking costs 500 yen and is closer to the trailhead. A free parking lot is available about 800 meters further up the road.
No, you cannot drive directly to the waterfall. You will need to park and then hike the remaining 1.2 km.
Using car navigation to 'Aoi no Mori' or Yunohana Onsen is recommended. Be aware that some roads might not be well-signed.
Buses run to Umegashima Onsen Yunohana, which is the closest point accessible by public transport. From there, it's a hike to the falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee for Abe Great Falls itself. However, parking fees may apply at designated lots.
Abe Great Falls is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, the trail conditions can vary, and it's best to check local advisories.
No, the hiking trail to Abe Great Falls is free to access.
It is not recommended to visit Abe Great Falls at night due to safety concerns on the hiking trail and lack of lighting.
While generally open, the trail may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions or maintenance. It's advisable to check for any local advisories before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 1.2 km one way and takes about 25-30 minutes, depending on your pace and the trail conditions.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes and long clothing, preferably long sleeves and pants, to protect against leeches and uneven terrain.
Restrooms are available near the free parking lot. There are also rest benches along the trail, though they may be mossy.
Yes, you can approach the base of the falls, but at your own risk. Be prepared to get wet from the spray.
The trail has some steep and uneven sections, especially the last 0.2 km, which can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography.
Use a rain cover or a plastic bag to shield your camera from the mist. Consider a lens hood.
Capture the grandeur of the main falls, the scenic trail with its bridges, and the refreshing spray.
Tripods are generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors on the trail and viewing platforms.
Experiment with shutter speeds to get silky smooth water effects. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections and enhance colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike can be an adventure, the sight of the magnificent waterfall and the refreshing spray at the base are well worth the effort. Families can enjoy the scenic views along the trail, including suspension bridges and clear streams. Remember to bring water and snacks, and be mindful of the weather conditions.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the surrounding environment, including the Sakasakawa tributary and the unique geological formations. Be prepared for the elements; wearing appropriate clothing for potential leeches and carrying essentials like water are key. The experience is enhanced by the invigorating spray from the falls, making it a truly immersive nature encounter.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Abe Great Falls
The surrounding landscape is as captivating as the falls themselves. The hike to the waterfall is an adventure, featuring suspension bridges that offer unique perspectives and the soothing sounds of the Sakasakawa tributary. This natural beauty has made it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists seeking a connection with nature.
While the falls are a natural wonder, visitors should be prepared for the journey. The trail, though recently repaired, can be challenging, and awareness of the local environment, including potential leeches, is crucial for a safe and enjoyable visit.
Navigating the Trail to the Falls
However, the final 0.2 km transforms into a more demanding ascent, characterized by uneven footing and steep inclines, akin to a mountain trail. Visitors are strongly advised to wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and long clothing to navigate this section safely and to protect themselves from leeches, a common concern in the area, especially after rainfall.
Rest stops are available along the way, but it's wise to bring a mat to sit on as they can be covered in moss. The trail's condition can be affected by weather, so checking for any advisories before heading out is a good practice.
Social
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