Guidebook
Lonely Planet Japan
Lonely Planet · 2024
The 18th edition covers Nikko, the Kii Peninsula and Ibaraki, so one book handles Kegon, Nachi and Fukuroda.
Japan · Shari
Kamuiwakka Falls
Kamuiwakka Falls is a natural hot spring in Shiretoko National Park, Japan. It is on the Kamuiwakka River.
Essentials guide
Facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia, compiled September 2026; season and access are our estimate, not a visit report. How we build these pages.
Kamuiwakka Falls drops over a series of steps on the Kamuiwakka River. It is a cascade-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Shari, Japan. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0).
As a cascade waterfall, water tumbles down a series of rock steps rather than falling free.
What you can do here
A walk-in-and-look waterfall
No commercial adventures run at Kamuiwakka Falls itself — the experience is the approach and the view. Guided day trips from Shari are the easiest way to combine it with the area around it.
Also good forHikingPhotographyWildlife & safari
When to go
Getting there
- Base town Shari, Japan
- Country Japan
- Region Shari, East Asia, Asia
- Access Moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
How it compares
This waterfall
Kamuiwakka Falls
Japan
Height—Width—
Most similar
Vattaparai Falls
India
Height—Width—
Also a cascade waterfall and in India
Largest curtain
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe · Zambia
Height108 mWidth1,708 m
Largest single sheet of falling water
Tallest on earth
Angel Falls
Venezuela
Height979 mWidth—
Widest on earth
Khone Phapheng Falls
Laos
Height21 mWidth10,783 m
Measured across the whole multi-channel system
108 m
330 m
979 m
Victoria FallsEiffel TowerAngel Falls
Khone Phapheng Falls
10,783 m
Victoria Falls
1,708 m
We don't have a reliable crest width for Kamuiwakka Falls yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.
Watch and read
Books worth packing
The Rough Guide to JapanRough Guides
Guidebook
The Rough Guide to Japan
Rough Guides · 2024
A current alternative to Lonely Planet, with practical detail on rail passes and getting to Nikko and the Kii Peninsula.
DK Eyewitness JapanDK Eyewitness
Guidebook
DK Eyewitness Japan
DK Eyewitness · 2024
Illustrated coverage of Nikko's shrines and the Kumano sites, handy for understanding what surrounds Kegon and Nachi.
On the map
44.15392, 145.12911
Quick answers
Where is Kamuiwakka Falls?
Kamuiwakka Falls is in Japan (Shari). The nearest base is Shari, Japan. Its coordinates are 44.1539, 145.1291.
When is the best time to visit Kamuiwakka Falls?
Peak flow is May to July and October to November. Snowmelt and the June rains fill the falls; October and November add autumn colour.
What can you do at Kamuiwakka Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking, photography and wildlife & safari. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Kamuiwakka Falls?
The usual base is Shari, Japan. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there.
Nearby
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