Nabegataki Falls

Waterfall Waterfall with walk-behind viewing area in Kumamoto

Near Kumamoto city, Nabegataki Falls offers a path that lets visitors view the cascade from behind; people come for close-up photography, short forest walks and nearby rural eateries.

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Nabegataki Falls, Kumamoto, Japan; July 2018 (01).jpg
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Nabegataki Falls is a waterfall in Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. The site is known for a wide, curtain-like drop that visitors can approach closely.

A short path leads to a viewing area where visitors can walk behind the falling water through a shallow cave-like opening, making it a popular spot for photography. The fall is compact and typically visited as a short stop on local sightseeing routes.

A natural waterfall with no well-documented construction history; it has been a local scenic spot used by residents and tourists.

Situated within Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu island, the falls are reached by local roads and short walking trails from nearby towns.

  • Behind-the-falls access: Accessible walkway allows visitors to stand behind the curtain of water for photos and close views of the falls.
Nabegataki Falls
Nabegataki Falls, Oguni area, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
33.1373, 131.0358

Tips for Visiting Nabegataki Falls #

  • Aim for first thing in the morning on a weekday when lighting through the waterfall curtain is best and the viewing area is far less crowded.
  • Use the main parking area and follow the short downhill path to the falls-the walk is brief but gives access to the popular vantage points.
  • Don't miss walking behind the curtain of water; the behind-the-falls path and viewpoint are the feature most visitors photograph and some only pass by without going behind.
  • Avoid visiting immediately after heavy rain when paths can be slippery or closed for safety.

Best Time to Visit Nabegataki Falls #

Visit Nabegataki Falls from late spring through autumn (May-Nov) for open trails, lush scenery and the most reliable conditions.

Late spring to early summer
May-Jul · 15-28°C
Lush surrounding foliage and strong water flow; note Japan's rainy season (typically in June-July) can make trails wet.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 10-22°C
Pleasant temperatures and clearer skies; attractive foliage and generally stable trail conditions.
Winter (quieter)
Dec-Feb · 0-10°C
Cooler and quieter visits; some paths may be slippery in cold or wet weather.

Weather & Climate near Nabegataki Falls #

Climate

Nabegataki Falls's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (2148 mm/year), wettest in July.

Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.9h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

174 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
12.9h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Heavy rain (203 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

203 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
Very High
13.8h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (376 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 23°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

376 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.2h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (404 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 27°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

404 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
14.0h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (235 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
21° 28°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
13.2h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (210 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 24°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

210 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 20°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
11.2h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

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