Fukiware Falls

Called "the Niagara of the East", this waterfall in Numata, Gunma pours into a great crack in the riverbed rock. Paths let you see it from many angles.

A waterfall that looks like split rock

Fukiware Falls is on the Katashina River in Tone town, Numata city, Gunma Prefecture. About 7m high and more than 30m wide, it is powerful enough to be nicknamed "the Niagara of the East".

The riverbed here is made of tuff (rock formed from hardened volcanic ash), and over a very long time the river wore away the softer parts of the rock to create a huge crack. As water pours into it, it looks as if a giant rock has been blown apart (fuki-wareta), which is how the falls got their name.

In 1936 the falls were designated a national Natural Monument and Place of Scenic Beauty, and they are also listed among Japan's 100 finest waterfalls.

Sights along the walking path

A walking path of about one hour loops around the falls, and from its three kanbakudai (viewing platforms for looking at a waterfall) you see the falls from different angles.

Along the way are Masutobi Falls, said to be named because fish (trout, masu) could not leap up it, and the Ukishima Kannon-do, a small hall that houses a statue of Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy) said to be the work of the famous craftsman Hidari Jingoro. In the riverbed you can also see potholes, round hollows ground into the rock by stones spun by the current.

Seasons and getting there

In summer the spray keeps things cool, and in autumn you can enjoy red and yellow leaves against the white water. The walking path is usually closed for winter from mid-December to late March, and it cannot be used at night.

By train, take a bus from JR Numata Station for about 45 minutes, then walk about three minutes from the Fukiware no Taki stop. By car, it is about 25 minutes from the Numata IC (interchange) via Route 120. Visiting is free, and there is a free car park near Fukiware Bridge.

Tips

• The rocks are wet and very slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and avoid leather shoes or heels.
• When heavy rain makes the river rise, the riverside path is closed. In 2024 visitors and others were briefly stranded by rising water, and the area where you can get close to the falls is now smaller than before. After rain, check the notices from Numata City and the Numata City Tourism Association before you set out.
• Just after the winter closure ends, or depending on the weather, only some sections of the path may be closed. Follow the signs on site for where you can go.
• About two minutes' walk from the start of the path is a rest stop, Fukiware no Taki Kyaraen.

Sources

• 吹割の滝 | 沼田市観光協会
• お知らせ一覧 | 沼田市観光協会
• 東洋のナイアガラ『吹割の滝』へ | 心にググっと観光ぐんま
• 吹割の滝遊歩道の一部通行止め解除 | 老神温泉観光協会
• 増水孤立事故の沼田市「吹割の滝」遊歩道 通行禁止措置解除 | 東京新聞

Updated 29 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.