Guide
Located within the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park in southeastern Kagoshima Prefecture, Ogawa Falls is a masterpiece of natural beauty. The most striking feature is the mesmerizing emerald green color of the water in the basin. The scale of the falls—dropping 46 meters with a width of 60 meters—is truly impressive, as the water cascades like silk down the rocky cliffs. This ethereal landscape continues to draw photographers and nature lovers from around the world.
The history of this waterfall is long-standing; it was even featured in the "Sangoku Meisho Zue," a collection of famous local sights compiled by the Satsuma Clan in 1843. In modern times, its beauty gained renewed attention after being featured on a Kagoshima Bank calendar in 2013. Furthermore, the site gained international recognition as a filming location for the NHK Taiga Drama "Seigo-don" and the movie "Kingdom." The surrounding landscape, shaped by the erosion of the Shirasu plateau, offers a profound sense of natural geological artistry.
There are two primary viewpoints to enjoy the scenery from different perspectives. The first is the "Upper Viewpoint," which allows you to look down upon the wide basin from above, offering a dynamic view of the entire waterfall and the massive cliffs. The second is the "Ogawa Falls Viewpoint," located right along the walking path near the base. Here, you can feel the power of the mist and the vibrant emerald water up close, creating a sense of unity with nature. The sound of the flowing water and the moisture-rich air are incredibly soothing.
While beautiful year-round, the best time to visit is when the water volume is high and the emerald green color of the basin appears most vivid. The summer months (May to September) are particularly pleasant, offering a refreshing escape with cool breezes and the soothing sound of falling water. For the best photography, we highly recommend visiting during the daytime when sunlight reflects off the water to highlight the emerald hues. A morning visit can also offer a more mystical and serene atmosphere.
A well-maintained walking path of approximately 1,200 meters leads from the parking area to the waterfall basin, perfect for a nature stroll. Walking while listening to the mountain stream is a wonderful way to detox and refresh your spirit. Please note that swimming in the waterfall basin is strictly prohibited; the focus should remain on enjoying the view. There are resting spots along the path where you can sit back and listen to the sounds of the forest.
The area surrounding the falls is rich in natural beauty. Downstream from the waterfall lies the Ogawa Power Station, one of the largest in Kagoshima, built in 1920. The area is also easily accessible from the center of Minamisatsuma and Nomi Port, making it a perfect stop along a scenic driving route through southern Kagoshima.
As the path to the basin has a moderate slope, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, such as sneakers or trekking shoes. While a route accessible to strollers and wheelchairs was completed in 2023, please be mindful of your footing in the natural environment. Depending on the season, it is wise to bring a light jacket for temperature regulation. Please respect the environment by taking all trash with you and strictly adhering to the rule of no swimming in the falls.