Guida
Located within the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park in southeastern Kagoshima Prefecture, Ogawa Falls is a legendary waterfall boasting a mystical beauty crafted by nature. Its most striking feature is the breathtaking emerald green basin. The sheer scale of the waterfall—dropping 46 meters and spanning 60 meters—creates a majestic sight as water flows like silk down the rocky cliffs. This ethereal landscape continues to captivate photographers and travelers from around the world.
The history of this waterfall is profound; 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 when it was featured on the Kagoshima Bank calendar in 2013. Furthermore, it has gained international recognition as a filming location for the NHK Taiga Drama 'Saigo-don' and the movie 'Kingdom.' The surrounding landscape, formed by the erosion of the Shirasu plateau, offers a profound sense of natural geological artistry.
There are two main viewpoints to enjoy the scenery from different angles. The first is the 'Upper Viewpoint,' which allows you to look down upon the basin from above, offering a dynamic view of the vast cliffs and the entire waterfall. The second is the 'Ogawa Falls Viewpoint' located right along the walking path near the basin. Here, you can feel the power of the splashing water and the vibrant emerald hues up close, creating a sense of unity with nature. The sound of spring water seeping from the rocks and the gentle murmur of the stream also provide a deeply healing experience.
While the falls are beautiful year-round, the period from May to September is highly recommended as the water volume is higher and the emerald green color of the basin appears most vivid. Visiting during the daytime is ideal for photography, as sunlight reflects off the water surface to enhance the color. For those seeking a quiet, spiritual atmosphere, an early morning visit is also wonderful.
A well-maintained walking path of approximately 1,200 meters leads from the parking area to the waterfall basin, allowing for a relaxing nature stroll. Walking through the fresh air while listening to the sound of the stream is a perfect way to detox and refresh your mind. Please note that swimming in the basin is strictly prohibited; the focus is on enjoying the visual splendor. There are also rest spots along the path to enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
The area around the falls is rich in natural beauty. Downstream from the falls lies the Ogawa Power Station, one of the largest in Kagoshima, built in 1920. The falls are also easily accessible from the center of Minamiosumi Town and Neozumi Port, making it a perfect addition to a scenic driving route through the region.
As the path to the basin has some slopes, we strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes or trekking shoes. While a more accessible route for strollers and wheelchairs was completed in 2023, please be mindful of your footing in the natural environment. Since you will be near water, bringing a light jacket for temperature regulation is a good idea. Please respect the environment by taking your trash with you and strictly adhering to the rule that swimming in the falls is prohibited.