Mikaeri Falls

Mikaeri Falls in Karatsu, Saga, is one of Japan's designated top 100 waterfalls, dropping through cliff-face rock surrounded by thick forest in the hills south of the city. Its name translates roughly as 'the falls you turn back to look at again.' The approach follows stone steps shaded by tall trees. In June the riverside path becomes one of Saga's finest seasonal sights, with around 40,000 hydrangea bushes blooming in blue, purple, pink, and white alongside the sound of the falls. That combination of rushing water and flowers makes the walk particularly rewarding, though the forest setting is pleasant enough to visit in any season.