Sanbondaki Falls

Three separate waterfalls share the same river on the Norikura Kogen highlands, each with its own character. The smallest falls on the left is a slow trickle over a clean vertical drop. The center waterfall sends a single powerful cascade straight down. The largest on the right spreads across multiple rock shelves, covering more horizontal area than the other two combined. All three drops are between 50 and 60 meters and are jointly recognized among Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. Rainbows often form in the spray on sunny mornings. In winter all three freeze solid, drawing snow hikers who appreciate the lower elevation and milder temperatures. Buddhist priests once came here to chant mantras at the falls.