Kanabiki Falls

In short

Kanabiki Falls is a waterfall in Takiba, Miyazu City. In 1990, it became the only waterfall in Kyoto Prefecture selected among "Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls." The main falls, which glide smoothly down a granite rock face approximately 40 meters high and 20 meters wide, together with the downstream "Hakuryu Falls" and "Garyu Falls," are collectively called "Kanabiki Falls."

• ​Odaki Falls and Medaki Falls​​: The water of the main falls divides into two sides as it drops. The wider and more forceful stream on the right is called Odaki Falls, and the narrower and gentler stream on the left is called Medaki Falls. Because Odaki Falls divides into four streams and Medaki Falls into three, together they are also called "Shichijo Falls"
• ​The shrine hall of Fudo Myo-o​​: Near the falls stands a small shrine hall dedicated to Fudo Myo-o. Owing to the wordplay on the name Kanabiki, it is known as a deity of prosperous business, and also as a substitute protector that shields worshippers from misfortune
• ​Get close to the falls​​: Because the plunge basin is shallow, you can walk right up to the falls and feel the spray. In summer, it also serves as a relaxing spot where children play in the water

History and Highlights

​Kanabiki Falls​ is a waterfall located in Takiba, Miyazu City, and is the only waterfall in Kyoto Prefecture selected among "Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls." It was selected in 1990 (Heisei 2). Flowing down a granite rock face, the main falls cascade smoothly across a wide bedrock approximately 40 meters high and 20 meters wide. Together with the downstream Hakuryu Falls and Garyu Falls, the area is collectively known as "Kanabiki Falls."

The water of the main waterfall divides into two sides as it drops: facing the falls, the wider and more forceful stream on the right is called Odaki Falls, while the narrower and gentler stream on the left is called Medaki Falls. The water volume remains abundant throughout the year.

Near the falls stands a small shrine hall dedicated to Fudo Myo-o. It is said that approximately 1,000 years ago, Kanabikisan Fudo Myo-o was enshrined here by Isei-in, a sub-temple of Nyogan-ji Temple. Owing to the wordplay associated with "Kanabiki" (drawing gold/wealth), it is known as a deity of prosperous business, as well as a "migawari" (substitute) protector that shields worshippers from misfortune. As sung in the Miyazu folk song "Miyazu Kouta"—"Today at Hashidate, tomorrow at Kanabiki"—it has long been cherished as a renowned sight in Miyazu alongside Amanohashidate.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Odaki Falls and Medaki Falls​​: Because Odaki Falls divides into four streams and Medaki Falls into three streams, they are also collectively called "Shichijo Falls" (Seven Streams Waterfall). Take time to admire the spectacle of multiple water streams gliding across the wide rock face.
• ​Names of Hakuryu and Garyu​​: It is said that the middle tier became known as "Hakuryu Falls" (White Dragon Falls) from a legend that a dragon god resides there, while the lowest tier came to be called "Garyu Falls" (Crouching Dragon Falls) as it resembles a reclining dragon.
• ​Approach Close to the Falls​​: Because the plunge basin is shallow, visitors can walk right up to the base of the waterfall and feel the spray. In summer, families visit, and it serves as a relaxing spot where children play in the water.

Walking Tips

By car, it is approximately 5 minutes from the Miyazu-Amanohashidate Interchange. According to guidance from the Amanohashidate Tourism Association, park at the "Takiba Park" parking area, and the entrance to the waterfall walking path is reached in about a 10-minute walk (around 500 meters). The road along the way is narrow, making it difficult for vehicles to pass each other when meeting oncoming traffic, so please be cautious. From Miyazu Station, take a local bus for about 11 minutes and get off at "Kanabiki no Takiguchi." It can also be reached in about 10 minutes by rental bicycle from "Michi-no-Eki Umi no Kyoto Miyazu." The path to the waterfall is paved, allowing for an enjoyable walk while listening to the sound of flowing water. In summer especially, many people visit seeking refreshing coolness.