Josei Falls

In short

Josei Falls is a waterfall in the mountains of Sakugi-cho, Miyoshi City, and is the only waterfall in Hiroshima Prefecture selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls." It is 126 meters high and was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Hiroshima Prefecture in 1960 (Showa 35).

• ​The Three-Tiered Cascade​​: Divided from the top into "Aranami" at 36 meters, "Shiraito" at 69 meters, and "Tamamizu" at 21 meters, each tier has a different drop and visual character
• ​Forest Trees and Autumn Foliage​​: From the plunge pool downstream, both riverbanks are lined with zelkova forests, while the cliffs on both sides of the falls are covered with evergreen trees; it is a popular spot for fresh green foliage and autumn colors
• ​Torii Gate at the Trailhead​​: The waterfall has long been revered as a pure, sacred site, and a Shinto shrine gate (torii) stands at the entrance to the walking trail

History and Highlights

​Josei Falls​ is a waterfall located in the mountains of Sakugi-cho, Miyoshi City, and is the only waterfall in Hiroshima Prefecture selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls." It has a drop of 126 meters and was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Hiroshima Prefecture in 1960 (Showa 35). The falls cascade down a rhyolite cliff formed during the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era. This cliff was created by the elevation difference between the higher surface of the Kibi Plateau and the lower ground along the Gonokawa River.

The waterfall is divided into three tiers, known from top to bottom as "Aranami" (raging waves) at 36 meters, "Shiraito" (white threads) at 69 meters, and "Tamamizu" (beaded water) at 21 meters. The cliff is surrounded by dense trees, creating scenery reminiscent of a traditional landscape painting.

Josei Falls has long been cherished by local residents and revered as a pure, sacred site. The surrounding forest centered on the waterfall is also designated as a Nature Conservation Area by Hiroshima Prefecture.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​The Three-Tiered Cascade​​: Each of the three tiers has a different drop and visual character. Although the water volume is not very large, looking up closely at the three tiers of white water cascading down the cliff makes its height truly striking.
• ​Forest Trees and Autumn Foliage​​: From the plunge pool downstream, both riverbanks are lined with zelkova forests, while the cliffs on both sides of the falls are covered with evergreen trees such as ring-cupped oak (arakashi) and urajirogashi oak. It is a popular spot for fresh green foliage and autumn colors, with the autumn leaves typically reaching their peak from late October to mid-November.
• ​Torii Gate at the Trailhead​​: A Shinto shrine gate (torii) stands at the entrance to the walking trail. You can stroll through the forest while feeling the long-standing reverence for the waterfall.

Walking Tips

From the parking area to the waterfall, it takes about 10 minutes to walk approximately 500 meters along the walking trail. The trail includes stairs and slopes, which can become slippery after rain, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When water levels rise, please stay away from the water's edge. Asian black bears and Japanese pit vipers (mamushi) also inhabit the surrounding forest, so be sure not to stray from the trail.