Hyakuhiro Falls

In short

Hyakuhiro Falls is a waterfall with a drop of about 40 meters, located along the mountain trail of Mt. Kawanori in Okutama Town. Plunging into the upper reaches of the Kawanoridani Valley, a tributary of the Nippara River, it has long been cherished by many hikers as the foremost famous waterfall in Okutama. Visitors reach it by walking along a forest road and a mountain trail following a mountain stream from the bus stop.

• ​A Famous Waterfall with a Drop of About 40 m​​: A large waterfall cascading on the western slope of Mt. Kawanori at an elevation of around 860 meters.
• ​Named for Its Grandeur​​: While "hyakuhiro" equals roughly 150 meters, this name was chosen not for its actual height, but from the majestic impression the waterfall gives.
• ​Frozen Waterfall in Winter​​: During severe cold spells, it freezes over, attracting photographers who come to capture its icy appearance.

History and Highlights

Hyakuhiro Falls is a waterfall that plunges into the upper reaches of the Kawanoridani Valley, a tributary of the Nippara River. Located on the western slope of Mt. Kawanori at an elevation of around 860 meters, it features a drop of about 40 meters. Situated along the hiking trail of Mt. Kawanori, it has been embraced by many hikers as Okutama's preeminent waterfall.

A "hiro" is the length of both arms spread wide. If one hiro is taken as about 1.5 meters, one hundred hiro (hyakuhiro) comes to roughly 150 meters, but that does not mean the waterfall is actually that tall. The name was given based on the majestic image of the cascade.

Offering good views in the direction of Mt. Kumotori and the chance to climb while viewing Hyakuhiro Falls, Mt. Kawanori is one of the most popular mountains in Okutama. During times of severe cold, the waterfall freezes, and some photographers visit specifically for the frozen falls.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​A Torrent Falling About 40 Meters​​: As you climb the mountain trail along the stream, the waterfall with its drop of about 40 meters reveals itself.
• ​The Gorge Leading to the Falls​​: Around Hyakuhiro Falls, you can enjoy the beauty of the Kawanoridani gorge.
• ​The Story of the Name​​: Hyakuhiro corresponds to approximately 150 meters. Comparing that figure with the waterfall before your eyes allows you to feel the grandeur imbued in its name.

Tips for Visiting

From bus stop No. 1 at JR Ome Line's Okutama Station, take a bus bound for the limestone cave on weekdays or bound for Higashi-Nippara on weekends and holidays, and get off at "Kawanoribashi" after about 15 minutes. This bus travels in the same direction as the one heading toward the Nippara Limestone Cave. Walk along a forest road for about 2.7 km from the Kawanoribashi bus stop to Hosokurabashi Bridge, and from there enter the mountain trail and proceed about 1.9 km to reach the waterfall. According to the tourism association's guide, it is a 2-hour walk from the bus stop. Fall accidents have occurred along the stream-side mountain trail in the past. Watch your footing carefully and walk with caution. Families and others can also choose to walk along the forest road as a detour route from Hosokurabashi Bridge. The mountain trail above Hyakuhiro Falls is one of the places in Okutama with the most accidental falls. There are no restrooms along this course, so be sure to use one before heading up the mountain.