7 memorable waterfalls in Japan

There are lots of waterfalls in Japan, and some of them are quite inaccessible for those without mountain equipments.
Of course, in this small country, there is no huge waterfall like Niagara but Japanese have found values not only in their scale but in their shape, sound or history.
Among thousands of Japanese waterfalls, the best 100 waterfalls had been selected officially (called "Nihon-no-taki-hyakusen"). If you are interested in Japanese waterfalls, these 100 masterpieces should be visited first.

I have been obsessed with taking photos of waterfalls, and in this article I introduce seven waterfalls which are unforgettable for me.
By the way, "a waterfall" is "taki" in Japanese, so the most of their names end with ---taki.

Shiraito-no-taki (Shizuoka pref.)

This waterfall is designated as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
Once you know that "shiraito" means "white thread", this waterfall may come to look like a cartain made of a lot of white thread.
Near a car parking, few walking is required to visit here.
Location: Fujinomiya-city, Shizuoka prefecture, about 2 hours from Tokyo by train or car.

Nanatsugama-godan-no-taki (Yamanashi pref.)

This waterfall is designated as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
The name is divided into three parts "nanatsu", "gama" and "godan", which respectively means "seven", "caldron" and "five steps". This means the waterfall consists of 7 basins and 5 smaller waterfalls.
This waterfall is in the depth of mountains. To get here, we need 4 hours round-trip walking along the turquoise colored stream "Nishizawa-keikoku". And of course, be with trekking shoes.
Location: Yamanashi-city, Yamanashi prefecture, about 3 hours from Tokyo by train or car.

Ryujin-no-taki (Yamanashi pref.)

On the way to Nanatsugama-godan-no-taki, smaller but elegant waterfall insists its existence.
Location: Yamanashi-city, Yamanashi prefecture, about 3 hours from Tokyo by train or car.

Fukiware-no-taki (Gunma pref.)

This waterfall is registered as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
It's so spectaculer that the huge amount of water fall into a stigma on the bedrock of Katashina-river. This waterfall doesn't boast its height but width. You can indeed get closer to the surface of the waterfall with maximum care.
Location: Numata-city, Gunma prefecture, about 4 hours from Tokyo by train or 3 hours by car.

Sekinoo-no-taki (Miyazaki pref.)

This waterfall is registered as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
It's very dynamic but the maindraw is a bunch of potholes above the waterfall. This "Sekinoo-Ouketsu-gun" is geologically quite rare and you can stroll around this waterfall and potholes through a well-maintained walking trail.
Location: Miyakonojo-city, Miyazaki prefecture, about 3 hours from Tokyo by airplane and car.

Niko-buchi (Kochi pref.)

This stream pool is at the headwaters of Niyodo-river which is reputed to be the most clear river in Japan.
It's in terriblly deep mountain of Shikoku but a paved winding road connects to its trailhead. You don't have to prepare any mountain gears because the pool is just with 5 minutes walk down from the trailhead.
It is said that this gorge is worshipped by local residents as a sacred place, but visitors are welcome with a well-maintained stairs.
Location: Ino-city, Kochi prefecture, about 4 hours from Tokyo by airplane and car.

Senga-taki (Yamanashi pref.)

This waterfall is the maindraw of a renowned tourist spot "Shosen-kyo" gorge and registered as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
Along an asphalt road to this waterfall, you can enjoy some oddball-shaped rocks such as "the Stone gate".
After enjoying the waterfall, you can take Shosenkyo-ropeway and visit the top of Yasaburo-dake mountain, which offers a stunning mountain scenery.
Location: Kofu-city, Yamanashi prefecture, about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by train or car.