Did you know that in Shin Onsen Town, Hyogo Prefecture, there is a hidden gem of a waterfall called “Shiwagara Falls”? Located inside a cave, this waterfall has a drop of over 10 meters.
Brimming with negative ions, the waterfall is truly impressive.
To reach this waterfall, you must walk along a steep path, and from about 100 meters away, you even have to traverse through a river. Although the journey is challenging, the spectacular view makes it well worth the effort.
This time, we will introduce the highlights of the waterfall, access information, and nearby tourist attractions.
What is Shiwagara Falls?
Shiwagara Falls is located in Shin Onsen Town, Hino-gun, Tottori Prefecture, on the Japan Sea side. It is also very close to the Tottori Prefecture border.
Known as a site for shugendō practitioners’ waterfall rituals, this waterfall is set in a cave and faces the opposite direction of the hiking trail, making it difficult to view from outside. However, the sheer power and beauty of the waterfall are simply breathtaking.
Access to Shin Onsen Town, Where Shiwagara Falls is Located
Because Shiwagara Falls is located in an area that is difficult to access by public transportation, it is recommended to visit by car or rental car.
The nearest airport to Shin Onsen Town is Tajima Airport (Kounotori Tajima Airport), but if you are coming from Tokyo, Tottori Airport (Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport) is also conveniently located.
Access from Tajima Airport to Shiwagara Falls
From Tajima Airport, take National Route 178 via Sazu IC, then follow the Kasumi Road, Yobe Road, and Hamasaka Road, and get off at Shin Onsen Hamasaka IC. From there, proceed via Prefectural Route 47 and National Route 9.
From National Route 9, turn onto Prefectural Route 262 near the Hatta Community Center (the Omoshiroi Insect Fossil Museum area).
Alternatively, there is a route via Prefectural Route 529 and National Route 428 leading to National Route 9.
Access from Tottori Airport to Shiwagara Falls
From the Tottori side, using Iwami IC is convenient. From Iwami IC, you enter National Route 9.
Then, from National Route 9, turn onto Prefectural Route 262 near the Hatta Community Center (the Omoshiroi Insect Fossil Museum area).
Let's check the location of the parking lot for Shiwagara Falls
The parking lot is located here. It has space for about 10 vehicles, and it's about a 45-minute walk from the parking area. There are no toilets available, so be sure to use them beforehand.
The Route to Shiwagara Falls and Precautions
To reach Shiwagara Falls, you must hike up a steep mountain path from the parking lot, and from about 100 meters away, you need to walk through a river along the cliff. Therefore, it is best to wear clothing suitable for mountain hiking, and when walking through the river, bring waterproof shoes such as rubber boots or beach sandals. Also, insect repellent spray is necessary.
Ropes and chains have been installed as a precaution, but the path might still be challenging for beginners. In addition, please be aware that black bears have been known to appear in the area, so carrying bear repellent bells is advisable.
Also Must-See: "Kaminotsuno Falls" and "Kiri-ga-Taki"
Further south of Shiwagara Falls are “Kaminotsuno Falls” and “Kiri-ga-Taki,” both famous waterfalls. Especially, Kiriga-Taki, which is about 65 meters high, has no plunge pool, so you can go all the way down to the bottom.
Name: Kiriga-Taki
Address: Kishida, Shin Onsen Town, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
▼Kaminotsuno Falls
Although only about 5 m high, its impressive presence makes it a must-visit. It is conveniently located about a 5‑minute walk from a roadside.
Name: Kiri-ga-Taki
Address: Kishida, Shin Onsen Town, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
Information on Shiwagara Falls is Provided at the Ueyama Kogen Eco Museum
At Ueyama Kogen Eco Museum, you can find not only information about the Ueyama Kogen area surrounding Shiwagara Falls, but also join tours that include Shiwagara Falls and other attractions.
At the specialty product sales area, you can purchase local products such as shiitake mushrooms, hoshimo (dried sweet potato), and kaki mochi.
Name: Ueyama Kogen Eco Museum
Address: 757-1 Ishibashi, inside the Ueyama Kogen Furusato-kan, Shin Onsen Town, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.ueyamakogen-eco.net/
Recommended Nearby Spot: “Omoshiroi Insect Fossil Museum”
The “Omoshiroi Insect Fossil Museum” in Shin Onsen Town showcases insect fossils—such as stag beetles and butterflies—from millions of years ago.
Located along National Route 9 near Shiwagara Falls, this museum captures the romance of ancient insects turned into fossils.
The displays are arranged in a way that is easy for children to understand, making it an attraction the whole family can enjoy.
Name: Omoshiroi Insect Fossil Museum
Address: 850 Chiya, Shin Onsen Town, Mikata-gun, Hyogo Prefecture
Official/Related Site URL: https://www.town.shinonsen.hyogo.jp/page/index.php?mode=detail&page_id=d18c448c446b48022bb5605b6a6d23ca
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00
Closed every Monday; if Monday is a holiday, open and closed on the following weekday
Recommended Nearby Spot: “Tamura Torakura’s Birthplace”
After passing through a tunnel from Shiwagara Falls, you enter Iwami-cho in Tottori Prefecture. Along National Route 9, you will find “Tamura Torakura’s Birthplace.”
Even if you haven’t heard his name, you may be familiar with songs like “Kintarō” or “Issun-bōshi.”
Tamura Torakura was born in 1873 in Baba Village, Iwami-gun, Tottori Prefecture, and served as an assistant professor at Tokyo Kōtō Shihan School. He researched music trends in the West and proposed the “Gengobun Itchi Shōka” (Unified Written and Spoken Songs). His works include “Daikoku-sama,” “Aoba no Fue,” and “Sangensei Tetsudō Shōka,” many of which are still sung today.
Name: Tamura Torakura’s Birthplace
Address: 105 Baba, Iwami-cho, Iwami-gun, Tottori Prefecture, 681-0035
◎ Summary
The tourist spots in Shin Onsen Town, as well as other areas of the Japan Sea side and the San'in region of Hyogo Prefecture, offer a different landscape compared to the Seto Inland Sea area around Kobe. Although the access may be somewhat inconvenient, the vast natural scenery designated as a geopark will welcome you.
In summer, you can explore waterfalls such as Shiwagara Falls, Kiri-ga-Taki, and Kaminotsuno Falls, and in winter, enjoy local delicacies like crab and relax in Yumura Onsen. Shin Onsen Town is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
When visiting Shiwagara Falls, please ensure you are well-prepared with the necessary items.
If you have the chance, why not plan a trip to Shin Onsen Town or the San'in region?