Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I took a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Fukiwari Falls in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. Fukiwari Falls is a famous waterfall that represents Japan, measuring 7m in height and 30m in width, and is also called the Niagara of the East. In this article, we will introduce what Fukiwari Falls is, what route we took to get there, what to see, what the bike parking lot is like, and more.
Fukiwari Falls is located in Oigai, Tone Town, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, in a valley formed by the Katashina River, a tributary of the Tone River. This valley is made of tuff and welded tuff, rocks made of hardened volcanic ash, and is crossed by several faults. One of them is Fukiwari Falls, where water flows down from large cracks caused by erosion of the soft rock. It was given this name because it looks like a rock has been blown open.
Fukiwari Falls was designated as a national natural monument and place of scenic beauty in 1936. There is an abundance of water, and the sight of the water splashing around is a sight to behold. It is also a waterfall that changes its appearance depending on the season. The fresh greenery is beautiful in spring, the cool spray of water is soothing in summer, the autumn leaves decorate the valley in autumn, and the snowy landscape and icicles can be seen in winter. You can feel the charm of nature in each season.
Route to Fukiwari Falls
This time, I took the Kanetsu Expressway from central Tokyo to Fukiwari Falls. If you ride your beloved Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide, it will take you about two and a half hours to get there. Along the way, I was able to enjoy a comfortable ride while looking at the Kanetsu Tunnel and Mt. Akagi.
The starting point is Nihonbashi Hakozakicho. From here, take Shuto Expressway Route 6. At Edobashi JCT, enter Shuto Expressway No. 5 Ikebukuro Line. Enter the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway at Bijogi JCT. Enter the Kanetsu Expressway at Oizumi JCT. Get off at Numata IC and enter National Route 120. After driving about 16km from there, you will arrive at Fukiwari Falls.
To see Fukiwari Falls, you need to walk along the promenade. The promenade takes about an hour, but there are sights such as Masuhi Falls and Hannya Rock along the way.
Masuhi Falls is a waterfall located in the downstream part of Fukiwari Valley, and is approximately 15m high and 6m wide. In the past, trout used to swim upstream to this waterfall, but the steps were so high that they could not climb up, hence the name. Splashes of water can also create rainbows.
Hannya Rock is a rock wall that rises on the right bank downstream of Fukiwari Falls, and was named because of the face that resembles Hannya. This rock wall is made of tuff, with hardened sections protruding along fault lines. Its power is overwhelming.
Fukiwari Falls can be seen from the middle of the promenade, but the closest place to see it is from the first observation platform. From here you can get a panoramic view of the waterfall. When the water level is high, you will be splashed with water. The sound of the waterfall and the flow of water will soothe you.
After going around the promenade, you will come to Ukishima Bridge. From here you can see Fukiwari Falls from upstream. The scenery of the valley is beautiful, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season.
After crossing Ukishima Bridge, you will arrive at Ukishima Kannon-do. Here is enshrined the Ukishima Nyoirin Kannon, which is said to have been created by Hidari Jingoro, the master craftsman who carved the sleeping cat of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. There is an anecdote that this Kannon statue was originally carved from plain wood, but was returned painted in gold leaf.
Fukiwari Falls motorcycle parking lot
There are several private parking lots around Fukiwari Falls, but the most recommended parking lot for motorcycles is Fukiwari Falls Kara-en. There is free parking here, and there is also a space for bikes. There is also no need for gift certificates or souvenir certificates. However, please note that it is closed during the winter season (December to March).
There are also paid parking lots and parking lots where gift certificates are issued, but fees and conditions vary depending on the facility. Please check the signs carefully when parking.
summary
This time, I took a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Fukiwari Falls in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. Fukiwari Falls is a famous waterfall that represents Japan and is also called the Niagara of the East. There is an abundance of water, and the way the water splashes and the appearance that changes depending on the season is a sight to behold. If you walk along the promenade, you will also see sights such as Masuhi Falls and Hannya Rock. There are various parking lots for motorcycles, including free and paid ones, but we recommend “Fukiwari no Taki Kara-en”.
