Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta.

I rode a motorcycle and went on a tour to Naena Falls in Niigata Prefecture.

This time, we will introduce the charms of Naena Falls and things to keep in mind when visiting by bike.

What is Naena Falls?

Naena Falls is a waterfall located on the border between Niigata and Nagano prefectures, and there is a parking lot and access route on the Niigata side.

With a height of 55 meters and a large amount of water, this waterfall has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls.

Naena Falls is characterized by fissures called columnar joints, which are created when basalt cools, and the area around the basin of the waterfall forms a beautiful landscape of rock surfaces.

There are also plenty of tourist spots near Naena Falls, such as Akakura Onsen and Naeba Ski Resort.

Route to Naena Falls

It takes about 3 hours by expressway from central Tokyo to Naena Falls.

The starting point is from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit and take the Joshinetsu Expressway to Nagano IC.

From Nagano IC, take the Joshinetsu Expressway to Myoko-Kogen IC, and from Myoko-Kogen IC take National Route 18 towards Naena Falls, arriving at Naena Falls in about 30 minutes.

Highlights of Naena Falls

https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/image/rendering/attraction_image/2673/trim.900/3/2?v=822d7ed7905892031708aaa7043e0b3b7bfdf1e7

The highlight of Naena Falls is its impressive basin.

The spray of water rising from the basin of the waterfall covers the surrounding area, resembling a curtain of water.

In addition, the rock surface around the basin of the waterfall is finely divided by columnar joints, giving it a unique atmosphere.

Naena Falls shows different expressions in each season.

You can enjoy the fresh greenery in spring, the coolness in summer, the autumn leaves in autumn, and the snowy scenery in winter, no matter what season you visit.