Giant natural sculpture - Nanataki Icefall

Home " Tourist Information " Why Hachimantai? Beauty and Adventure All Year Round in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park! " Giant natural sculpture - Nanataki Icefall

Hachimantai is dotted with a number of stunning waterfalls. In this region of unspoiled nature, their beauty does not disappoint. Some of the waterfalls are accessible near roads or a short walk from shrines, such as Fudo Falls. On the other hand, there are waterfalls that require a bit of a stretch and an hour's walk through the forest. Nanataki Falls is one such waterfall, but its beauty and power are well worth seeing up close.

The Nanataki Falls in autumn, when the leaves change colors, are spectacular, but the icefalls in winter, when the entire waterfall freezes over to create a fantastic sight, are exceptional.

Every year around January, the majestic Nanataki Falls begin to freeze over, and the ice gradually grows larger, eventually swelling into a tower of ice much larger than the falls seen during the warmer months. from late January through February, visitors can take a snowshoeing tour through the forest to the base of the falls. This tour is a winter tradition that locals look forward to every year!

Snowshoes are tools that make it easier to walk on snow, even for those who have never walked on snow-covered paths before.

On the snowshoe tour to the Nanataki Icefall, a guide will lead you along the path. Along the way, you can enjoy the beauty of nature, such as animal tracks and snow crystals. When you arrive at the Nanataki Icefall, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the breathtakingly beautiful icefall. The Nanataki Icefall, which is at its best during the frigid season, is a gigantic work of art created by the nature of Hachimantai, and boasts a 25-meter drop. The water from the hot springs that flow into the falls makes the frozen waterfalls glow with a bluish-white color.

The best way to fully enjoy the nature of Hachimantai in winter is to take a snowshoeing tour of the Nanataki Icefall. This winter, why not experience something out of the ordinary at the Nanataki Icefall?

Snowshoe trekking begins at the Iwate Prefectural Forest campground. In winter, you must park in the parking lot of the Iwate Kenmin-no Mori Forest Museum.

The hiking trail is mostly flat, but it does climb slightly as you approach Mount Iwate. (In fact, this is the first 2.4 km of the trail to Mt. Iwate via the Nanataki route.) Snowshoes must be rented. You can rent snowshoes at the Forest Museum or at the nearby Hachimantai Mountain Hotel.

It takes about 40 minutes to an hour to reach the falls. The gradient is gradual, so you can return a little faster on the way back. If you are here in January or February, snowshoe trekking is highly recommended.

If you are not confident going it alone, take a guided snowshoe trekking tour.

*As of 2024.11, the Nanataki trail is closed due to the Iwate volcano eruption alert level 2. You cannot go to Nanataki.
Please check the Hachimantai City Tourist Association website for the latest information.