Fukiware Falls and Ukishima Nyoirin Kannon [Gunma]

【Fukiware Falls Summary】

Fukiware Falls is a waterfall located on the Katashina River in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. The surrounding riverbed consists of alternating layers of tuff and granite. The softer rock layers were selectively eroded, creating the appearance of giant rocks being blown apart, hence the name “Fukiware Falls” (Blown-Apart Falls). It is currently designated as a National Natural Monument and a Place of Scenic Beauty.

【Fukiware Falls Fukiware Gorge Walking Trail】

The riverside has been developed as a walking path; it’s narrow, but you can still pass each other. The cliff looming directly ahead is massive and impressive.

【Fukiware Falls】

The solidified pyroclastic flow from a massive volcanic eruption 9 million years ago formed welded tuff. This tuff was eroded by the Katashina River into a V-shaped valley. Rivers flow down toward this valley from three sides, earning it the name “Niagara Falls of the East.”

Fukiware Falls stands 7 meters tall and 30 meters wide, with water cascading forcefully down both sides of the gully-like valley. As you approach the base of the falls, the spray reaches your skin. Continuing upstream for a while, you’ll see Ukishima Bridge. Cross this bridge to reach Ukishima.

【Floating Island Nyoirin Kannon】

Crossing the bridge, you’ll see a small temple. It is said that Jingo-ro stayed here on his way to Nikko Toshogu Shrine and, as a token of gratitude, carved the statue of Nyoirin Kannon in a single night. That statue is enshrined in the temple today.

【Floating Island Nyoirin Kannon GOSHUIN】

You can have your Goshuin written at the souvenir shop on the floating island.

【Hidari Jingorō？】

Hidari Jingorō is a legendary woodcarver said to have been active in the early Edo period. Nearly 100 carvings attributed to Jingorō, including the Sleeping Cat at Nikko Tōshō-gū, can be found throughout Japan.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine [Tochigi]

Bears have been sighted, and as of November 2025, the Fukiwari Bridge beyond Ukishima was closed.

【Iwana-an】

On the way back from Fukiware Falls, I stopped by. The old house had a charming, rustic feel, and the smoke from grilling salted char carried an indescribable charm and aroma.

The char is well-cooked, so you can eat it head first. ※The owner may be hard of hearing, so speaking loudly should be fine.

【Fukiware Falls Nearby attractions】

Haruna Shrine (Gunma Prefecture), Numata Castle Ruins, Rockhart Castle

【Fukiware Falls Access】

Manager’s Comments

I thought the autumn colors might be a little early, but the crowd was manageable and it was comfortable. The well-maintained terrain makes it easy for anyone to visit, and you can enjoy the waterfall from various angles. Seeing its different expressions throughout the seasons is also appealing, and I think it’s a must-visit spot when touring Gunma. There are many fruit farms nearby, so combining your visit with fruit picking would make for a fulfilling trip.

Site/Facility Size

 (4)

Richness of Nature

 (5)

Ease of access

 (0.5)

Number of tourists

 (3)

Fukiware Falls

〒378-0303 Oibei, Tone-machi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture

※Paid and free parking available.

Near the entrance to the waterfall, there are several paid parking lots (¥500), but a little further on, there is also a free municipal parking lot. You can easily walk to the waterfall from there as well.

From JR Numata Station, take the Kan-Etsu Kotsu Bus for about 45 minutes and get off at “Fukiware Falls.”

参考

吹割渓ならびに吹割瀑

沼田市公式ホームページ

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Vine Bridge in the Iya Valley [Tokushima] Myogi Shrine [Gunma] Takachiho Gorge [Miyazaki] Nakatsu Valley, Village of Laughter, Dragon God of Seven Lucky Gods [Kochi]