Lounging on one of Niigata’s sandy beaches isn’t the only way to chill out in summer. Off the beaten path and hidden within the prefecture’s interior is a plethora of cool cascading waterfalls waiting to shower you in a refreshing mist. Not only are they among Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, but these majestic chutes will leave you feeling better than when you arrived. Here are Niigata’s top five natural power spots to discover.

Naena Falls – 苗名滝

The mountainous Myoko area has an abundance of natural beauty throughout all seasons, with a singular highlight being Naena Falls. When viewed closely on the swaying suspension bridge spanning the Seki River, visitors can witness rushing white water pouring through an open rocky mouth and down 55m into a hazy pool below. It’s said that due to the sheer magnitude and roar of the water, Naena is known as “Earthquake Falls”.

While the falls are a bit too far—and powerful—to shower under, you’re more than welcome to slip off your shoes and wade into the cold Seki River. Just make sure not to get swept downstream.

Photo by @saitomokiti

Height: 55m
Location: Myoko
Getting there: 15 minutes by car from Myoko-Kogen IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. From the parking lot, it’s a 15-minute hike through to the falls.

 Suzuga Falls – 鈴ヶ滝

Murakami is a perfect destination in summer, not only on account of its beautiful beaches and seafood, but also its lush forests that house the beautiful Suzuga Falls. Similarly to Naena, Suzuga has a height of 55m, but the difference lies its green surroundings, as well as how close you can actually get. The sight is so inspiring that legendary samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune even stopped to admire the falls long ago.

After trekking through the natural forest of beech trees and past the smaller 38m sister chute, visitors are met with a breathtaking scene of rushing streams encompassed by picturesque moss-covered rocks. If the hike has left you tired and sweaty, follow the path down to the falls’ basin and dip your toes—or more—into the welcoming water.

Photo by @kangen_mers

Height: 55m
Location: Murakami
Getting there: 30 minutes by car from Takane village. From the parking lot, it’s a 450-meter walk to the big falls.
※NOTE: as of this writing, it is possible that the road has been washed away. For up-to-date information, please contact the Murakami Tourism Agency.

Sou Falls – 惣滝

For our next entry, we’re heading back to Myoko, but this time to its prized hot spring area where you can find Sou Falls. Stemming from the Otagiri River, a formidable rush of water blasts straight down 80m over steep volcanically-formed rocks and into a pebbly nook concealed from view by the dense underbrush.

For those seeking more than just a bird’s eye view, Sou Falls’ basin can be reached after a 30-minutes trek on foot through the mountainous path, with the trailhead starting at the rejuvenating Tsubame Onsen. Indeed, the waters around Mt. Myoko are so rich with medicinal properties, including Sou Falls, that you can even smell the sulfur as the streams cascade down.

Photo by @green_glitter_explorer

Height: 80m
Location: Myoko
Getting there:  About 20 minutes by car from Myoko Kogen IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. 30 minutes on foot from Tsubame Onsen

Fudo Falls – 不動滝

Niigata’s coastal town of Itoigawa is no stranger to the forces of nature, as it sits directly on one of Japan’s major fault lines, and is home to one of the prefecture’s most powerful falls: Fudotaki. Surrounded by mountains and rich green foliage, this 70m three-tiered chute tumbles into a shallow pool, spraying visitors with vapor and negative ions. Whether appreciated right under its strong current or further away for a picturesque view, you’re guaranteed to feel revitalized.

Adding to its mystique, Fudotaki is protected by the dragon deity, Takaryu-jin, who is enshrined at  the nearby Oiwa no Mizujin Shrine and is believed to bring heavy rain to the area if the falls are ever polluted. You’ve been warned!

Photo by @jellyfish08k

Height: 70m
Location: Itoigawa
Getting there: 35 minutes by car from the Itoigawa Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. From Fudo Campground, it’s a 3-minute walk to the falls.

Sanjo Falls – 三条の滝

We made mention of going off the beaten path, and Sanjo Falls definitely falls into that category. Along the borders of Niigata and Fukushima prefectures runs the Tadami River, eventually emptying out into Lake Okutadami. During winter, the river freezes, and when summer melts the ice, the result is the magnificent 100m high Sanjo Falls.

Sanjo is truly a sight to behold, but getting there can be a bit tricky. Technically located in Uonuma City, the area around the falls is relatively wild with no proper walkway to assist with hiking up and down the steep slopes. But don’t give up! The rewarding view from the observation deck is a powerful sight, but soaking in this strong chute is out of the question.

Photo by @sashiita_naakama

Height: 55m
Location: Uonuma City / Fukushima Prefecture Border
Getting there: About 3 hours by car from Uonuma City to Miike parking lot, then about a 3-hour hike from there

While Niigata’s waterfalls are recommended throughout all seasons, they are the perfect aesthetic escape from summer’s blistering heat. Moreover, just being in close proximity to the awesome natural power of the falls has been proven to benefit your mental and physical health. This season, hunt down these elusive power spots for an invigorating adventure that air conditioning just can’t provide.

Even though Joshua Furr is from North Carolina (home of bluegrass, flight and Pepsi), he prefers a life outside the U.S. Currently you’ll find him in Warsaw, Poland. He has a beautiful wife and two sons, all whom he forces to listen to Japan-based conversation and 80s music. Around lunch, he dreams about eating gyudon at Sukiya. When he’s not spending time with his family, he’s writing, teaching or tinkering with Adobe software.