Hyakuhiro Falls, Waterfall in Okutama, Japan.
Hyakuhiro Falls plunges 40 meters through dense forest, creating white water streams along the Kawakoketani River in Tokyo Prefecture's mountains. The cascade drops across steep terrain, feeding the river that continues downstream through the valley.
This waterfall has served as a natural landmark for travelers crossing mountainous areas between Tokyo and neighboring prefectures since the Edo period. Its role as a recognizable waypoint shows how long it has mattered to people moving through this region.
Locals view this waterfall as a symbol of Tokyo's natural side, standing in sharp contrast to the urban character most people associate with the capital. It shows visitors that wild forests and untamed water still flow within the greater metropolitan area.
Reach the waterfall by taking a bus from Okutama Station to Kawanoribashi stop, then hiking for about 90 minutes through steep mountain terrain. Wear proper hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and be in reasonable physical condition since the trail is demanding.
The waterfall freezes partially during winter months, forming natural ice sculptures that completely transform how the cascade looks. These frozen formations develop as cold temperatures and water spray freeze across the surrounding rocks.
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