Shomyo Falls
The famous Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route stretches 37.2 kilometers across the Central Japan Alps with changes in elevation amount to a massive 1,975 meters. There are many interesting places to see, different modes of transportation to ride and food to eat in the region. Seeing it all in one go can be difficult but this page will give you an overview of one of those amazing sights, Shomyo Falls. It is the tallest in Japan and is definitely something you don’t want to miss while in the area. Learn more about this spectacular natural beauty below!
— 25 Things to Do Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
WHERE IS SHOMYO FALLS
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a long, sometimes wandering route through the mountains that stretches from Tateyama on the Toyama side to Ogizawa on the Nagano side. Shomyo Falls is very close to Tateyama on the map above. This is the starting point of the Alpine Route from the Toyama side. Similar to the rest of route, it closes in the winter and is open from mid-April until mid-November.
ABOUT THE FALLS
At 350 metres in height, Shomyo Falls is the tallest waterfall in Japan. Known as ‘Shomyo-daki’ in Japanese, the waterfall has four stages – dropping 70, 58, 96 and 126 metres respectively. The falls can be seen while ascending or descending the Tatetyama-Kurobe Alpine Route on the bus between Bijiodaira Station and Midagahara, which then goes onto Murodo Station.
Shomyo Falls is at its most spectacular in spring as melting snow above send huge amounts of water cascading down; enough to generate a twin waterfall – Hannoki Falls – for a period of time. Come autumn, the gorge and forest surrounding the falls turn red, gold, and orange – a truly beautiful sight and one worth stopping for.
HOW TO GET THERE
As Shomyo Falls is at the beginning of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the transportation there is relatively straight forward. Take either a bus of the Toyama Chiho Railway to Tateyama Station, which is pictured above. Either way it will take about an hour from Toyama station. There is a bus, the Shomyo Falls Sightseeing Bus runs to and from Tateyama Station. It runs every day with departures at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 12:40, 14:10 and 15:10. The bus takes 15 minutes and costs 500 yen one way. The departures for the trip back are at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:10, 14:40 and 15:30. It goes to the parking lot nearest to the Falls about once every hour. The walk from the parking lot to the observation area of Shomyo Falls themselves takes about 30 minutes, so make sure to plan accordingly. It isn’t a difficult walk but be sure to bring water and a snack just in case.
TOP 25 THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE
One of the most rewarding experiences in Japan, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route utilizes a series of transports to ascend Japan’s highest mountain range. Crossing from Nagano to Tateyama, the route connects multiple destinations and opens-up an otherwise remote and dramatic landscape. Our ’25 Things To Do Around The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route & Where To Stay’ page explains just how it works, what’s on offer and where to stay.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Central Japan offers many, many reasons to visit. Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any regional destination.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Toyama and Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
