Urami Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Fujiwara, Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture. Also known as Hōrai Falls, it drops approximately 50 meters through a richly forested mountain landscape.
The powerful flow of water cascading down the rocky cliffs makes Urami Falls an impressive natural attraction and a popular sightseeing spot in the mountains of Minakami.
Urami Falls has long been associated with a local legend concerning Yamato Takeru, a legendary prince and warrior of ancient Japan.
According to the tradition, Yamato Takeru is said to have performed a rainmaking ritual at the waterfall. This mysterious story has contributed to the waterfall’s cultural significance, and it has long been regarded as a special natural site by local people.
The waterfall was named “Urami Falls,” meaning “Waterfall Viewed from Behind,” because visitors were once able to view the falling water from behind the cascade.
Today, however, the path leading behind the waterfall is closed due to the risk of falling rocks. Visitors should not attempt to enter the restricted area.
Instead, the nearby waterfall observation deck provides an excellent view of the entire cascade. The sight and sound of the water plunging forcefully into the basin below and creating clouds of spray are particularly impressive.
The area around the waterfall is surrounded by abundant natural greenery. The sound of rushing water and the cool, fresh mountain air create a refreshing atmosphere.
Urami Falls is a popular place to relax and reconnect with nature while enjoying the powerful scenery of the cascading water. Visitors can also find a parking area nearby, making this impressive natural attraction relatively easy to access when exploring Minakami Town.