Bansho-Otaki Waterfall

Overview

Bansho-Otaki is a magnificent waterfall located in Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Situated at an elevation of 1,248 meters in Norikura Kogen at the foot of Mount Norikura, it cascades down 40 meters with a width of 15 meters, flowing over the Ko-Ohno River. This waterfall, along with Sanbon-taki and Zengoro-taki, is known as the "Norikura Santōki" (Three Waterfalls of Norikura), captivating visitors with its grandeur. Bansho-Otaki's defining characteristic is its untamed power. The water crashes against the dark, rugged rock face, creating a spectacular display of cascading water and spray, overwhelming viewers with its intensity. A viewing platform offers an up-close perspective of the waterfall in its entirety. Be aware that the spray can make the platform slippery, so caution is advised. The "Senmabuchi Promenade," a pleasant walking path following the upstream course of the waterfall, is highly recommended as a complement to visiting Bansho-Otaki. This leisurely stroll takes about 20 minutes and features a smaller waterfall called "Bansho-Kotaki" along the way. The area surrounding Bansho-Otaki offers a stunning array of seasonal flowers: hime-ichige (dwarf anemone) in spring, iwakaagami (glacial butterbur) and yama-tsutsuji (mountain azalea) in summer, and hauchiwa-kaede (handkerchief maple) and komine-kaede (komine maple) in autumn. Bansho-Otaki is a breathtaking spot where you can truly appreciate the raw power of nature. Be sure to visit when exploring Norikura Kogen.