Bansho-Otaki Waterfall

Bandokuro Ootaki

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Located at the foot of Mount Norikura in Norikura Kogen, Bansho-Otaki is a breathtaking waterfall with a 40-meter drop and a 15-meter width. You can get incredibly close, experiencing the spray firsthand.

Scenic Views

Tourist destination images of Bansho-Otaki Waterfall(1)

HighlightsA breathtaking waterfall with a 40-meter drop and a 15-meter width
The uniquely powerful way the water crashes over dark rock
The spray reaches the viewing platform
The refreshing Senmabuchi Promenade, a walking path along the upstream course of the waterfall
Bansho-Kotaki, a smaller waterfall located between Bansho-Otaki and the Senmabuchi Promenade

Basic Information

Address: 4000 Azumi Bansho, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Nagano

Access: Parking is available next to the Alpico Kotsu bus stop "Bansho-Otaki". A short, steep, 5-minute walk down a trail is required. Show route

Op.Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cld.Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Open daily from July 16th to October 31st)

Fee: Parking fee: ¥200

INFO: Closed during winter from late November to late April. Access to the Senmabuchi promenade is also restricted during this period. There may be remaining snow and ice making the paths slippery in early spring, until around Golden Week. Be cautious of slippery conditions at the waterfall viewing platform due to splashing water.

HP: https://www.go.tvm.ne.jp/~norikura-vc/

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.