Kanba Falls is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM. The park is closed from December 29th to January 3rd for the New Year holiday period. Opening hours may vary slightly throughout the seasons, so it's advisable to check the official information before your visit.
The falls are beautiful year-round, but specific seasons offer unique experiences. Early summer showcases vibrant fresh greenery, while mid-to-late November is ideal for autumn foliage, when maple, katsura, and zelkova trees display brilliant reds and yellows. Early spring features fukuzakura cherry blossoms with hundreds of petals, and after rain or during spring snowmelt, the smaller Tamadare Falls becomes particularly dramatic. Winter (December to March) offers the best chance to see the wild Japanese macaque monkeys, as they descend from the mountains when food is scarce.
Around 160 to 200 wild Japanese macaque monkeys live in the park, but sightings are not guaranteed. They are most likely to appear between December and March when the mountain's food supply is lowest. The monkeys spend much of their time foraging in the mountains and may not always be near the falls. If you encounter them, do not feed them or carry plastic bags that might attract them, as they are wild animals. Eating in front of them is also prohibited.
From the parking area, a well-maintained promenade leads to the waterfall base in approximately 5 minutes. The trail features natural rock steps that can be uneven and slippery, so caution is advised. The site is not wheelchair accessible. If you wish to visit the nearby Oni-no-ana (Demon's Cave) with stalactites, expect an additional 30 to 50 minutes for a return trip, as it involves steep, less-maintained staircases.
Traveler reviews
This is a very pretty place and very easy walking from the car park to the waterfall, which is really impressive. There are many momiji trees there, so I will definitely visit again in autumn. There is also a cave in the rocks near the entrance gate which is worth visiting, although you should be aware that it is quite a steep walk. (Dogs are understandably not allowed given that there are lots of monkeys there 😃).
This is a beautiful waterfall worthy of being in Japan's top 20 waterfalls. In the early winter, the different leave colours add a certain vibrancy to the scenery, accentuated by the blue skies.
The community of Japanese macaques were out in full force earlier today.
Visitors are to exercise caution when traversing the rock steps as they are uneven and can be slippery.
Interestingly, Osaka University's Department of Culture & Anthropology has a site facility near there for observation and research.
A beautiful waterfall, an incredible place if you love nature area. We went there on May, we look forward to visit again at Autumn and Winter. Suggest to visit on weekday, less people, quiet and peaceful. Unfortunately we didn’t see any monkey, maybe we come at the wrong time. Easy to go by driving, two car parks could fit for 20 cars.
2nd time here we came because of the snow (1st week of February 2025) 🥰 Feels like we are in elsa’s world. No monkey on winter but we saw a lot in July 2024
Great fall, don't follow the Google directions at the very end. It will send you down a super narrow death road. Follow the sign and 1/4 mile down the road you have come to the new fall access, so much better
