Akame Shiju-hattaki Falls赤目四十八滝

Rushing torrents, raging rapids and magnificent waterfalls are home to giant salamanders and a magical legend.

Akame Shiju-hattaki Falls is a collective term for some 50 waterfalls in the 4-kilometer-long Taki-gawa Valley formed by a tributary of the Nabari-gawa River. Shiju-hattaki literally means forty-eight falls, this, however, is not the actual number but only connotes "many." It is known from the geological study on the deep basins of the falls that they were formed in prehistoric days.

The Taki-gawa Valley is noted as the habitat for giant salamanders, designated as a protected spieces. The Japan Salamander Center, where you can see amphibians from all over the world, is located at the gateway to the falls. The first fall is a 2-minute walk from there. Legend has it that Fudo Myo-o (a Buddha of Fire who is believed to save people) revealed himself, riding an ox with red eyes, to En-no-Ozunu (a mountain ascetic with magical powers) during his disciplinary practice. The name Akame, or red eyes, derives from this legend. As you walk upstream, you will see waterfalls, depths and rapids of all sizes one after another. The highlight of the tour is the Five Major Falls of Akame, namely Fudo-daki, Senju-daki, Nunobiki-daki, Ninai-daki and Biwa-daki. After those five falls, a visit to the magnificient Gankutsu-daki Falls concludes the tour.