The Shōmyō waterfalls located past Tateyama Train Station is an iconic scene in not only Toyama but also throughout all of Japan. Train fair from Toyama City to Tateyama Station will be a very affordable 1500 yen and another smaller fee for the bus to the falls. In stations, hotels, restaurants and just about anywhere in Toyama, posters, pictures, and artwork are seen quite frequently. This is definitely one of the most celebrated scenery in the prefecture. If you were to ask someone in Toyama if they have been there, they would probably respond yes. I am sure the reason for this is, it is the tallest waterfall in Japan, not only this but, in the spring it's also a double waterfall due to the heavy snow melt from the massive Northern Japanese Alps. The twin waterfalls name being named Hannoki Waterfall. People come in all seasons except for winter, and early spring when the road is closed due to heavy snowfall. I believe it opens in early May and closes around mid November.
The road to the Shōmyō waterfalls will be open from 7am and close around night fall so don't head out to early.
I don't consider myself an expert on many things, I do consider myself an expert traveler to these waterfalls though. I estimate I have been there around fifteen times in the last few years. I have been there with the local basketball team. I have been driven there in a brand new Porsche. I have climbed the trails surrounding the falls. I have been there with friends, family, and strangers. I have been this place many many times with so many different people. I have been there so often and will continue to go so much because I really do love the place. It does not matter the time, weather, or season. Every time I see the place and the surrounding area I feel amazed just how beautiful Toyama can really be. It is one of the few places I have been that becomes more beautiful every time I visit and this time was no exception.
Upon arriving at the parking lot this time, which is free, the first thing you will realize is that you are not just here to see the waterfall. There are steep cliffs, many beautiful small waterfalls, and in general beautiful mountain scenery everywhere including a lot of fancy japanese woodwork. There are no advertisements aside from a shop slash restaurant at the beginning of the path. The lack of branding and anything commercial I also find beautiful. The water is crystal clear, almost transparent. I often drink the water and have never been sick only refreshed. I don't recommend that, it's just so beautiful I had to try. The entire area is simply breathtaking regardless the condition. We actually went to the falls on a extremely rainy day. We raced to the waterfall as a big system was moving into the area. The clouds were only a few feet above our heads as the mountains are pretty tall. I have been there in the rain before and it was no problem aside from me forgetting my umbrella. I actually liked the walking with the clouds it was pretty cool. There was lightning so it was no problem.
The walk to the fall is quite long and good exercise in itself. The path is paved and says it is 1km, it feels much longer as it is all uphill. Fortunately the scenery is wonderful so the time passes quickly. On the way to the waterfall there are trekking trails to the left and a bridge crossing the river to a full on mountain climb on the right. I recommend good boots and caution as it is narrow and slippery if you decide to do the mountain climb. I climbed the course before and it was no joke a very serious climb with all sorts of different views of the falls. If it is you first time though stay on the paved road to the falls as it is the closest view available and a nice walk.
When you arrive to the falls the first thing you will notice is they are really tall. The water crashes all the way to the river from the top at 350 meters. It is loud and water splashes, a true beast of waterfalls. The scenery is different every season. Spring is full of flowers, the Summer is hot and enormous amounts water gushes from two falls. In Autumn and this time I went the sides of the fall are lit on fire with fall colors and the water flows with more calm just before snow completely covers the place in winter making it unfit for any visitors. The scale of everything is enormous. The place is usually busy and full of visitors even on unfavorable weather days. I just stand back and admire as I feel calm and so small looking at the large fall deep in the mountains. I said it before it is so beautiful the first time, but it becomes increasingly beautiful the more you go or look at photos. Man can make many beautiful things, but man can not make things this beautiful. I don't hesitate to say I think this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
We headed back down to end our trip. If you would like, this could be a half day trip as the access is nice and convenient and not expensive. I forgot my umbrella as the downpour of rain started. I may have been upset in other situations walking a kilometer in a heavy rain but the air was so refreshing and everything so beautiful, I just enjoyed being drenched in clean mountain rain and watching the river flow. I was a bit cold but felt natural and alive as the scenery was hammered by rain and fall leaves fell from the trees. It was another great and beautiful memory at the larger than life falls for me. I know it won't be the last as I will return time and time again. If anyone is in Japan and loves nature this is just simply a place that can not be missed.