Autumn at Shōmyō Falls: Light and Color

Japan’s largest waterfall, woven with autumn leaves and cascading water

Shōmyō Falls, nestled in the Mt. Tateyama mountain range, is Japan’s tallest waterfall with a drop of 350 meters. From mid-October to early November, as autumn deepens, the surrounding mountains turn crimson and gold, creating a vivid contrast with the waterfall’s white cascade. Accompanied by the roar of the falls, this season offers the most dramatic experience of the changing seasons.

Shōmyō Falls ― Japan’s largest waterfall, coloring the autumn leaves of Mt. Tateyama

Nestled within the Mt. Tateyama mountain range, Shōmyō Falls is Japan’s tallest waterfall, boasting a drop of approximately 350 meters. During autumn foliage season, the surrounding beech and mountain ash trees burst into vivid colors, creating a breathtaking contrast with the white cascade. The falls cascade down in four distinct tiers, roaring as they draw mist into the deep valley below. This scene, emblematic of autumn in Mt. Tateyama, is nature’s own grand symphony. It is a Japanese scenic spot to be experienced with all five senses, along with the crisp, clear air.

Shōmyō Falls Enveloped in Autumn Colors — Mt. Tateyama’s Pride, Japan’s Tallest Waterfall

Shōmyō Falls, nestled deep within the valley of Mt. Tateyama, is Japan’s largest waterfall with a drop of 350 meters. This photograph captures the moment when autumn sunlight illuminated the valley, making the autumn leaves glow. A white stream of water plunges straight down through the fiery red and golden trees, creating a harmony of color and sound woven by nature that unfolds like a painting. It is a spectacular view symbolizing autumn in Mt. Tateyama, truly a moment where “motion” and “stillness” coexist.

Valley of Light and Autumn Leaves ― Autumn at Shōmyō Falls

The area around Shōmyō Falls, cascading down Mt. Tateyama, is enveloped in the colors of autumn foliage. Morning light illuminates the gorge, where trees dyed red and yellow, together with the mist, create a fantastical scene. It is a sight where the power of nature and the beauty of the changing seasons resonate together.

For details on the best spots for viewing autumn leaves and photography tips, please refer to our blog.（The breathtaking scenery woven by the autumn leaves at Shōmyō Falls — Autumn in Toyama’s Mt. Tateyama, where Japan’s tallest waterfall is dyed crimson）