Kumamoto

<p>A distant view of the falls framed by autumn foliage</p>

A distant view of the falls framed by autumn foliage (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Kumamoto

Sendan Todoro Falls

The highest waterfall in the Gokanosho mountains

Mandy Bartok Nov 13, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A distant view of the falls framed by autumn foliage</p>

<p>In the summertime, this is a place to come to escape the heat</p>

<p>In autumn, the changing maples make this a favorite spot of photographers</p>

<p>It's a steep 10 minute hike to the base of the falls</p>

<p>The falls run into the Kuma River, which runs through a good portion of western Kyushu</p>

<p>The wooded path to the lookout point</p>

Hidden deep in the mountains of Gokanosho in southern Kumamoto prefecture is the Sendan Todoro Waterfall (also called Sendan Todoroki). Reaching a height of 70 meters, it is one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls and certainly one of its most inaccessible. However, to be here in autumn is to enjoy some of the area's best fall foliage with very few crowds. The path from the parking lot to the waterfall leads through the woods and down a set of steep staircases to the base of the falls. Despite the climb, it's worth venturing to the bottom of the falls to fully appreciate the power of the water.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.