Healing Journey to Shirataki Waterfall in Akita Naso: Kinpu Shrine and a spectacular waterfall experience

A trip to Naso-no-Shirataki Waterfall in Akita Prefecture was a heart-warming time to spend with my family. The power of the dynamic waterfall, designated a national scenic beauty, the majestic precincts of Kinpu Shrine, fresh local wild vegetable dishes, and the joy of a leisurely stroll at the foot of Mt. All of these moments were a fusion of nature and history. Here are my recommendations for what my family and I discovered on this trip that encapsulate the charms of Naso no Shirataki. Visit the shrine, enjoy the spectacular view of the waterfall, explore the surrounding nature, and rest in a comfortable inn. This trip will surely leave a deep aftertaste in your heart. Why not strengthen a special bond with your family or loved ones in the pure nature of Akita? Overseas visitors can also enjoy this tour with our extensive English maps and apps.

Morning: Experience the serenity of history at Kinbo Shrine

Arriving in the morning at Kinpu Shrine in NIKAHO City, we first visited the shrine grounds. About 20 minutes by car from the Kanaura IC on the Akita Nairiku Chikan Minami Road, this shrine nestled at the foot of Mt. Chokai has long been worshipped as the guardian deity of Naso no Shirataki. On an autumn morning when we visited, children’s eyes lit up as they walked along the approach to the shrine, where the trees were in full color. My husband and I went to the shrine to visit the shrine pavilion. My husband and I felt peaceful as we made our offerings at the shrine and placed our hands together in prayer. As we strolled through the grounds and up the moss-covered stone steps, the sound of a waterfall echoed in the distance, and my family chatted about the shrine’s history. The English information board was detailed, and we saw people visiting the shrine with friends from overseas, creating a pleasant international atmosphere. Kinpo-jinja Shrine is a great place for families to relax and experience tradition.

Worship is free, and the shrine grounds are open 24 hours a day (shrine office is open from 9:00-17:00). Check the official website ( Kinpo-jinja Shrine ) for access and information on the annual festival (June); in the fall of 2025, the contrast between the autumn leaves and the shrine will be beautiful.

Morning: Dynamic and spectacular view at Naso no Shirataki Waterfall

After visiting the shrine, follow the walking trail at the back of the shrine grounds to Naso no Shirataki Waterfall. This famous waterfall, 26 meters high and 11 meters wide, is characterized by the abundance of water produced by the subsoil water of Mt. Chokaisan and is designated as a national place of scenic beauty. Walking through the fresh greenery of autumn, the roar of the waterfall approached, and the children were excited, saying, “The sound of the water is amazing! and were very excited. My husband and I took in the full view from the suspension bridge and were enveloped in the air filled with negative ions. It was an exhilarating time to go down to the waterfall basin, feel the spray, and take pictures with the family. English explanatory signs explained the geology and ecology of the falls in detail, and we saw some hikers from overseas enjoying the experience with us. Naso no Shirataki Falls is a great place for families to experience the power of nature.

Admission is free, and the trail is recommended from 9:00 to 16:00. Check the official website ( Naso-no-Shirataki Falls ) for access (20 minutes from the Gimpo IC) and weather information. 2025 spring is a particularly refreshing time to visit the fresh green falls.

Lunch: Lunch of wild vegetables and river fish at a local restaurant

With the excitement of the waterfall in your heart, go to ” Taki no Ie” near Kinpu Shrine for lunch. This 5-minute drive from the restaurant features rustic dishes made with local wild vegetables and river fish. As we entered the warm, wooden restaurant, the background music like a murmuring river was pleasant. I ordered the Sansai Soba Set (1,000 yen). The soba with fresh river fish tempura and seasonal wild vegetables was a hit with the kids, who said, “The taste of the mountains is so fresh! My husband added a glass of locally brewed sake. My husband added a glass of locally brewed sake and said with satisfaction, “This simple flavor is the heart of Akita. I, too, was impressed by the dish accented with the sour taste of pickled plums. An English menu was also available, and it was heartwarming to see hikers from overseas enjoying themselves next to us. Lunch at a local diner is a great source of energy after a walk around the falls.

Open from 11:00 to 14:00 (L.O. 13:30). During busy times, it is recommended to aim for weekdays. For more information, please check the official website ( Taki no Ie). Other Akita delicacies are also attractive, but the sansai soba (buckwheat noodles) is one dish that can easily be shared with the whole family.

Afternoon: Nature walk and hiking at the foot of Mt. Chokai

After lunch, take a 10-minute drive to the walking trails at the foot of Mt. Chokai. The trail along the Naso River is a light hiking course (about 1 km, 30 minutes) with beautiful autumn leaves. Children were excited as they stepped on fallen leaves and said, “Let’s explore the forest! and “Let’s explore the forest! I walked with my husband, listening to the murmuring of the river, and took a rest on a bench along the way. An English trail map guided us along the way, and we even had the chance to meet some hikers from overseas. At a spot where subterranean water from Mt. Chokai gushed forth, we fetched some water and toasted together as a family, a memory that will remain in our hearts. This walk is a perfect way to move from the dynamism of the waterfall to the serenity of nature.

Free of charge, recommended from 9:00 to 16:00. For more information, please visit the official website ( Chokaisanroku Hiking ). autumn foliage hiking will be popular among foreign hikers in the fall of 2025.

Evening: Warmth of Hot Water at Kinpu Onsen

After an afternoon walk, head to Kinpu Onsen (hot spring) in the evening. This hot spring, a 15-minute drive from the waterfall, features alkaline hot water for beautiful skin. The open-air bath the family took had a gentle view of the mountains from the window, and the children were relaxed, saying, “The hot water is so warm! and the children were relaxed. The time spent in the bathtub with my husband, reflecting on the day, was a relaxing experience. English bathing guides are available, and seeing tourists from overseas enjoying themselves next to us made me realize that this is an international place for healing. Kinpon Onsen is the perfect place to gently relieve the fatigue of a family.

Admission is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Open from 10:00 to 22:00. For more information, please visit the official website ( Geumbong Hot Spring ) In the autumn of 2025, the autumn foliage open-air is recommended for foreigners.

Evening: Mountain rest at the Geumpo Hot Spring Hotel

After the hot springs, check into the Gimpo Hot Springs Hotel for dinner. This inn, a 10-minute drive from the waterfall, boasts family-friendly Japanese-style rooms. The rooms with mountain views have spacious tatami mats, and it is relaxing to see children rolling around on the futon. Dinner was a kaiseki meal of local ingredients, and the children loved the tempura of wild vegetables and grilled river fish, and were especially surprised by the ume-flavored dessert. At breakfast, freshly baked rice and fresh miso soup were impressive. The warm hospitality of the staff was also pleasant, and I was delighted to receive a book of local folktales as a gift for my children. The open-air bath was beautiful with a starry night sky, and my family and I reflected on the day as we soaked in the hot water. The serenity of the mountainous surroundings deepened the lingering memories of our trip.

Accommodation plans start at around 20,000 yen per room per night with half board. You can also choose a room with an open-air bath. For details, please check the official website ( Gimpo Hot Spring Hotel ). Other hotels around Naso no Shirataki Waterfall are also attractive, but this hotel’s mountain healing is exceptional.

Tips for fully enjoying your Naso no Shirataki trip

There are a few things to keep in mind in order to fully enjoy your trip to Naso’s Shirataki Waterfall. First, for transportation, use a car based at the Gimpo IC. The shrine and waterfall are within walking distance, but if you are with children, renting a car (about 5,000 yen per day) is convenient. If you visit the shrine first thing in the morning, you can have the quiet precincts all to yourself. The trail to the waterfall is hilly, so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes. Share soba noodles with wild vegetables at the waterfall house, and choose the 1 km course for the afternoon hike. Avoid the crowds by taking an evening bath at the Geumho Hot Springs, and consult with the Geumpo Hot Springs Hotel about open-air bath times after checking in for peace of mind.The 2025 annual festival (June) has a full lineup of local events, and English-speaking guides are on the rise. Checking the official website for seasonal attractions (fresh greenery in spring, autumn foliage in fall) will further add color to your trip. Don’t forget to keep children hydrated and insect repellant, and international visitors should take advantage of the English maps.

The pure nature of Naso no Shirataki Waterfall brought smiles to our family’s faces. The children were so moved by the sound of the falls that they said, “I want to come back!” was the best thing that could have happened to us.

Private Wisdom Summary

The Naso-no-Shirataki Waterfall trip was one that fulfilled the spiritual richness and sensitivity that Private Wisdom values. The quiet worship at Kinpu Shrine purified my mind, and the spectacular view of Naso’s Shirataki Waterfall gave my family the joy of experiencing the power of nature. The wild vegetable dishes at Taki no Ie were a warm way to experience Akita’s bounty, and the open-air bath at the Kanaura Onsen Hotel gently soothed the fatigue of the trip. A walk at the foot of Mt. Chokai added a special depth to the trip. You, too, can experience the pure charm of Naso’s Shirataki Waterfall and have a heartwarming trip with your family and loved ones. In the comments, tell us about your recommended experiences at Naso-no-Shirataki!