Akame 48 Waterfalls Hike

• Difficulty: 2-3 out of 5

• Distance: 6.0-km (options to extend)

• Elevation: ~240m

• Starting Station: Akameguchi Station

Akame 48 Waterfalls Trail is a well-known trail for deep mountain valleys and waterfalls of various sizes, widths, plunges and waterflows. The hike will take you into the Murō-Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park, past multiple stunning waterfalls. The 48 waterfalls are a collective name for a string of waterfalls flowing through Akame-cho, Nabari, Mie.

This location is where the first Ninjas used to train and perfect their art form. Go to the home of the Ninja, viewing the history of ninjas from stalls, shops and even restaurants. Enter a giant salamander museum, view these impressive creatures which are native to this area.

There are different routes that you can take, which vary in their difficulty. The three route options are:

• Route 1 – Short and easy course, 20-minutes (one-way). This route is mostly paved and suitable for casual hikers. It will take you past three out of the five best waterfalls, Fudo Falls, Senju Falls and Nunobiki Falls. Be sure to not miss the deep valley at the start of the route which is said to date back over 15-million years; an unfathomable amount of time.
• Route 2 – Moderate course, 90-minutes (one-way). This route is paved and includes some steep staircase sections, which can be slippy if it’s been raining. This route will ensure that you experience all five of the best waterfalls, adding Ninai Falls and Biwa Falls to your route.
• Route 3 – Advanced course, 170-minutes (one-way) with a 584m elevation gain. This route takes you past the same waterfalls as route 1, before deviating onto the advanced course toward Mt. Nagasaka. The trail is steep but includes plenty of rest spots, making it manageable for intermediate hikers. To fully enjoy the experience, plan for a whole day.

To get the starting point of all three routes, take the Kintetsu-Osaka Line from Tsuruhashi Station (accessible via the Osaka Loop Line) to Akameguchi Station, this takes around 1hr 05mins. From Akameguchi Station, catch a bus from the bus station to Akamedaki.

The bus takes just 10-minutes on the Akame Line. Be sure to note the time of the last bus back from the falls and give yourself plenty of time to head back. From Akamedaki, follow the road around to the start of the hike.

All paths are well-signposted from the bus stop. Follow the route uphill and pass through the Salamander aquarium where you pay a small fee of 1,000 yen before starting your hike.

@visitosaka

🌿✨ Explore the breathtaking beauty of Akame 48 Waterfalls! 🌊🍃 Just a short trip from Osaka, this serene hike offers cascading falls, lush green forests, and magical vibes! 🌟 Whether you’re spotting salamanders 🦎, soaking in the peaceful sounds of nature 🎶, or dressing up as a ninja 🥷, this spot is a must-visit! 💧🏞️ ⏰ Duration: 2–3 hours round trip (easy-moderate hike) 🎒 What to bring: Comfy shoes, a water bottle, and your sense of adventure! 💬 Tag someone who’d love this hike! 🥾💚 #Akame48Waterfalls #OsakaDayTrips #HikingVibes #NatureLovers #JapanTravel #Osaka #Travel #Daytrip

♬ original sound – visitosaka

Safety points:

• Whichever route you choose to take, there are SOS points throughout along with resting spots.

• There is nowhere to purchase food once you’re into the hike, so make sure to eat beforehand and stock up on snacks before you begin route 2 or 3.

• There is no lighting provided so be careful and give yourself plenty of time.

• While swimming is tempting, especially on a hot humid day, it is forbidden to do so.

• Wear waterproof shoes with good grip.

• Be sure to not miss the last bus back to the station, or its a 1hr walk back along winding roads with no footpaths.
• Keep an eye out for salamanders and japanese-serow along the route too. While rare sights, they are said to live nearby.