Japan's Water Wonders
Niigata Prefecture features a diverse array of water landscapes, ranging from the high-altitude Lake Okutadami, Japan's largest artificial reservoir by volume, to the coastal waterfalls of Sado Island. This collection includes Ramsar-recognized wetlands like Lake Hyōko and Fukushimagata, which serve as vital migratory stops for tundra swans and rare aquatic plants. The list also highlights the dramatic 80-meter Soutaki falls in Myoko and various secluded mountain ponds and reservoirs that define the region's rugged topography and hydroelectric history.
A Lake Hyōko
Lake Hyōko is a 281-hectare reservoir area in the city of Agano, Niigata, Japan.
B Kamo-ko
Lake Kamo is a brackish lake on the Sado Island in the Sea of Japan off the west coast of Honshu, Japan.
C The Fukushimagata Lagoon
A large wetland in Niigata City that serves as a habitat for hundreds of bird species and the northernmost growing site of the Euryale ferox water lily.
五重滝
Multi-tiered mountain waterfall located in the scenic Uonuma region.
釜段ノ滝
Waterfall situated along the rugged terrain near the Kiyotsu River.
惣滝
Designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, this 80-meter cascade is located near the Tsubame Onsen area in Myoko.
不動滝
Mountain waterfall in Uonuma often associated with local religious traditions.
二俣ノ滝
A split waterfall located deep within the Minamiuonuma mountain range.
夫婦滝
A pair of adjacent falls in the Uonuma area, traditionally referred to as 'husband and wife' waterfalls.
西不動滝
Small mountain waterfall located in the Minamiuonuma district.
カグラ滝
High-altitude waterfall situated near the Kagura ski fields.
魚止ノ滝
Waterfall in the Yuzawa region named for being the point where fish can no longer swim upstream.
サナギ滝
Waterfall located in the remote mountainous terrain of Minamiuonuma.
角神不動滝
Waterfall located near Tsunogami Onsen in the Aga region.
平滑ノ滝
A smooth, sliding waterfall located within the Oze National Park area.
大尾不動滝
Waterfall in the Mikura area of Aga with historical religious significance.
赤滝
Distinctive waterfall located in the northern Murakami region.
あいよしの滝
Cascade located within the Tadami River basin.
大鳥ダム貯水池
Deep mountain reservoir on the Tadami River supporting the Otori hydroelectric power station.
Lake Okutadami
Vast artificial lake created by the Okutadami Dam, the largest gravity dam in Japan by volume.
東白沢池
Small mountain pond located in the Uonuma district.
大白沢池
High-altitude pond situated in the mountains of Uonuma.
文平ノ池
Small, quiet pond located in the Agano region.
ドンデン池
High-altitude pond on Sado Island’s Donden Plateau, surrounded by alpine flora.
山居池
Secluded pond located in the forested interior of Sado Island.
Z 大ザレの滝
Coastal waterfall on Sado Island's Sotokaifu Coast that drops directly toward the Sea of Japan.
Add Japan's Water Wonders to Your Trip
Create a detailed travel itinerary with smart routing, time estimates, and everything you need for a perfect trip.
