For a trip to Kamikawa, you can weigh up different nature experiences: at Kamikawa-Ōtaki Park, the waterfall, suspension bridge and forest take centre stage. Kamikawa Campsite has a sandy beach, scenic views and a walking path to a fishing spot on the rocky coast. At Kamikawa Beach, permanent silhouette artworks with seasonally changing motifs add another point of interest.

Waterfall and Forest at Kamikawa-Ōtaki Park

Kamikawa-Ōtaki Waterfall in Kamikawa-Ōtaki Park is 25 metres high and 30 metres wide. The park also has a suspension bridge that is 68 metres high and 130 metres long. The natural feature and the structure offer contrasting points of interest within the same park. The park is also suitable for forest bathing.

The course of the water is also part of the natural setting: clear water from Hangashizuru Gorge flows between steep rock walls to Kamikawa-Ōtaki Waterfall. The waterfall is therefore part of a wider landscape: the water comes from the gorge and reaches it between the rock walls. If you are interested in the area around the waterfall, this gives you a sense of the water’s course as well as the waterfall’s dimensions.

Sandy Beach and Coastal Fishing

A sandy beach stretches along Kamikawa Campsite. From there, you can see Sakurajima and Kaimondake (Satsuma Fuji). The campsite is open year-round. A walking path leads from there to a fishing spot on the rocky coast. This offers a choice of different coastal experiences: the sandy beach and views on the one hand, and the path to a fishing spot on the rocky shore on the other.

The distinction can also help you choose an activity. The sandy beach is associated with the two named views, while the walking path leads to a fishing spot on the rocky coast. If you would like to combine a walk with fishing, you can make this path a focus of your coastal visit.

Silhouette Art at Kamikawa Beach

Permanent silhouette artworks stand along the coast at Kamikawa Beach. Their motifs change with the seasons. At sunset, you can take distinctive photos featuring the silhouettes created by the setting sun. The interplay of art and shadow adds a photographic point of interest alongside the natural scenery.

A seasonal comparison reveals two different kinds of change: the mountain scenery in the park changes over the course of the year, while the motifs of the silhouette art at Kamikawa Beach change with the seasons. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would prefer to experience a changing natural backdrop or seasonal art motifs.

Meals in the Park

Meals are served at Ōtaki Teahouse in Kamikawa-Ōtaki Park. This gives the park a dining option in addition to its waterfall, suspension bridge and forest. If you are planning a visit, a meal at the teahouse can round out your stay. This is a practical consideration if the park is a focus of your time in Kamikawa.

Discover more destinations: Kirishima, Ichikikushikino, Aira, Nakatane, Shibushi, Isa, Ibusuki, Kanoya

For the main travel overview: Kagoshima Prefecture.