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Chichibu-Tama-Kai NP, Yamanashi
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The name is almost a miniature map: 7 rounded basins and 5 successive drops. The water slides across smooth granite, repeating pool and waterfall like a natural staircase.
Chichibu-Tama-Kai has no volcanoes—a rare trait in volcanic Japan. Here, rivers have carved granite into Nishizawa Gorge's dramatic walls, basins and linked cascades, including this one.
In January and February, Nishizawa's waterfalls can be wrapped in striking blue ice. The gorge's signature cascade takes on a dramatically different winter form.
Today's return trail follows the old San-en trolley grade. Timber, cocoons and even livestock rode 36 km toward Enzan; operators controlled the downhill run with hand brakes, while rice came back.
In 1962, as charcoal and cocoon prices plunged, local residents began opening Nishizawa Gorge to visitors. A village chronicle records workers hanging from ropes to chisel rock and build the path by hand.
The stream has work to do after the cascade: Nishizawa Gorge's water is used for drinking in neighboring Koshu, for its peach and grape farms, and to generate electricity.
