Located in the city of Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Eighteen Falls Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Susanoo-no-Mikoto and is one of Japan's most famous waterfalls. The shrine is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is often visited by locals and tourists alike during the spring cherry blossom season.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 36.5657759, 139.8994227
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and take full advantage of the stunning views of the waterfall.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's oldest and most famous shrines, Eighteen Falls is often visited during Shinto festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival (Hanami) and the Star Festival (Tanabata). The shrine is also known for its beautiful gardens and walking trails that lead to the 18 individual waterfalls.
Historical note
The Eighteen Falls Shrine was first built in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) as a sacred site for the emperors of Japan.