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Gion Falls: A Hidden Gem in Yamanashi

Discover the beauty of Gion Falls, a historic dam that mimics a natural waterfall in Yamanashi's scenic Koshu region.

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Gion Falls, also known as Katsunuma Dam, is a unique man-made waterfall in Koshu, Yamanashi. Constructed in 1915 as a flood control measure, this registered cultural property now offers a picturesque scene, resembling a natural waterfall with its impressive width and surrounding greenery.

A brief summary to 祇園の滝

  • Katsunumacho Katsunuma, Koshu, Katsunumacho Katsunuma, Yamanashi, 409-1316, JP
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit after rainfall for the most impressive water flow across the wide dam structure.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for walking on potentially slippery surfaces near the waterfall.
  • Bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenery of the falls and surrounding nature.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the parking area near the Katsunuma Dam information board, walk down the stairs towards the river. The falls are easily accessible and close to the parking area.

  • Public Transport

    From Koshu city, take a local bus towards Katsunuma. Alight at the Katsunuma Dam bus stop. From there, follow the signs to the falls. Bus fares typically range from ¥200-¥400.

  • Taxi

    Take a taxi from Katsunuma train station to Gion Falls. The ride is approximately 5-10 minutes, costing around ¥1,000-¥1,500.

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Discover more about 祇園の滝

Gion Falls, or Katsunuma Dam, is located in Katsunuma, Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This unique spot is actually a concrete dam built in 1915 as part of a flood control project on the Hikawariver, a tributary of the Fuefuki River. The dam was constructed to protect the Kofu basin from water damage. Despite being man-made, the falls have a natural appearance, with water cascading down a wide, stone-faced structure. The dam is 38.5 meters wide and 19.4 meters high, and it was built using advanced techniques for the time. The area around the falls is well-maintained, with good water quality and minimal litter, making it a pleasant place to visit. The falls are particularly impressive during periods of high water flow, when water rushes across the entire width of the dam. The surrounding natural scenery adds to the charm of the location, making it a beautiful spot to visit in any season. Katsunuma Dam is recognized as a modern civil engineering heritage site and is a registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. This designation acknowledges the dam's historical and technical significance.

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