Illusionary Waterfall "Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall Light-up" Certified as Japan Night View Heritage Site, Starts July 1

In Nishiwaga Town, Iwate Prefecture, from July 1 (Wed) to September 30 (Wed), the "Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall General Opening," which allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall, and the "Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall Light-up," certified as Japan Night View Heritage (Light-up Night View Heritage) for the first time as a dam facility, will be held.

The grand waterfall, viewed up close by passing through the normally inaccessible interior of the dam, is an extraordinary space filled with mist, roaring sounds, and cool air. It is a popular spot representing Nishiwaga, where you can feel cool even in the summer.

At night, LED lights will colorfully illuminate the waterfall, creating a fantastical landscape different from the daytime.

Furthermore, on July 18 and 19, events to enjoy beer, forest culture, and Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall will be held in various locations around the town. Nishiwaga's summer begins, allowing you to enjoy the rich nature during the day and the fantastical scenery and liveliness at night.

"Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall General Opening" and "Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall Light-up" Overview

Event Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) - September 30, 2026 (Wed)

- General Opening: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

- Light-up: July 1 - August 31: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

September 1 - September 30: 5:50 PM - 9:00 PM

*General opening and light-up may be canceled or changed due to weather or dam water levels.

Left: [Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall General Opening] Experience the cool interior of the dam and the powerful waterfall up close during the day. Right: [Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall Light-up] At night, the waterfall illuminated by LED lights shows a fantastical expression different from the daytime.

[Seasonal Color Light-up]

In addition to the regular rainbow light-up, special color light-ups will be held for a limited time.

August 3-9: Blue light-up inspired by "Water Day / Water Week"

September 18-23: Orange light-up to coincide with "Dementia Awareness Day"

Blue light-up inspired by "Water Day / Water Week" Orange light-up to coincide with "Dementia Awareness Day"

Free Shuttle Bus Service for Guests Staying in Yuda Onsenkyo

The Yuda Onsenkyo Ryokan Association will operate a free shuttle bus to the "Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall Light-up" for guests staying at each ryokan in Yuda Onsenkyo on select dates in August and September. You can enjoy the light-up at your leisure after dinner at your ryokan.

[Scheduled Operation Dates]: August 1 (Sat), August 22 (Sat), September 12 (Sat), September 19 (Sat)

*This service is for guests staying at ryokan in Yuda Onsenkyo.

*Departs from Yukawa Onsen around 7:20 PM, arrives at Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall around 8:05 PM via Yumoto Onsen (approx. 15 minutes viewing time). Separate service for Sugo Onsen guests.

*Please apply at your ryokan when booking or checking in (capacity 20 people).

*The service will be canceled if the light-up is canceled due to bad weather etc.

Nishiwaga Summer Events Gather on July 18 & 19

Three summer festivals will be held at the Kinshukoko lakeside on these dates. (Details to be announced later)

1 Nishiwaga Beer Fest

An event where you can enjoy local craft beers and beers from breweries in the prefecture.

Enjoy Nishiwaga's summer with food and music.

2 Wood Life Fes

A popular event themed around wood and living, enjoyable for parents and children.

3 Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall Summer Light Fest

An event to enjoy the waterfall, with fishing and SUP experiences during the day, and food stalls at night.

Summer in Nishiwaga offers not only rich nature during the day but also fantastical scenery and events at night.

Please enjoy the Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall Light-up and the unique summer events while staying at a hot spring.

Reference: 1 Nishiwaga Beer Fest Flyer

Reference: 2 Wood Life Fes Flyer

Reference: 3 Kinshukoko Grand Waterfall Summer Light Fest Flyer

Contact Information

Nishiwaga Town Tourism Association

TEL: 0197-81-1135 FAX: 0197-81-1136

https://yamanoideyu.com/