Nanataki, which literally translates to “Seven Waterfalls,” is approximately 40m in height and 30m in width. A look at this Waterfall reveals how its structure alternates between Aso welded tuff and areas of columnar jointing. As the water travels its course, it flows down seven tiers, a result of differences in the amount of erosion of the tuff, which is how this waterfall got its name. The waterfall is usually not open for public viewing. However, once a year, during the Nanataki Shrine Annual Festival, held on the second Sunday in May, visitors can witness its majestic figure. There is a legend surrounding this waterfall stating that in ancient times, when the Heike, referring to the Taira family, met its demise, seven court ladies submerged themselves in the waterfall, transformed into seven massive serpents, and made the plunge pool their home. And for one reason or another, whenever the shadow of a red cloth was cast on the water, the serpents would become furious and stir up violent winds and rain, making the weather unsettled. Moreover, this waterfall is famously known as the place where Hosokawa Yoshikuni, the 13th-generation head of the Hosokawa family and last lord of the Kumamoto Clan, and his wife, Mine, would visit from time to time.
The waterfall is usually not open for public viewing. However, once a year, during the Nanataki Shrine Annual Festival, held on the second Sunday in May, visitors can witness its majestic figure.
There is a legend surrounding this waterfall stating that in ancient times, when the Heike, referring to the Taira family, met its demise, seven court ladies submerged themselves in the waterfall, transformed into seven massive serpents, and made the plunge pool their home. And for one reason or another, whenever the shadow of a red cloth was cast on the water, the serpents would become furious and stir up violent winds and rain, making the weather unsettled.
Moreover, this waterfall is famously known as the place where Hosokawa Yoshikuni, the 13th-generation head of the Hosokawa family and last lord of the Kumamoto Clan, and his wife, Mine, would visit from time to time.