Biwa Waterfall – a holy waterfall on Mount Takao

Summary: A small cascade along the Biwataki Stream on Mount Takao; it used for ascetic training by Buddhist monks.

How to get there: Takaosanguchi Station or Takaosanyakuoin Kitotono Parking Lot
Walking distance to waterfall: 2.4km (return)
Duration: <1 hour
Grade: Easy
Type of waterfall: Cascade
Waterfall Rating: 2/5
Height of falls: 4m

One of the most most famous features along Trail 6 on Mount Takao, the Biwa Waterfall (Biwa-no-taki) also gives this trail its name. It’s a sacred area where Shinto ascetics train under the waterfall.

It’s not possible to get close to the waterfall, but you can get a good view from behind the closed gate. The small cascade is along the Biwataki Stream.

Getting to Biwa Waterfall

The waterfall is easily reached via a short track off the Biwa Waterfall Trail (Trail 6), about 0.5km from the start of the trail and 1.2km from Takaosanguchi Station. Mount Takao is just an hour from Shinjuku by train, via either the Chuo Line (JR Line) or Keio Line.