Japan is a great place to get a taste of the hectic city life, but the country also boasts hidden gems of breathtaking nature spots. Of those spots are waterfalls, majestic and serene. Possessing drastically different atmospheres to the chaotic hubbub of the cities, these beautiful locations will truly take you away into a whole new world.

Here are 5 gorgeous waterfalls in Japan that will promise you a day of calm and peaceful respite.

1. Manai Falls (真名井の滝, Miyazaki Prefecture)

Located in Takachiho, Miyazaki, Manai Falls has been designated as both a Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument. To get to the waterfall, you will have to walk to the gorge and, to get right beneath the waterfall, get on a boat. Boat rides at Manai Falls are extremely popular, so be prepared to wait in line for a few hours.

Although you can still enjoy the waterfall from afar, the scenery from the boats is spectacular, and the sunlight filtering in through the gorge will make you feel as though you have drifted into a dream.

2. Nachi Taisha (那智大滝, Wakayama Prefecture)

Even out of all the beautiful waterfalls in Japan, Nachi Taisha is considered one of the best. It has been designated one of the Three Great Waterfalls of Japan, and is not only the tallest waterfall in Japan, but also the one with the most water flow. Situated next to a stunning pagoda, the grandness and intensity of Nachi Taisha is by far unequaled.

3. Nabegataki Falls (鍋ヶ滝, Kumamoto Prefecture)

Nabegataki Falls has once been deemed the number one waterfall in all of Japan, and has even been used as the backdrop of a famous Japanese commercial. Besides the fact that it is absolutely breathtaking, the best part about Nabegataki Falls is the fact that you can go behind the waterfall and enjoy it from every angle.

4. Pinaisara Falls (ピナイサーラの滝, Okinawa Prefecture)

If you’re traveling to the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa, make sure to stop by Iriomote Island, home of Pinaisara Falls. Going there is just as exciting as seeing the waterfall, since Pinaisara Falls is only accessible by canoe. You’ll have to do quite a lot of rowing, as it takes 30 minutes to get there.

30 minutes on a canoe might sound pretty intense, but you’ll be traveling through mangroves so expect an adventure like no other. Still, we recommend booking a tour, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost along the way.

5. Noumizo Falls (濃溝の滝, Chiba Prefecture)

We’ve written about this one already, but it definitely deserves another mention. Noumizo Falls looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale, but it’s actually only about an hour away from the center of Tokyo. It’s the perfect escape for urban workaholics looking to get a much-needed breath of fresh air.

These breathtaking waterfalls are well worth the visit, so make sure you pencil these in your itinerary the next time you plan a visit to Japan!