The falls are located on the upper reaches of the Katashina River and have a height of and width of . The Katashina River forms a
gorge between the confluence of the Hikawa River upstream and the Kurihara River downstream. This is called the Fukiwari Ravine. The falls were created by a large-scale
pyroclastic flow caused by a volcanic eruption that occurred 9 million years ago, creating a cliff of
tuff with the river flowing from three sides of the cliff. It has been called the "Oriental Niagara" by the Numata City Tourism Board. Downstream, there are many potholes on the riverbed, with a maximum size of in the long axis, and there are two smaller waterfalls. There is a promenade along the river, and many souvenir shops at the entrance. Due to the large volume of water at all times, water erosion on the cliff face is severe, and it currently receding at the about seven centimeters upstream in a year. The falls were used as a backdrop image for the opening credits of the 2000
NHK Taiga drama Aoi. The falls can be reached in about 30 minutes by car from the Numata Interchange on the
Kan'etsu Expressway. ==Gallery==