11 Waterfalls in Hokkaidō worth your time

A top-ranked waterfall in a Hokkaido natural park featuring rare carbonated spring water and scenic hiking trails.

What it is

• A waterfall on the upper reaches of the Chise River in Shimamaki Village.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, also known as Ryujin or Hiryu Falls.
• Part of the Kariba-Motsuta Prefectural Natural Park in Hokkaido.
• A site near historical gold mining areas dating back to 1631.

What to see

• The main waterfall drop located at the end of a seven hundred meter road.
• Dragon Water, a natural carbonated spring flowing from upstream rocks.
• The Karou Plateau upstream which features a public campground for visitors.
• A log house connected to the falls by a dedicated walking path.

When to go

• Mid-July to late October is the best time to collect the carbonated Dragon Water.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Kuromatsunai Station to reach the area.
• Access the falls by walking from Route 229.

Read more about Garō Falls

A sixty-meter waterfall flowing from a cliff into the sea, accessible via a scenic nature trail in Shiretoko National Park.

What it is

• A sixty-meter waterfall that flows directly from a cliff into the Sea of Okhotsk
• One of the Eight Views of Shiretoko located within a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site
• Nicknamed Maiden's Tears because groundwater seeps through cracks in the cliff face
• A natural feature situated within the protected boundaries of Shiretoko National Park

What to see

• A wooden observatory standing at the top of the falls for elevated views
• The waterfall drop and the surrounding coastal scenery of the Sea of Okhotsk
• Views of the falls from the water via local sightseeing boats
• A two-kilometer round trip walking trail through the local natural environment

Getting there

• The walking trail begins at the Shiretoko Nature Center
• The observatory is a twenty-minute walk from the nearest bus stop

Read more about Furepe Falls

A unique subterranean waterfall flowing from cliff cracks into the Biei River, easily viewed from a bridge in Hokkaido.

What it is

• A subterranean water waterfall with a thirty meter vertical drop.
• Water flows directly from cracks in the cliff rock into the Biei River.
• The site is located at an elevation of six hundred meters in Shirogane Onsen.
• The waterfall is situated near the Tokachidake Volcano Sabo Information Center.

What to see

• Water emerging from rock faces rather than a traditional river source.
• Panoramic views of the falls from the Shirogane Bridge.
• The Biei River flowing beneath the cliffside water source.
• The Blue Pond located a fifty minute walk away from the site.

Getting there

• Buses from JR Biei Station reach the area in twenty-six minutes.
• The Shirogane Onsen bus stop is located directly above the falls.
• The waterfall is a three minute walk from the bus stop.

Official site

www.biei-hokkaido.jp

Read more about Shirahige Falls

A twenty-meter waterfall on the Shiramizu River featuring unique brown columnar joints formed from ancient volcanic pyroclastic flows.

What it is

• A waterfall with a twenty-meter vertical drop located in Ashoro Town, Hokkaido.
• The Shiramizu River flows from its source on Mount Meakan over this cliff.
• The site sits at an elevation of six hundred meters above sea level.
• The cliff face consists of welded tuff created by historical pyroclastic flows.

What to see

• Distinctive brown columnar joints are visible on the rock face of the cliff.
• The water flow over the falls is frequently turbid rather than clear.
• Fallen trees near the base have made reaching the basin difficult since 2006.

Getting there

• The site is accessible by driving along National Route 241.
• It is a twenty-minute drive from the Lake Akan Onsen area.
• A parking area is located a five-minute walk away from the waterfall.

Read more about Shirafuji Falls

A ten-meter waterfall in Sapporo featuring historical monuments and access to a popular mountain hiking trail.

What it is

• A ten-meter waterfall situated on the Kotoni Hassamu River in Sapporo.
• The site is also known as Migimata Falls and takes its name from the surrounding district.
• A location featuring monuments dedicated to a peace activist and Korean forced laborers.
• The area serves as a trailhead for hikers climbing Mount Teine.

What to see

• The main waterfall which drops approximately ten meters into the river.
• A monument commemorating the female peace activist Ai-zawa Ryo.
• A memorial for Korean forced laborers established in 1960 using stone from Tohoku.
• The Daiheiwaji Temple situated in the immediate vicinity of the falls.
• A monument standing next to the entrance of the waterfall area.
• Nunoshiki Falls located two and a half kilometers further upstream.

Read more about Heiwa Falls

A massive 270-meter seven-tier waterfall in Hokkaido, ranked among Japan's top 100 for its unique geology and scenic beauty.

What it is

• A seven-tier waterfall formed by two merging streams at an elevation of 1,000 meters.
• Designated as a scenic spot by Hokkaido in 1951 and named by a writer in 1918.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls located within the Tenninkyo Gorge.
• A natural feature formed from geological layers of welded tuff and pumice tuff.

What to see

• A total drop of 270 meters cascading down seven distinct levels.
• A viewing platform that offers a complete view of the entire waterfall structure.
• The surrounding Tenninkyo Gorge featuring dramatic rock formations and cliffs.
• A walking trail that connects the local hot spring area to the falls.

Getting there

• Follow the walking trail starting from Tenninkyo Onsen to reach the viewing area.

Read more about Hagoromo Falls

A unique waterfall created by a buried hydroelectric dam, now a scenic village treasure within a national park.

What it is

• A waterfall formed from a hydroelectric dam completed in 1954.
• The structure was buried in sediment by a heavy rainstorm in 1955.
• A designated Village Treasure of Hokkaido located within Satsunaigawa Enchi park.
• Part of the Hidaka Sanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park area.

What to see

• The dam structure measuring 18 meters high and 84.5 meters long.
• Concrete built around natural large rocks to create the falling water.
• The Hidaka Mountains Mountain Center located within the park grounds.
• Views of the falls situated three kilometers downstream from Satsunaigawa Dam.

When to go

• The park is open to visitors from late April to late October.
• The Yamabe Release Festival takes place on the first Sunday of July.

Read more about Pyōtan Falls

One of Japan's top 100 waterfalls, this 44-meter drop is named after historic timber transport equipment in Shiraoi.

What it is

• A waterfall on the Nishi-Besshibetsu River selected as one of Japan's top 100 falls.
• Named after the incline equipment once used for transporting timber in the area.
• Also known locally as Besshibetsu Falls.
• The falls drop approximately 44 meters with a width of about 10 meters.

What to see

• A new observation deck completed in 2009 offering views of the water.
• Surrounding geological formations consisting of fragile tuff rock.
• The main waterfall drop situated within a forested landscape.

Getting there

• Access the site via forest roads starting from National Route 36.
• The observation deck is a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.
• Note that the area directly below the falls is closed due to falling rocks.

Read more about Inkura Falls

A massive branched waterfall on the Shiretoko Peninsula recognized as one of Japan's top one hundred scenic water features.

What it is

• A seventy meter high branched waterfall located in Shari Town, Hokkaido.
• One of the designated Shiretoko Eight Views with a fifty meter vertical drop.
• A natural feature fed by the western slope of Mount Onnebetsu.
• The name of the falls originates from the indigenous Ainu language.

What to see

• The split flow of water near the mouth of the Charassenai River.
• A staircase leading from the parking area to the midsection of the falls.
• On-site facilities including a public restroom and a local shop.
• Panoramic views from the roadside location along National Route 334.

Read more about Oshinkoshin Falls

A scenic municipal park in Hokkaido featuring a ten-meter waterfall composed of over ten small cascading tiers.

What it is

• A designated special scenic spot located on the Ashibetsu River in Hokkaido.
• One of the five famous waterfalls found within Ashibetsu City.
• A natural site situated within a municipal park along National Route 452.
• The area is surrounded by primary forest where bears are frequently sighted.

What to see

• A waterfall featuring a ten meter drop and a seven meter width.
• A series of more than ten small cascading waterfalls.
• An observation deck accessible via a dedicated walking promenade.
• The Ashibetsu Dam which was constructed upstream in 1957.

Read more about Sandan Falls

A 26-meter waterfall in Sapporo's Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, recognized as one of Japan's top one hundred scenic falls.

What it is

• A twenty-six meter waterfall located on the upper Atsubetsu River.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls formed from volcanic deposits.
• The name originates from the Ainu word for new river.
• A natural site situated within the grounds of Takino Suzuran Hillside Park.

What to see

• A cliff face featuring distinct volcanic columnar jointing.
• The twenty-six meter drop of the main waterfall.
• A one kilometer walking path that leads directly to the falls.
• Views of the upper Atsubetsu River and surrounding park landscape.

Read more about Ashiribetsu Falls