Things to do in Biei：Shirahige Falls

About Shirahige Falls

If you look upstream from Shirokane Bridge, which spans the Biei River in the middle of Shirokane Onsen, you will see a waterfall on your right. This is “Shirahige no Taki”. Most of the water in this waterfall flows out from the middle of the cliff. The water from the waterfall flows out from between two geological layers, and the gap between the two strata appears to be a path for groundwater.

 

この投稿をInstagramで見る

 

北海道旅行・観光情報✈︎GATE TO HOKKAIDO(@haptravel_ig)がシェアした投稿

The stratum above the exit of the waterfall is lava that flowed out from the eruption of Hiragatake Volcano (approximately 600m northeast of the summit of Tokachidake) about 200,000 years ago, and you can see columnar joints. Columnar joints are many vertical cracks that form when hot lava cools and hardens.

 

この投稿をInstagramで見る

 

きーと［北海道移住京大生フォトグラファー］(@hokki_to)がシェアした投稿

Below the exit of Shirahige Falls, there is a rounded gravel layer. This is a geological formation created by the accumulation of river gravel and debris flows flowing from Tokachidake and surrounding volcanoes, and is older than the eruption of Hiragatake Volcano.

 

この投稿をInstagramで見る

 

Yossan Hyogono(@yossan_yumeguri)がシェアした投稿

Also, when you look at the water of the Biei River near here, it looks blue. Immediately upstream from Shirahige Falls, rivers such as the Shirinazawa River and the Iozawa River that flow from the mountain body of Mt. Tokachidake join the Biei River. The water flowing from volcanoes contains extremely small particles (approximately 1/10,000th to 1/1,000th of a millimeter) called “aluminum silicate.” These small particles absorb red light and absorb blue light. The water in the Biei River looks blue because it has the property of scattering (repelling) water.

 

この投稿をInstagramで見る

 

さりぃ(@34lcjgf)がシェアした投稿

The drop is about 30 meters, and the Biei Shirogane Onsen Town is a tourist attraction where you can see the groundwater seeping out between the natural rocks and rushing down into the mountain stream, and the Biei River sparkling in cobalt blue. This is one of the.
This waterfall is classified as a “submerged bomb”, which is rare even in Japan.
The view from the bridge, commonly known as “Blue River,” is also recommended.
In addition, in winter, the contrast between the waterfall line, the white snow, and the rock surface becomes striking, and the spray and steam rising from the waterfall creates hoarfrost on the trees, making the scenery even more magical.

 

この投稿をInstagramで見る

 

あららん(@araran8221)がシェアした投稿

Illumination of Shirahige Falls

The illumination of Shirahige Falls has been on display as a permanent exhibit since November 1, 2018. In particular, from October 25th to April 23rd of the following year, the illumination will begin at the same time as the Blue Pond and remain lit until 9pm. Below are the illumination start times for each season.

October/November: From 5:00 p.m.
December: From 4:30 p.m.
January: From 5:00 p.m.
February: From 5:30 p.m.
March: From 6:00 p.m.
April: From 6:30 p.m.
Outside of these periods, the illuminations will be held from 6pm to 9pm. When you visit, be sure to check the lighting schedule so you can enjoy the magical nighttime view of the waterfall.

Link
Biei Town Tourism Portal Site

白ひげの滝

Tokachidake Geopark

白ひげの滝

Biei town official website
https://town.biei.hokkaido.jp/culture/event/illuminate.html