Things to do in Kamikawa：Meteor Falls/Galaxy Falls

Famous waterfalls representing Sounkyo Onsen: “Ryuusei Falls” and “Ginga Falls”

Ryusei-no-taki and Ginga-no-taki in Sounkyo Onsen, Hokkaido, are spectacular waterfalls that originate from Mt. Akadake in the Daisetsuzan Mountains and cascade down from sheer cliffs. It has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls, and its beautiful appearance attracts tourists. These two waterfalls were named by Yoshinao Niijima, a doctor of forestry, in 1923, and are still widely known by that name.

 

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Saori Takahashi(@saori.takahashi.5494)がシェアした投稿

Sounkyo and its impressive waterfalls, which comes from the word “river with many waterfalls”

Sounkyo comes from the Ainu word “Souunbetsu” which means “river with many waterfalls”, and as the name suggests, there are many waterfalls flowing from the steep cliffs of the gorge. Surrounded by nature, this place, along with Sounkyo Onsen, is a popular scenic spot that many people visit in Hokkaido.

 

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minopio(@mogafun2)がシェアした投稿

“Ryusei no Taki”: A powerful waterfall

Meteor Falls, which has a height of 90 meters, is called “Odaki” because of the large amount of water that flows down. Its powerful flow, combined with the mighty flow of the Ishikari River, gives visitors a sense of the cool air just by looking at it, allowing visitors to experience the power of nature.

 

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目黒 達(@satorumeguro)がシェアした投稿

“Galaxy Falls”: A female waterfall that flows like an elegant white thread

On the other hand, “Ginga no Taki”, which has a height of 120 meters, is called “Medaki” because it divides into many parts and cascades down like white threads, and is characterized by its soft and quiet beauty. The delicate flow of water flowing down towards the basin of the waterfall looks like white lace decorating the cliff, giving a sense of delicacy even in the majestic nature.

 

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Shunsuke(@shun0914suke)がシェアした投稿

Sobakudai where you can see two waterfalls

You can see each waterfall up close from the parking lot, but you can see both waterfalls at once from the Observation Deck at Sobakudai. After climbing the steep slope for about 20 minutes, you can get a panoramic view of Meoto Falls, where two waterfalls line up. The mountain trail is steep and can become slippery after rain, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes.

 

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福福亭(@fu9fu9tei)がシェアした投稿

History of development as a tourist destination and points to note

The current parking lot was once used as a road, but after a tunnel collapse accident, it was developed as a tourist spot. Today, the new tunnel is used as a national highway, and the old road is now a busy tourist area. Additionally, this area is a habitat for brown bears, so please be careful and carry something that makes noise, such as a bear bell or whistle.

 

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秘境探検隊(@ogashi45)がシェアした投稿

Sounkyo Waterfall, where you can enjoy the charm of each season

Ryusei Falls and Ginga Falls have different expressions in each season, such as the fresh greenery of spring, the cool stream of summer, the changing leaves of autumn, and the frozen waters of winter, so you’ll find something new every time you visit. It is a recommended spot where you can enjoy the great nature of Hokkaido and spend a relaxing time by visiting in combination with a stay at Sounkyo Onsen.

Link：Hokkaido official tourism website