There are many waterfalls of all sizes, each with its own unique scenery and characteristics. Here are 10 recommended waterfalls in Hokkaido!

1. Furepe Falls (Shari Town), known as “Maiden's Tears”
2. Oshinkoshin Falls (Shari Town), whose appearance changes with the seasons
3. Garo Falls (Shimamaki Village), where natural sparkling water flows
4. Sakura Falls (Kiyosato Town), famous for the cherry salmon run
5. Shirahige Falls (Biei Town), a beautiful contrast of blue and white
6. Ryusei and Ginga Falls (Kamikawa Town), two falls cascading down a cliff
7. Sandan Falls (Ashibetsu City), a stunning collaboration with autumn leaves
8. Hagoromo Falls (Higashikawa Town), Hokkaido's tallest waterfall with an impressive drop
9. Funbe Falls (Hiroo Town), a soothing sight for tired drivers
10. Pyotan Falls (Nakasatsunai Village), a waterfall that isn't quite a waterfall!?

1. Furepe Falls (Shari Town), known as “Maiden's Tears”

Located in Shari Town in the Okhotsk region of Eastern Hokkaido, this waterfall is known as one of the Eight Views of Shiretoko. Water seeping from cracks in a cliff about 100 meters high trickles down like teardrops. It is affectionately called “Maiden's Tears” because of the way it flows down the rock face. Another popular waterfall among the Eight Views of Shiretoko is the Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, where hot spring water flows into a river.

Furepe Falls

■Location: Ennenbetsu-mura, Shari Town
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2. Oshinkoshin Falls (Shari Town), whose appearance changes with the seasons

Also one of the Eight Views of Shiretoko, this is Shiretoko's largest waterfall and has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. It's a popular spot where you can enjoy different scenery throughout the seasons, from fresh greenery in summer to drift ice in winter. It is also called “Soubi no Taki” (Twin Beauty Falls) because its stream splits into two, attracting many tourists.

Oshinkoshin Falls

■Location: Utoronishi, Shari Town
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This grand waterfall, also known as “Ryujin no Taki” (Dragon God Falls) or “Hiryu no Taki” (Flying Dragon Falls), is also selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. Natural sparkling water called “Dragon Water” (the sacred water of the Dragon God) gushes from a crack in the rock upstream of the falls, and it is available for the public to drink.

Garo Falls

■Location: Garo, Shimamaki Village
■Opening Period: The road to the Garo Kogen parking lot is closed during the winter.
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This 3-meter-high waterfall is located on the upper reaches of the Shari River. From June to August each year, you can see cherry salmon (sakuramasu) that have migrated upstream jumping towards the falls. About 3,000 fish make the journey upstream each year, and their attempts to conquer the waterfall are a powerful display of the force of life.

Sakura Falls

■Location: Aoba, Kiyosato Town
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Located in Biei, a town known for its picturesque hills, this waterfall is fed by spring water and has a drop of 30 meters. It was named Shirahige (White Beard) because it resembles a white beard. This scenic spot is famous for the beautiful contrast between the cobalt blue Biei River and the white waterfall.

Shirahige Falls

■Location: Shirogane, Biei Town
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Located in Sounkyo Gorge at the foot of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, these two waterfalls have been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. The sight of them cascading down the sheer cliffs is breathtaking. You can enjoy both the thick, powerful flow of Ryusei Falls (Shooting Star Falls) and the delicate, graceful beauty of Ginga Falls (Galaxy Falls), which resembles fine white threads.

Ryusei and Ginga Falls

■Location: Sounkyo, Kamikawa Town
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The powerful flow over three large tiers creates a very dynamic scene that can be viewed up close from a walking path. It is also known as a famous spot for beautiful autumn foliage, making it a popular destination to enjoy the collaboration of the waterfall and autumn colors.

Sandan Falls

■Location: Ashibetsu, Ashibetsu City
■Opening Period: May 1 - October 31 (Closed in winter)
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This is the largest waterfall in Hokkaido, located in Tenninkyo Gorge, which is also known as a retreat for Asahikawa, famous for its autumn leaves and hot springs. It is the northernmost waterfall selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls, with a drop of 270 meters. Due to its large volume of water, it is also called the “Niagara of Hokkaido.”

Located along National Route 336, also known as the “Golden Road,” this is a rare waterfall where groundwater springs up and falls directly onto the roadside. There are several waterfalls along a 50-meter stretch of the road, with multiple streams of water flowing down the rock face. Depending on the time and angle, you might even see a rainbow. It offers a cool respite in the summer and magnificent icicles in the winter.

Funbe Falls

■Location: Funbe, Hiroo Town
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Related articles about Funbe Falls can be found here

Although it's called a waterfall, it is actually the remains of a man-made dam. The dam was buried by sediment from heavy rains, and reconstruction was abandoned. Over time, the remaining weir came to be known by this name. Coupled with the development of the surrounding park area, it has become a popular tourist spot.

Pyotan Falls

■Location: 713 Minamisatsunai, Nakasatsunai Village
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*All information is current as of November 2022.
*All listed information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.