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The Mysterious Scenery of Funbe Waterfall Flowing Down a Roadside Cliff
As you drive along National Route 336, you'll encounter a mysterious sight: a series of waterfalls cascading down the roadside cliff.
These are known as the "Funbe Waterfall," and they surprise and delight passersby.
We decided to investigate why this waterfall exists and the origin of its name.
First, let's pinpoint the exact location.
The Funbe Waterfall can be seen along the national highway in the Funbe district, about a five-minute drive from Hiroo Bridge towards Cape Erimo. The falls cascade down right next to the road, so if you're unaware, you might be startled by their sudden appearance. And it's not just one waterfall, but many, stretching over a length of 150 meters. It's a rare and precious sight you won't find elsewhere.
Actually, the Funbe Waterfall is formed by groundwater gushing out. Unlike typical waterfalls where water flows from a river upstream and down a cliff, if you look closely, you can see the water emerging from the middle of the rock face. A closer look reveals that in some places, the groundwater doesn't just trickle down the rock face but drips straight down in several streams, like a traditional Japanese noren curtain.
By the way, aren't you curious about the name Funbe Waterfall? It is said that long ago, a whale washed ashore in this area, and the place was named Funbe, which means "a beach where whales are caught" in the Ainu language.
Incidentally, the road where the Funbe Waterfall is located is commonly known as the "Golden Road" (Ogon Doro). The 33.529 km stretch from Oshirabetsu in Hiroo Town to Shoya in Erimo Town was given this name because the construction was so difficult that it was said to have "cost as much money as if it were paved with gold."
The Funbe Waterfall, visible as you drive along this Golden Road, is a refreshing sight in summer and transforms into pillars of ice in winter, delighting us as an accessible piece of natural art. If you have a chance to pass by, why not take a moment to appreciate this unique scenery? Just be sure to drive carefully.
▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Funbe Waterfall
Interview Cooperation
Fisheries, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, Hiroo Town Office
Location: Nishi 4-jo 7-chome-1, Hiroo, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 01558-2-0177
Official Website: https://www.town.hiroo.lg.jp
We decided to investigate why this waterfall exists and the origin of its name.
First, let's pinpoint the exact location.
The Funbe Waterfall can be seen along the national highway in the Funbe district, about a five-minute drive from Hiroo Bridge towards Cape Erimo. The falls cascade down right next to the road, so if you're unaware, you might be startled by their sudden appearance. And it's not just one waterfall, but many, stretching over a length of 150 meters. It's a rare and precious sight you won't find elsewhere.
Actually, the Funbe Waterfall is formed by groundwater gushing out. Unlike typical waterfalls where water flows from a river upstream and down a cliff, if you look closely, you can see the water emerging from the middle of the rock face. A closer look reveals that in some places, the groundwater doesn't just trickle down the rock face but drips straight down in several streams, like a traditional Japanese noren curtain.
By the way, aren't you curious about the name Funbe Waterfall? It is said that long ago, a whale washed ashore in this area, and the place was named Funbe, which means "a beach where whales are caught" in the Ainu language.
Incidentally, the road where the Funbe Waterfall is located is commonly known as the "Golden Road" (Ogon Doro). The 33.529 km stretch from Oshirabetsu in Hiroo Town to Shoya in Erimo Town was given this name because the construction was so difficult that it was said to have "cost as much money as if it were paved with gold."
The Funbe Waterfall, visible as you drive along this Golden Road, is a refreshing sight in summer and transforms into pillars of ice in winter, delighting us as an accessible piece of natural art. If you have a chance to pass by, why not take a moment to appreciate this unique scenery? Just be sure to drive carefully.
▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Funbe Waterfall
Interview Cooperation
Fisheries, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, Hiroo Town Office
Location: Nishi 4-jo 7-chome-1, Hiroo, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 01558-2-0177
Official Website: https://www.town.hiroo.lg.jp
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," with extensive connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us locals are wonderful resources. We aim to share the charm of this amazing prefecture, Hokkaido.
