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Hokkaido Has Its Own Niagara Falls?! Discover the Otaki Niagara Falls in Date City
When you hear Niagara Falls, you think of the world-famous tourist destination in North America. But did you know that Hokkaido has a Niagara Falls of its own?
We're talking about the Otaki Niagara Falls in Date City. Now, don't be disappointed just yet. While it may not rival its North American namesake, it's a wonderfully soothing spot brimming with negative ions.
Date City, home to Otaki Niagara Falls, is located about halfway between Sapporo and Hakodate. Locals used to call it by various names like "Petit Niagara Falls," "Otaki Petit Niagara," or even just "Naiyagara," but the name was recently standardized to Otaki Niagara Falls. That's why you might still see signs with the old "Naiyagara" spelling.
You can find Otaki Niagara Falls within the Otaki General Athletic Park. A walking trail starts from the park's parking lot, and after a pleasant 15-minute walk of about 1 km, the falls come into view. The trail is paved with wood chips, making for an easy stroll, and is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a very pleasant atmosphere. You might find your mind and body soothed even before you reach the falls.
So, what's it like? Otaki Niagara Falls is about 100 meters wide with a drop of about 5 meters. It's one of the waterfalls on the Osaru River, which flows into Funka Bay. With its wide span and multiple streams of water cascading down, you can see how it might resemble the real Niagara Falls from certain angles.
But perhaps comparing the two is missing the point. Otaki Niagara Falls has a unique charm that can only be experienced here.
In fact, it's a spot that's not widely known even among Hokkaido residents, aside from the locals. So, if you're looking to visit a more unique, off-the-beaten-path destination, we highly recommend it. The seasonal nature, the sound of the waterfall, and the negative ions are sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
＜Special Thanks＞
Date City Otaki General Branch Office
Address: 85 Honcho, Otaki-ku, Date, Hokkaido
Phone: 0142-68-6111
Official Website: https://www.city.date.hokkaido.jp
We're talking about the Otaki Niagara Falls in Date City. Now, don't be disappointed just yet. While it may not rival its North American namesake, it's a wonderfully soothing spot brimming with negative ions.
Date City, home to Otaki Niagara Falls, is located about halfway between Sapporo and Hakodate. Locals used to call it by various names like "Petit Niagara Falls," "Otaki Petit Niagara," or even just "Naiyagara," but the name was recently standardized to Otaki Niagara Falls. That's why you might still see signs with the old "Naiyagara" spelling.
You can find Otaki Niagara Falls within the Otaki General Athletic Park. A walking trail starts from the park's parking lot, and after a pleasant 15-minute walk of about 1 km, the falls come into view. The trail is paved with wood chips, making for an easy stroll, and is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a very pleasant atmosphere. You might find your mind and body soothed even before you reach the falls.
So, what's it like? Otaki Niagara Falls is about 100 meters wide with a drop of about 5 meters. It's one of the waterfalls on the Osaru River, which flows into Funka Bay. With its wide span and multiple streams of water cascading down, you can see how it might resemble the real Niagara Falls from certain angles.
But perhaps comparing the two is missing the point. Otaki Niagara Falls has a unique charm that can only be experienced here.
In fact, it's a spot that's not widely known even among Hokkaido residents, aside from the locals. So, if you're looking to visit a more unique, off-the-beaten-path destination, we highly recommend it. The seasonal nature, the sound of the waterfall, and the negative ions are sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
＜Special Thanks＞
Date City Otaki General Branch Office
Address: 85 Honcho, Otaki-ku, Date, Hokkaido
Phone: 0142-68-6111
Official Website: https://www.city.date.hokkaido.jp
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," a group with many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us living in Hokkaido are part of its many wonderful resources. We aim to share the charm of this amazing prefecture.
