There are several waterfalls scattered throughout Sapporo. Today we will introduce Ariake Falls in Kiyota Ward. It's difficult to get to without a car, but it's only a short walk from the parking lot, so even the elderly and small children can enjoy it.
Ariake Falls is located in the Ariake Falls Nature Exploration Forest along Route 341. It's close to Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, so Sapporo residents may have an idea of how far it is. There is a parking lot, so we recommend going by car. The landmark is a small sign that says "Ariake Falls Entrance."
If you enter the Ariake Falls Nature Exploring Forest from the information board side, you will find it easy to walk because the walking path is well maintained. As the name suggests, the forest is lush in the summer, and walking through the sunlight filtering through the trees makes you feel like you are hiking. There are information signs at various points, so you can feel at ease.
After walking for about 10 to 15 minutes, you will come across a staircase leading down to the stream. Once you descend the staircase, Ariake Falls will come into view. It is a graceful waterfall with a thin stream running down the rock face, 13 meters high.
The beauty of Ariake Falls is undeniable, but the surrounding nature is also fascinating. In particular, the moss growing on the rocks and fallen trees draws the viewer into a world of silence where time seems to stand still.
Once you've had your fill of the falls, you can either go back up the stairs to the parking lot, or continue on to explore the Ariake Falls Forest. However, while it's about 600m from the parking lot to Ariake Falls, the forest is about 7km long, and there are some steep ups and downs along the way. Bears can sometimes be spotted, so you'll need to be prepared.
If you just want to see Ariake Falls, this is one of the easiest and most recommended waterfalls in Sapporo.
In the summer especially, just being there gives you a comfortable feeling of being purified, so it might be a good, slightly unusual date spot.
<Ariake Falls Urban Environmental Forest (Nature Exploration Forest)>
Address: 380-12 Ariake, Kiyota-ku, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-883-8931 (Sapporo Fureai no Mori Community Center)
Official website:
https://www.city.sapporo.jp/ryokuka/midori/shizen/shirahatayama/ariakenotaki/
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Hokkaido Tourism Camera Writer
Team Buchineko
Team Buchi Neko has many connections to Hokkaido's tourist spots and facilities. There are many wonderful resources in Hokkaido that we take for granted when we live there. We will spread the word about the charms of this wonderful place.