Just hearing the names makes them sound epic—the vibe is totally on point.
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Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls
Two of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Ishikari River ranked among the top 100 waterfalls in Japan.
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The Ishikari River is a first-class river that flows through the central-western part of Hokkaido and empties into the Sea of Japan. Sounkyo, located along the Ishikari River, has a large gorge with many waterfalls falling from the cliffs over a distance of 24 kilometers. Two of the most beautiful waterfalls are "Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls."
The "Ginga-no-Taki" waterfall flows down beautifully in multiple layers like a thin and delicate white thread, while the "Meteor-no-taki" waterfall is characterized by its powerful flow as a single thick waterfall. For this reason, it is also known as Medaki (female waterfalls) and Odaki (male waterfall).
Go up the slope for about 20 minutes with your back to the waterfall, there is a viewing platform called "Twin Waterfall Platform," where you can see two waterfalls cascading down the left and right sides of the cliff, Fudo-iwa, at the same time.
Highlights
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Go up to the viewing platform "Sobakudai," you can see two waterfalls at the same time.
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The route to the waterfall platform is steep, so be sure to wear good shoes like sneakers.
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There are souvenir stores, stores, toilets, and a parking lot on the premises.
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Sounkyo Onsen, one of Hokkaido's best hot spring resorts, is also a good place to stop by.
Photos
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Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls
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Autumn leaves and waterfalls in October
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Autumn Leaves and Ryusei-no-Taki Falls
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Ryusei-no-Taki Falls at the foot of Mt.Daisetsuzan
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Ginga-no-Taki Falls in Autumn
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View of Ryusei-no-Taki Falls and Ginga-no-Taki Falls from the twin waterfall platforms.
Reviews
5
Some reviews are translated by AI.
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The tour bus takes you right up to the waterfall, so you don't have to walk far. It's a super easy spot to visit.
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I visited in October and the whole area was covered in autumn leaves—yellow, green, and red all over the mountains. The scenery was absolutely stunning.
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Ryusei and Ginga Falls are iconic spots in Sounkyo Onsen. One is powerful and dynamic, while the other flows gently—they each have their own vibe. There's a shop next to the parking lot where you can buy fruit to enjoy back at your hotel in the evening.
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One winter, I visited Sounkyo Onsen and stopped by the falls before checking into the hotel. Our guide told us there was no set meeting time and we could stay as long as we wanted, but the wind in the gorge was so strong that everyone's faces went numb! We all took a few quick photos and rushed back to the bus. In less than 10 minutes, everyone was back on board, saying we couldn't wait to get to the hot spring! ♨️🤣
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- 流星の滝・銀河の滝
- Postal Code
- 078-1701
- Address
- Kamikawacho, Kamikawagun, Hokkaido
- Telephone
- 01658-2-1811 (Sounkyo Tourism Association)
- Admission
- Free
- Holiday
- Open every day
- Directions
- From JR Kamikawa Station, take the Dohoku Bus bound for Sounkyo and get off at the last stop (about 30 minutes)
- Website
- Official Website (Japanese)