Guida
Located within Daisetsuzan National Park in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido, the Ginga and Ryusei Falls are two stunning waterfalls that descend from the 24km-long cliffs along the Ishikari River. These falls are officially selected as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan, symbolizing the breathtaking beauty of natural formations. The first, 'Ginga Falls' (Galaxy Falls), features a delicate, white-thread-like elegance, while the second, 'Ryusei Falls' (Meteor Falls), is a single, powerful stream of water. Due to their contrasting yet harmonious beauty, they are often referred to as 'Meoto Taki' (Married Couple Waterfalls).
The landscape was formed by the accumulation of welded tuff from the eruption of Mount Daisetsu approximately 30,000 years ago, which was subsequently eroded by the Ishikari River over countless years. The area is characterized by massive rock walls with columnar joints reaching heights of about 200 meters. Historically, National Route 39 passed directly beneath these cliffs, but following rockfall incidents, the 'Ginga Tunnel' was constructed to provide a safer route. Parts of the old road have been preserved for tourism, offering a historical view that conveys both the awe and the raw power of nature.
The defining feature is the contrast between the two falls. Ginga Falls, with a drop of 104 meters, is known as the 'female' waterfall due to its wide, elegant flow. In contrast, Ryusei Falls, with a 90-meter drop, is the 'male' waterfall, characterized by its straight, forceful descent. You can feel the sheer power of these falls from the viewpoint near the parking lot. For a more comprehensive view, visitors can hike up for about 20 minutes to the 'Sohokudai' observation deck, where you can see both waterfalls side-by-side in a single breathtaking panorama.
The scenery is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different expression. In summer, the high volume of water creates a truly dynamic and powerful spectacle. In autumn, the vibrant colors of the surrounding foliage create a stunning contrast with the white water of the falls. In winter, the area becomes a wonderland of ice formations, often associated with the local Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, showcasing the frozen beauty of nature. Daytime visits are recommended to clearly observe the intricate textures of the rock walls and the water flow.
The primary activity is a scenic walk to observe the natural formations. The journey from the parking lot to the Sohukudai observation deck is a light hiking experience through nature. Walking along the maintained paths allows you to capture stunning photographs of the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Since the entire Sounkyo area is rich in nature, this visit can be easily integrated into a larger travel itinerary that includes local hot spring (onsen) resorts.
Convenient parking and rest facilities are located near the falls. The nearby Sounkyo Onsen town is one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring areas, featuring many large-scale hotels. Additionally, the Daisetsuzan Kurodake Ropeway station is close by, allowing visitors to enjoy mountain climbing or ropeway rides to see even higher vistas. The entire Sounkyo area serves as a perfect base for enjoying nature, hot springs, and spectacular waterfalls.