Shirahige Falls
Shirahige Falls
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4.0
501 reviews
Excellent
149
Very good
250
Average
95
Poor
6
Terrible
1
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kosan417
Kamagaya, Japan1,031 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This waterfall spot is about a 5-minute drive from the Blue Pond.
The waterfall seen from the bridge is powerful, and the river is the same beautiful color as the Blue Pond.
The waterfall is quite far from the bridge, so if you like photography, it's a good idea to bring a telephoto lens.
We recommend visiting this spot if you come to the Blue Pond.
The waterfall seen from the bridge is powerful, and the river is the same beautiful color as the Blue Pond.
The waterfall is quite far from the bridge, so if you like photography, it's a good idea to bring a telephoto lens.
We recommend visiting this spot if you come to the Blue Pond.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J&S_Singapore
Singapore, Singapore6,158 contributions
Oct 2022
A waterfall about 600m in the Shirogane Onsen area of Biei town Asahikawa city. We understand that it was named after splashes of the falls resembles the white moustache, and indeed it looked as so.. A rare waterfall where the underground water starts oozing from cracks of rocks at the higher levels! The water springs from beneath the rocks and cascades down spectacularly into the moss-covered rock in the river below, creating a beautiful splash of cobalt blue colors.
Very scenic with thick forest surrounding and many viewed the falls from the Blue River Bridge, which crosses the Biei River as it gives us a great vintage point to observe it. It was late-Oct and maple leaves are at full bloom, superb for photo shots for your IG & FB indeed.
Not to be missed when one is here in Biei!
Very scenic with thick forest surrounding and many viewed the falls from the Blue River Bridge, which crosses the Biei River as it gives us a great vintage point to observe it. It was late-Oct and maple leaves are at full bloom, superb for photo shots for your IG & FB indeed.
Not to be missed when one is here in Biei!
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Gadabout Traveler
Hawaii180 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The Shirahige waterfall is located in the Kamikawa district of Hokkaido. Geographically it’s near the center of the island. Kamikawa has several attractions, some of which we have already covered i.e. Shikisai-no-oka Flower Garden and Biei Pond. Since we were part of a packaged tour we couldn't linger around any one area. Our next voyage to Hokkaido will be as solo travelers. This way we can pick & choose where and for how long we stay in one location. All this being said, that is why I gave it a five-star review it is an all-encompassing area review. The area is quite beautiful. On a clear day, it offers an amazing view of the region. As in all popular places, there is a line for the best scenic site photo, so just be prepared.
The area is pleasant for the eyes and it gives you a chance to do a little cardio work by taking the stairway challenge. This is a covered stairway to a higher observation area. There is a bonus to doing the climb, up can play a little trivia as you are climbing the stairs. In short, this area stimulates your body, mind, and senses it is well worth the trip.
The Gadabout Traveler
The area is pleasant for the eyes and it gives you a chance to do a little cardio work by taking the stairway challenge. This is a covered stairway to a higher observation area. There is a bonus to doing the climb, up can play a little trivia as you are climbing the stairs. In short, this area stimulates your body, mind, and senses it is well worth the trip.
The Gadabout Traveler
Written 2 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irlandia2012
Dublin, Ireland72 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We took the 9.30 am bus from Biei for a very brief stop at the falls, as we didn't have a car. We were very relieved to have about 25 minutes on the snowy bridge for photos and then head immediately back towards the town on the return bus. It was excruciatingly cold in the wind and many places seemed shut, so considering it would have been 3 hours until the next bus we were glad to leave immediately.
The falls are nothing short of spectacular. The deep turquoise blues and mineral rich waters made the sight so worth the trip from Biei. Also the overhanging icicles and thickly covered trees were so beautiful. We didn't stop by the pond however, as it is literally covered in thick snow in high winter. The falls on the other hand can give you the nature you need in this part of Japan.
The falls are nothing short of spectacular. The deep turquoise blues and mineral rich waters made the sight so worth the trip from Biei. Also the overhanging icicles and thickly covered trees were so beautiful. We didn't stop by the pond however, as it is literally covered in thick snow in high winter. The falls on the other hand can give you the nature you need in this part of Japan.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smelltheflower
Corner of Earth1,651 contributions
Dec 2022
It is not easy to get to some parts of Biei and Shirogane in winter. There are some
buses available from Asahikawa and we took that to get to Shirahige Falls before heading into Biei.
We did not spend too much time at the falls - just enough time to catch the bus to Biei but would have to say the photos turned out very lovely. As part of a trip to Biei this forms a great visit.
buses available from Asahikawa and we took that to get to Shirahige Falls before heading into Biei.
We did not spend too much time at the falls - just enough time to catch the bus to Biei but would have to say the photos turned out very lovely. As part of a trip to Biei this forms a great visit.
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldBallonist
Kawasaki, Japan11,992 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
During the Obon holiday, I went to Shirogane Onsen in Biei for a day trip to cool off after bathing, as recommended by the information desk at the roadside station "Shirogane Birke" nearby. Shirahige Falls, which flows into the Biei River flowing from Mt. Tokachi, is quite beautiful when viewed from the bridge over the river, and is definitely worth a visit, so the recommendation by the information desk was understandable. The water flowing down is probably an acidic hot spring, as the color of the water flowing into the river changes from the waterfall to blue. The waterfall is beautiful from the bridge, but you can also see the crater of Mt. Tokachi, which is quite nice.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chek Chuin S
Singapore, Singapore183 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Took the bus from Asahikawa station. Journey was about 1.5hrs. This waterfall is beautiful in winter but freezing cold for us on the bridge. We only spent like 20mins there as we need to catch the return bus. Definitely don’t want to miss the bus and wait 3 hrs for the next one with nothing else to do here.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stepme
Singapore294 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
From Asahikawa station, we took a train at 5.39am to Biei Station with our JR pass. The train arrive Biei Station at 6:18am. It was really chilly as compared to Asahikawa. Make sure you wear warmly. You can stay at the station till nearly the time to take the bus. We exit the station and walked straight ahead passing the roundabout until we reached the 1st traffic light. On the first traffic light, we have to cross the Turn Left to reach the bus stop. You will see ASK bank just beside the bus stop (picture attached). The bus will arrive at 6.55am. According to the timetable on the busstop, there were 5 buses a day (unsure if it apply for winter as we were the only passenger on board). The next bus was at 9.26am. It was about an half and hour ride to the fall. You need to enter the bus from the back and take a ticket if you are paying cash. At the end of the trip, show your ticket and pay the number indicated on your ticket (Eg: number: 0, look at the tv screen on bus, and see 0 is how much). The trip cost 640yen one way. There was change if needed for 1000yen note only.
The bus stopped us at Shirogane hotel. Turn Right (face the road) and you will reach the falls in 3-5 minutes. When we arrived at the waterfall, we were amazed! Although not as blue as I hoped it will be, it was good enough for me. As it was early in the morning, it was very difficult to take picture without gloves. If you are feeling really cold, cross the bridge to hide in the tunnel. The good thing to be early was that we were the only people around.
As the next bus back to Biei Station is at 10:22am. We decided to have breakfast at Shirogane hotel. We just walked into the dinning area and get a plate, sat anywhere you like, and eat. The breakfast was a good spread of Japanese food which was affordable at about 1100yen. As the breakfast for hotel guest only, we went to the reception to inform that we are not hotel guest and would like to pay for the meal. Reception spoke mainly Japanese and we Google translate to communicate.
We went back to the waterfall a second time and it was warmer by then and better for photo taking. Then, more people started to flood in. We took more picture before we headed to the busstop opposite the waterfall to take a bus back to Biei Station. The bus was suppose to arrive at 10.22am but it was late. From the bus schedule, it seem that the next bus is at 1.07pm and 4.43pm. There was another one but I am unsure why it was placed at a different slot 6.17pm.
When we reached Biei Station bustop, we went into the clothing shop at the busstop. It sell various winter wear item at affordable prices if you ever need extra.
As we needed to wait for the next train back to AsaHikawa, we went to the tourist information counter. Noted the luggage drop was available. However, only during opening hour of the tourist information centre which was till about 5pm. However, they mentioned that if you want to keep the luggage for a day or two, just inform the counter and they will allow. Please note that you can collect your luggages only when the tourist information centre is open.
I asked how many it cost to the blue pond and they mention 6000yen one way. Therefore, do consider what transport you would like to take in winter as public transport was rather limited.
The blue light elimination have public bus to the froth the place at about 4pm.
The bus stopped us at Shirogane hotel. Turn Right (face the road) and you will reach the falls in 3-5 minutes. When we arrived at the waterfall, we were amazed! Although not as blue as I hoped it will be, it was good enough for me. As it was early in the morning, it was very difficult to take picture without gloves. If you are feeling really cold, cross the bridge to hide in the tunnel. The good thing to be early was that we were the only people around.
As the next bus back to Biei Station is at 10:22am. We decided to have breakfast at Shirogane hotel. We just walked into the dinning area and get a plate, sat anywhere you like, and eat. The breakfast was a good spread of Japanese food which was affordable at about 1100yen. As the breakfast for hotel guest only, we went to the reception to inform that we are not hotel guest and would like to pay for the meal. Reception spoke mainly Japanese and we Google translate to communicate.
We went back to the waterfall a second time and it was warmer by then and better for photo taking. Then, more people started to flood in. We took more picture before we headed to the busstop opposite the waterfall to take a bus back to Biei Station. The bus was suppose to arrive at 10.22am but it was late. From the bus schedule, it seem that the next bus is at 1.07pm and 4.43pm. There was another one but I am unsure why it was placed at a different slot 6.17pm.
When we reached Biei Station bustop, we went into the clothing shop at the busstop. It sell various winter wear item at affordable prices if you ever need extra.
As we needed to wait for the next train back to AsaHikawa, we went to the tourist information counter. Noted the luggage drop was available. However, only during opening hour of the tourist information centre which was till about 5pm. However, they mentioned that if you want to keep the luggage for a day or two, just inform the counter and they will allow. Please note that you can collect your luggages only when the tourist information centre is open.
I asked how many it cost to the blue pond and they mention 6000yen one way. Therefore, do consider what transport you would like to take in winter as public transport was rather limited.
The blue light elimination have public bus to the froth the place at about 4pm.
Written 10 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Romnat-r
Bangkok, Thailand11 contributions
This place is very near with Blue pond for only 5 minute drive. The waterfall come out from underground mountain water thst full of mineral which make it blue.
Map code here is 796 182 604
Map code here is 796 182 604
Written 15 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tansally
Manila, Philippines567 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
Shirahige Falls – the half frozen waterfalls that still has water flowing into a blue colored river. Simply spectacular!
Written 17 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, I believe so. Only the Biei Blue Pond is closed during winter except for some nights for the light-up. 5 trips a day (roughly one every 3 hours) from the bus stop to the left of the Biei train station entrance. Run by Dohoku Bus.
Written 25 February 2018
5-10 mins by car from Biei station? is it walkable from Biei station? how long it take? thanks.
Written 22 November 2017
Impossible to walk from the station. Must drive or take a bus there. It’ll take around 20-30 mins. There’s a bus stop just round the corner from the station. The frequency is roughly one bus an hour and ride it to the end. Then walk less than 5 mins and you can see the falls from the bridge. The stop before last is the one for Biei Blue Pond. If you stop there for the blue pond, you’ll either have to wait one hour before the next bus, or like me, hike 3km to the falls (took me half hour) then wait for the next bus back. Driving is the best but it’s snowing there now, might prove to be a little challenging. Hope that helps.
Written 23 November 2017
is this place ok to put on self drive itinerary this Sunday 5 Nov 2017 ?
Written 30 October 2017
It’s just a bridge and u can park your car and walk .
U can’t go down and can only see from the top of the bridge. But it’s really nice.
Blue clear wtater!
Written 31 October 2017
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