Ginga Waterfall, Chikuzen Travel Guide

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Experience the ethereal beauty of Ginga Waterfall in Sounkyo Gorge, Hokkaido – a celestial cascade and a natural masterpiece.

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Ginga Waterfall

Ginga Waterfall, gracefully cascading down the cliffs of Sounkyo Gorge in Hokkaido, Japan, is a sight to behold. Known as the 'Milky Way Falls,' its delicate streams resemble shimmering silver threads, offering a serene contrast to the powerful Ryusei Waterfall nearby. Together, they form the iconic 'Couple Waterfalls,' a must-see natural wonder within Daisetsuzan National Park.

A brief summary to Ginga Waterfall

Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Sounkyo, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ginga Waterfall.

Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to hike to the observation deck, as the trails can be slippery.
Visit during late September to early October for the most vibrant autumn foliage.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the waterfalls and the surrounding gorge.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Ryusei Waterfall and Sounkyo Onsen for a complete experience.

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Explore Ginga Waterfall on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ginga Waterfall, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

From JR Kamikawa Station, take a Dohoku Bus bound for Sounkyo Onsen. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Get off at the 'Ryusei-no-taki' stop, which is a short walk to the falls. The one-way bus fare is approximately ¥1,000. Check the Dohoku Bus timetable for accurate departure times.
Car

From the Kamikawa Sounkyo Interchange (Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway), take Route 39 towards Sounkyo. Drive for approximately 60 km (about 70 minutes). Free parking is available at a large lot near the base of the falls. Be aware that trails may be slippery depending on weather conditions.

Discover more about Ginga Waterfall

Ginga Waterfall, also known as Ginga-no-taki (銀河の滝), is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Sounkyo Gorge, Hokkaido. Its name translates to 'Milky Way Waterfall,' perfectly capturing the essence of its delicate, cascading streams that resemble shimmering silver threads. This elegant waterfall is often referred to as the 'female waterfall' due to its gentle and graceful nature, contrasting with the powerful Ryusei Waterfall, its neighbor.The Ginga Waterfall flows down a 120-meter-high cliff face, part of the Sounkyo Gorge's stunning columnar joint cliffs carved by the Ishikari River. The water source originates from Mount Daisetsu, adding to the purity and allure of the falls. The surrounding area is part of Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.Visitors can enjoy the falls from a large parking lot across the river or take a short, steep 15-20 minute walk to the Sobakudai observation deck for a panoramic view of both Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls. The best time to visit is from late spring to autumn, with late September to early October offering stunning autumn foliage. In winter, the falls partially freeze, creating a magical icy wonderland.The indigenous Ainu people revered the Daisetsuzan area, considering it 'the garden where the gods play'. The falls and the surrounding gorge are not only a scenic spot but also a place of cultural significance.