Ryusei Waterfalls, Hokkaido Travel Guide

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Experience the raw power of nature at Ryusei Waterfalls in Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park, a stunning cascade and iconic scenic spot.

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Ryusei Waterfalls

Ryusei Waterfalls, located in Sounkyo Gorge within Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido, is a stunning cascade known for its powerful descent. Often paired with the neighboring Ginga Waterfalls, Ryusei offers a dramatic display of nature's force and is a must-see destination in the region.

A brief summary to Ryusei Waterfalls

Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Sounkyo, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during late spring to early autumn for optimal weather and clear views of the falls.
Wear sturdy shoes, especially if hiking to the Panorama Viewing Platform, as the trails can be slippery.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Ginga Falls for a complete experience of the 'husband and wife' waterfalls.
Stop by the Taki Mintara shop near the parking area for souvenirs and refreshments.

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Explore Ryusei Waterfalls on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ryusei Waterfalls, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

From JR Kamikawa Station, take the Dohoku Bus bound for Sounkyo. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and you should disembark at the Ryusei-no-taki stop. From there, it is a short walk to the waterfalls. The one-way bus fare is approximately ¥1,000.
Car

From the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway, take the Kamikawa Sounkyo IC exit. Follow Route 39 for about 60 km (approximately 70 minutes) via Sounkyo. Turn right at the side of the tunnel to find the parking lot. Parking is free and available year-round.
Walking

From the parking lot, the base of Ryusei Falls is a short walk. To reach the Panorama Viewing Platform for a view of both Ryusei and Ginga Falls, follow the steep trail that climbs through the forest. The hike takes about 20 minutes. Be cautious, as the trail can be slippery, especially in wet conditions.

Discover more about Ryusei Waterfalls

Ryusei Waterfalls, also known as the 'Shooting Star Falls,' is one of Hokkaido's most celebrated natural attractions. Situated in the Sounkyo Gorge, within the expansive Daisetsuzan National Park, it presents a captivating scene of raw natural beauty. The waterfall's powerful cascade plunges approximately 90 meters down rugged, green cliffs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle accompanied by a symphony of soothing sounds.Ryusei is often visited in conjunction with its neighboring waterfall, Ginga Falls (Milky Way Falls), with the pair together being known as 'husband and wife falls'. Ryusei's forceful single stream contrasts beautifully with Ginga's delicate, white threads of water. Visitors can appreciate each waterfall individually from the parking lot area, or embark on a short, steep 20-minute climb to the Soubaku Dai observation deck to witness both falls side-by-side.The surrounding area is characterized by dramatic cliffs and verdant forests, a testament to Hokkaido's rich geological past shaped by volcanic activity. The falls are accessible year-round, with each season offering a unique perspective. Lush greenery surrounds the falls in spring and summer, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. In winter, the waterfalls can partially freeze, creating a magical, icy landscape.At the base of the falls, a shop called "Taki Mintara" offers souvenirs and a place to relax.