
Shirahige Waterfalls, Nicknamed the ‘White Beard Waterfall’ sits in the center of Japan’s most northern Prefecture, Hokkaido, on the outskirts of the small town Biei at an altitude of 600m above sea level.
The Shirahige Waterfalls get it’s nickname from the whispy white water emerging from the cliff face, which vaugely resembles the beard of an elderly mans face, hence the White Beard Waterfall. The waterfall flows from through the ravine and into the Biei River, which is renowned for the stunning blue water, which takes on a remarkabely vibrant blue colouration thanks to th minerals present in the water.
The view of the waterfall is best enjoyed from the Blue River Bridge, a short walk from the Biei Shirogane Onsen, a 150+ year old hotel with a naturally fed hot spring. The bridge looks down on the 30 meter high waterfall and into the Biei river.
The Shirahige waterfall is located near the Shirogane Onsen area, only a short drive away from Shirogane Blue Pond, another attraction famous for the reflective cobalt-blue water.
From Novemeber to April, a special illumination festival is held in the evenings, in where dozens of small lights are lit up around the waterfalls, creating a truly unique spectacle.
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Hours and Admission
- Hours: 24/7
- Free
- Average Time Spent: 15 Minutes
Accessing Shirahige Waterfalls
The Shirahige Waterfalls are out in the middle of nowhere, with the closest train station being a short 25-minute drive. But you can grab the bus from JR Biei Station to Shirahige Waterfall by boarding the Dohoku Bus for 650JPY and getting off at the Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel. From there, It’s only a 2 minute walk.
There is also a free parking lot nearby for those coming in a private / rental car.
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