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A tall waterfall flows down a rocky, forested mountain surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and green under a clear blue sky.
A wooden sign reading "GIN GA NO TAKI" stands among lush green trees, with a tall, narrow waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of two narrow waterfalls cascading down steep, rocky cliffs surrounded by vibrant autumn trees in red, yellow, and orange hues, with distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A tall waterfall flows down a rocky, forested mountain surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and green under a clear blue sky.
A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by autumn trees with golden and green leaves, while a rocky stream flows in the foreground.
A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense, colorful autumn trees, with a clear, fast-flowing river and mossy rocks in the foreground.
Hokkaido

Ginga & Ryusei Waterfalls

4.3 (1294)Scenic SpotTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment
Last updated Apr 18, 2026

Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls in Hokkaido's Sounkyo Gorge are nature's masterpieces. The Ginga Waterfall, often called the "Milky Way," has delicate streams flowing down like silver threads. Nearby, the Ryusei Waterfall, known as the "Shooting Star," plunges with force, creating a powerful display.

These waterfalls stand about 90 meters tall and offer spectacular views all year. In spring and summer, they're surrounded by lush greenery, enhancing their beauty. Autumn transforms the area with brilliant reds and yellows, making the scene even more striking. Winter adds a magical touch as the falls can partially freeze, creating an icy wonderland.

Visitors can access these falls easily. The observation deck provides a perfect spot to soak in the views. The roar of the water, the crisp mountain air, and the stunning visuals create a memorable experience. The falls are part of the Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan's largest national park, known for its hiking trails and hot springs.

Sounkyo Gorge itself is a treasure. It’s carved by the Ishikari River, with towering cliffs and unique rock formations. The gorge is a favorite for hikers, offering trails with breathtaking views at every turn. The hot springs in the area are perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.

Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls aren't just stunning sights; they’re a testament to the beauty and power of nature. Each waterfall has its own character, the gentle elegance of Ginga and the dynamic force of Ryusei. Together, they provide a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement, making them a must-visit in Hokkaido.



The area

Address
Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan


What other travelers are saying about Ginga & Ryusei Waterfalls

The waterfall has turned completely white. It’s a different kind of beauty. A huge thanks to the kind Japanese gentleman who warned me that it’s very slippery at the top and advised not to climb up. So thoughtful and kind.

Nearby attractions to see

Sounkyo Gorge

Sounkyo Gorge

A vibrant landscape featuring a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds, a small lake reflecting the sky, and green hills covered with patches of red and yellow foliage, with distant mountains in the background.

Mount Asahidake

Large icicles and thick ice formations hang from a cave ceiling, illuminated with soft pastel lights in shades of pink, orange, blue, and green, creating a magical, surreal atmosphere.

Hokkaido Ice Pavilion

Close-up of several bottles of red wine stored horizontally in a wooden wine rack, with their red foil tops facing outward. The image is softly focused, highlighting the bottles and rack rows.

Furano Winery

Nearby attractions to see

Sounkyo Gorge

Sounkyo Gorge

A vibrant landscape featuring a clear blue sky with fluffy clouds, a small lake reflecting the sky, and green hills covered with patches of red and yellow foliage, with distant mountains in the background.

Mount Asahidake

Large icicles and thick ice formations hang from a cave ceiling, illuminated with soft pastel lights in shades of pink, orange, blue, and green, creating a magical, surreal atmosphere.

Hokkaido Ice Pavilion

Close-up of several bottles of red wine stored horizontally in a wooden wine rack, with their red foil tops facing outward. The image is softly focused, highlighting the bottles and rack rows.

Furano Winery


More about Ginga & Ryusei Waterfalls from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls are known for their stunning beauty and unique twin waterfall formations. Ginga is often called the "Milky Way" waterfall due to its delicate, flowing streams, while Ryusei is known as the "Shooting Star" waterfall for its powerful, singular cascade.

The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the water flow is robust and the surrounding foliage is lush. Autumn offers beautiful fall colors, while winter provides a stunning view of the frozen falls.

Swimming is not allowed, and visitors are advised to stay on designated paths and viewing platforms for safety reasons and to preserve the natural environment.

Nearby attractions include the Sounkyo Onsen, a hot spring resort, and the Kurodake Ropeway, which offers spectacular views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range.

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the waterfalls. They are part of the Daisetsuzan National Park, which is open to the public.
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Profile
Sasi A
Mar 10, 2026
Nothing much to do here except climb the observatory deck and visit the gift shop, and taking quick photos of the falls. If you don't want to climb the observatory deck, just go along the footpath adjacent to the carpark, viewpoints for both waterfalls are visible from the footpath
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Esther G
Sep 2, 2025
A great and majestic vista , I recommend taking a short hike up hill ( moderate climb ) for the best photo opp ( remember to take care of bears )
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GuyZa
Oct 8, 2025
Stunning! Adjacent towering waterfalls along the cliffs. Was a sight to behold
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Calvin Chen
Aug 12, 2025
Waterfalls near Daizetsuzan sunkyo ropeway, Kurodake mountain. It is 3 km away from ropeway. No public transport is available. You can walk through Ishikari riversite and can reach waterfalls.
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Saswati Adhikary
Feb 22, 2025
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