Garō Falls is a spectacular waterfall in Shimamaki Village, southern Hokkaido, known for its immense scale and powerful presence. The waterfall is approximately 35 meters wide and 70 meters high, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in Japan.
Also known as Ryūjin Falls or Hiryū Falls, Garō Falls is located within the Kariba-Motsuta Prefectural Natural Park and has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls. Surrounded by rugged mountains and pristine forests, the waterfall offers a dramatic natural landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons.
The sight and sound of the water plunging from the rocky cliff create an unforgettable impression. The surrounding landscape is particularly beautiful when viewed through the changing colors of the four seasons, from fresh greenery in spring and summer to brilliant autumn foliage and a snowy winter landscape.
The area around the waterfall includes primeval beech forests and the nearby Chiwashigawa Onsen, making the region an appealing destination for travelers who want to explore Hokkaido’s natural environment beyond its better-known tourist centers.
Upstream from Garō Falls is a natural carbonated spring known as “Dragon Water.” During the period when water levels are relatively low, from approximately mid-July through late October, visitors may be able to collect the naturally carbonated water.
The spring is a distinctive feature of the surrounding wilderness and has traditionally been appreciated by people spending time in the mountains. The nearby Garō Plateau is also used for activities such as camping, stream fishing, and gathering edible wild plants, making the area an attractive place to experience Hokkaido’s natural bounty.
Garō Falls is also associated with a mysterious legend dating back to the Edo period. According to the traditional story, placer gold was discovered at Shimakimaki in 1631. A Matsumae Domain samurai named Kotarō, who later became an official responsible for the area’s gold mines, is said to have devised a plan to hide the gold from the Tokugawa shogunate.
He remembered Garō Falls as the place where he had once found an injured fawn and watched it recover from its wounds. When he later traveled toward the waterfall, a deer is said to have appeared and indicated the direction of the pool at the base of the falls.
The legend continues that a dragon deity guarded the hidden gold and warned that anyone who attempted to excavate it would suffer a curse. Stories such as this have added an air of mystery to the waterfall and helped preserve its place in the folklore of the region.
Numerous folk tales have been passed down in the area since the Edo period, making Garō Falls more than simply a scenic attraction. The combination of the enormous waterfall, ancient forest, natural spring, and legends of dragons and hidden treasure gives the area a distinctive atmosphere that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
Garō Falls is an impressive destination for travelers seeking the wilder side of Hokkaido. Its powerful 70-meter cascade, pristine beech forests, seasonal scenery, natural carbonated spring, and fascinating legends come together to create a memorable experience in the mountains of Shimamaki.
Approx. 2 hours by car from Kuromatsunai Station