Hagoromo Falls is one of Hokkaido’s most spectacular waterfalls, located in Tenninkyo Gorge within Daisetsuzan National Park. The waterfall plunges down a dramatic cliff face approximately 270 meters high, changing direction as it descends through seven distinct tiers. It has the greatest total drop of any waterfall in Hokkaido.
The combination of its immense scale and graceful, elegant appearance is said to have inspired the name Hagoromo Falls, meaning “Feather Robe Falls.” The flowing water cascading down the cliffs is reminiscent of the delicate movements of a heavenly robe.
Hagoromo Falls has been selected as one of the 100 Best Waterfalls in Japan, recognizing its exceptional beauty and natural significance.
Hagoromo Falls is formed along two tributaries of the Chubetsu River, Aishipop-zawa and Futami-zawa. The two streams merge partway down the seven-tiered waterfall, contributing to its complex and distinctive flow.
The geology of the cliffs changes from top to bottom. The upper section consists of welded tuff, the middle section of pumiceous tuff, and the lower section of volcanic rock from the Tertiary period.
Because these different types of rock erode at different rates, the waterfall does not descend in a single straight line. Instead, the water repeatedly bends and changes direction as it follows the seven levels of the cliff, creating the waterfall’s characteristic form and graceful appearance.
Hagoromo Falls can generally be viewed from around April, when the mountain snow begins to melt, through approximately November, before the full winter season arrives.
The snowmelt period is an especially impressive time to visit. As large volumes of meltwater flow down from the mountains, the waterfall becomes more powerful and dramatic, filling the gorge with the sound and energy of rushing water.
Hagoromo Falls is located close to Tenninkyo Onsen, one of the gateways to the Daisetsuzan mountain area. A walking trail leads from the hot spring town toward the waterfall.
After walking approximately 500 meters, or about 15 minutes, visitors reach Hagoromo Observatory, where the waterfall can be viewed from a nearby vantage point.
The trail provides a pleasant way to combine sightseeing with a stay at Tenninkyo Onsen, surrounded by the forests and mountains of Daisetsuzan National Park.
For a more expansive view, hikers can follow the mountain trail from Tenninkyo Onsen to Takimidai, or “Waterfall Viewing Platform.” The trail climbs approximately 230 meters in elevation over a distance of about 1.5 kilometers.
The ascent takes approximately one to one and a half hours, but the higher viewpoint offers a rewarding panorama. From Takimidai, visitors can see the full form of Hagoromo Falls together with Mount Asahidake and Shikishima Falls.
The elevated viewpoint reveals how dramatically the waterfall is integrated into the surrounding mountain landscape, making it particularly worthwhile for visitors who enjoy hiking and scenic photography.
Hagoromo Falls combines impressive scale, elegant movement, and remarkable geological character. Its seven-tiered cascade is the result of both the power of water and the contrasting rocks that make up the mountain cliffs.
Whether viewed from the nearby observatory or from the higher Takimidai viewpoint, the waterfall offers a memorable encounter with the rugged natural beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park.
For travelers exploring the Asahikawa, Furano, and Biei region, Hagoromo Falls is a spectacular mountain destination where water, geology, forest, and the vast landscapes of Hokkaido come together.
65 min. by bus from Asahikawa Station → 10 min. walk after getting off the bus