Shirahige Waterfall, often written as Shirahige Falls or Shirahige-no-taki, is one of the most striking natural sights in the Shirogane Onsen area of Biei. When people talk about the features of Shirahige Waterfall, the first thing they mention is the way the water appears out of the rock itself. Unlike many waterfalls that are formed by a river dropping over a cliff, this one is fed by underground springs. The water seeps out through cracks in ancient lava layers and pours straight down the steep rock wall, so it looks as if dozens of thin white streams are growing out of the cliff. Because the drop is around thirty metres and the width of the flow is about forty metres, these many small streams join together into a powerful white curtain of water. Seen from a distance, the white strands resemble a long beard, and that is why it is called “Shirahige,” which means “white beard” in Japanese.
Another important feature of Shirahige Waterfall is the colour of the river below. The water lands in the Biei River, which is famous as the “Blue River.” Just like the nearby Shirogane Blue Pond, the river has a deep cobalt blue colour. This comes from fine particles of aluminium in the water, which scatter light in a way that makes the blue wave length stand out to the human eye. When the white lines of the falls meet this blue water, the contrast is very strong and beautiful. On clear days the blue is very vivid, and when clouds pass over, the river may look more milky or turquoise. Many photographers come again and again to try to catch different shades of this “Biei Blue.”
Miles Into Moments
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One more feature of Shirahige Waterfall is the way visitors experience it. You do not walk to the base of the falls. Instead, you stand on a bridge above the river called the Blue River Bridge or Shirogane Bridge. From there you look upstream into the gorge. Because you are high above the water, you can see the whole scene at once: the rock face, the lines of falling water, the blue river, and the forest that covers the surrounding slopes. In a single frame, many people are able to include the distant mountains, the bridge rail, and the waterfall together, so it is a very popular photo spot. There is no entrance fee, and the viewpoint is only a short walk from the bus stop or the car park in the hot spring area, so it is easy to combine a stop here with a visit to Shirogane Blue Pond just a few minutes away by car.
The features of Shirahige Waterfall also change with the seasons. In summer the surrounding forest is fresh green, and the white water stands out clearly against the dark rock and leaves. The air is cool around the gorge, so it feels pleasant even on a hot day. In autumn, the hills around Biei turn red, orange, and yellow. From the bridge, you can look down on both the waterfall and the autumn leaves at the same time, with the blue river cutting through the warm colours. Many locals say this is the most beautiful time of year, especially in the late afternoon when the light becomes softer. In winter, the scene becomes even more dramatic. Snow piles up on the rocks and trees, icicles form along the cliff, and only the blue river remains unfrozen in the centre of the white valley. At night, during the cold months, the waterfall is illuminated. The lights shine on the falling water, the snow, and the mist, and the blue of the river glows in the darkness, giving the whole area a dreamlike atmosphere.
Because Shirahige Waterfall is so closely connected to the volcanoes around Biei, the geology is also part of its character. The rock wall behind the waterfall is made of columnar joints, which are vertical columns of rock formed when lava cools and shrinks. These formations were created about two hundred thousand years ago by lava from Mt. Tairagadake, a volcano near Mt. Tokachidake. Over time, underground water found its way through cracks in these lava layers and finally emerged as springs along the cliff. That is why the water does not come in a single wide sheet but instead appears in many thin lines from different points in the rock. For visitors, this geological story may not be visible at first glance, but once you know it, the waterfall feels even more special, like a slow, patient work of nature shaped over thousands of years.
The area around Shirahige Waterfall also adds to its appeal. The falls sit at about six hundred metres above sea level in the Shirogane Onsen district, southeast of Asahikawa. After enjoying the view from the bridge, many travellers walk or drive a short distance to soak in the hot springs. Shirogane Onsen has outdoor baths where you can relax while looking at the surrounding forest and mountains, especially beautiful with snow in winter. Because the waterfall, the blue pond, and the hot springs are all close to each other, it is possible to enjoy them in a single half-day or day trip from Biei, Asahikawa, or even Sapporo if you start early.
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When people talk about the features of Shirahige Waterfall, they often mention the mood as much as the scenery. The constant roar of the water mixes with the wind through the trees and the smell of the forest. On days with light mist, the spray rises from the gorge and drifts across the bridge, so you can feel the water on your skin while you look down. On clear nights during the illumination season, the air can be far below zero, and your breath turns white while the falls glow below. The waterfall is not huge compared with some famous falls in other parts of Japan, but the combination of the white “beard” of water, the blue river, the lava cliffs, and the changing forest makes it a place that many visitors remember long after they leave.
shirahige waterfall winter
When people talk about the charm of Shirahige Waterfall winter scenery, they are usually thinking about the moment when deep blue water and pure white snow meet in a narrow mountain valley. Shirahige Waterfall in Biei looks beautiful in every season, but in winter the whole scene becomes much more dramatic. The forest around the gorge turns completely white, snow piles up on the rocks and tree branches, and only the blue Biei River continues to flow strongly through the middle of the valley. Because the waterfall is made of many thin streams that pour straight out from the rock surface, each strand of water looks even whiter against the dark cliff and the snow. From the bridge above, it feels like you are looking at a huge white beard hanging in the cold air, which matches the name “Shirahige,” meaning “white beard.”
One of the biggest charms of Shirahige Waterfall in winter is the colour contrast. The underground spring water falls into the Biei River, which has the same mineral-rich water as the famous Shirogane Blue Pond. Even when the temperature is far below zero, this river usually does not freeze completely. The surface stays open and shows a deep, milky blue colour that people call “Biei Blue.” Around it, everything else is covered in snow: the slopes of the valley, the trees standing on the ridge, and even the rocks where the water lands. When you look from the bridge, you see three strong colours at once, the dark grey of the lava cliff, the bright white of the waterfall and snow, and the cold blue of the river. On clear days the blue feels almost unreal, but even on cloudy days the scene has a quiet, heavy mood that many travellers find unforgettable.
The air itself is part of the charm of Shirahige Waterfall winter visits. The viewpoint stands at a higher altitude than the town below, so the wind can be sharp. When you step out of the warm car or bus and walk onto the bridge, you immediately feel the dry, cold air on your face and around your ears. At the same time, you hear the deep constant sound of water rushing out of the rock and hitting the river below. Because the valley is narrow, the sound echoes and mixes with the wind. Sometimes mist rises from the gorge, and fine drops of water reach your cheeks or glasses. In very cold weather, that mist freezes onto the railings and forms soft ice patterns. Many visitors say this strong contact with nature, the feeling that the waterfall is alive and moving even while everything else sleeps under snow, is what gives Shirahige Waterfall in winter its special power.
Another reason the charm of Shirahige Waterfall winter season is so strong is the way the scenery changes with the time of day. In the morning, the light is soft and blue, and long shadows lie on the snow. The surface of the river may reflect the pale sky, making the whole scene feel calm and quiet. Around midday the sun reaches deeper into the valley, and the blue of the water becomes brighter, while the snow turns almost dazzling white. Late in the afternoon, the light becomes warmer and more orange, and the snow on the upper parts of the trees begins to glow. On some days the entire scene slowly shifts from cool to warm colours as the sun moves, and you can see a completely different mood just by staying an extra hour.
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After sunset, another side of the charm of Shirahige Waterfall winter appears. During the cold months the area is often illuminated at night. Coloured spotlights shine onto the falling water, the snow-covered rocks and trees, and the blue river. Because the surroundings are very dark, the light seems to float in the air, and the mist created by the waterfall spreads the colours softly through the gorge. Depending on the program, the illumination may change slowly from blue to green to purple or white, and the whole scene looks like something from a fantasy illustration rather than a real landscape. Standing on the bridge in this moment, with your breath turning white and the sound of the waterfall below, you can easily forget that you are only a short drive from hot spring hotels and modern roads.
The human experience around Shirahige Waterfall in winter is also part of its appeal. The viewpoint is simple, just a public bridge above the river, so there are no loud shops or machines right next to you. Visitors usually speak quietly, and sometimes you may find yourself almost alone, especially on weekdays or late at night. This creates a feeling of privacy and calm that is rare in popular tourist spots. At the same time, the waterfall is very accessible. From the bridge it is only a short drive to Shirogane Onsen, where you can soak in outdoor hot spring baths while looking at the snowy forest and mountains. Many people choose a small course where they first enjoy the blue pond during the day, then watch the charm of Shirahige Waterfall winter illumination, and finally warm up in the hot springs. This simple combination of ice-cold air and steaming baths makes the memory of the waterfall even stronger.
Because the water at Shirahige Waterfall comes from underground springs and passes through layers of old lava, it keeps flowing all year, no matter how low the temperature drops. That steady flow can feel encouraging in winter, when the landscape is asleep and the roads are hard to drive. Watching the white streams that never stop and the blue river that never freezes, many visitors quietly feel a sense of energy and continuity. The charm of Shirahige Waterfall winter landscape is not just in its beauty for photographs, but in the way it reminds people that nature continues to move and change even in the coldest season. For travellers who make the effort to visit Biei in winter, standing on that bridge, listening to the water and feeling the sting of the snow on their cheeks, often becomes one of the clearest memories of their entire trip.
shirahige waterfall parking
Here’s what you need to know about parking for Shirahige Waterfall (Shirahige-no-taki) in Biei:
There is free parking, but it’s technically the public car park of the Shirogane Tourist Information Center / Shirogane Tourism Center, not a dedicated “waterfall parking lot.”Official info says: about 22 spaces, free of charge, at the Shirogane Tourist Center car park.
From this car park, it’s only 2–3 minutes on foot to the viewing bridge over the falls (Shirogane/Blue River Bridge).Toilets are available inside or next to the Shirogane Tourism Center, beside the parking area.
A few extra practical points:
Several Japanese guides mention that parking space is limited and can get crowded around midday or in peak seasons, so going early in the morning or later in the afternoon makes it easier to find a spot.
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Some articles note there are two nearby free car parks that people use: one in front of the Biei/Shirogane Tourist Center and another public lot near the Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel.So, in short: yes, parking is free, but it’s shared public parking by Shirogane
shirahige waterfall map code & waterfall to blue pond
For Shirahige Waterfall (Shirahige no Taki) in Biei, a commonly used map code for car navigation systems is:
Mapcode: 796 182 604*
This map code points you to the viewing area near the waterfall and the nearby parking / Shirogane Onsen area, so it’s very convenient when you are driving around Biei and Shirogane Blue Pond.
If you are planning a visit to both Shirahige Waterfall and Shirogane Blue Pond, the good news is that they are very close to each other, and it is quite easy to combine them in a single short trip. Shirahige Waterfall sits in the Shirogane Onsen area of Biei, while Shirogane Blue Pond lies a little further along the same road that heads into the mountains. In simple terms, you drive or ride the same main route and just continue a bit further to reach the pond after enjoying the waterfall. Because the two sights share the same general area and use the same access road, many travelers naturally visit them together as a set.
The actual distance from Shirahige Waterfall to Shirogane Blue Pond is only a few kilometres. By car, it usually takes around five to ten minutes, depending on road conditions and the season. After viewing the waterfall from the bridge, you simply return to the main road, follow the signs for Aoiike or Blue Pond and continue uphill. The route is straightforward, and once you enter the forest area you will see signs guiding you to the official Blue Pond parking lot. Even if you are not familiar with local roads, most modern car navigation systems recognise both “Shirahige Falls” and “Shirogane Blue Pond” as destinations, so you can just set one after the other and follow the voice guidance without stress.
If you are relying on public transport, it is still possible to move from Shirahige Waterfall to Blue Pond, but you need to think a bit about bus schedules. Local buses running between Biei and Shirogane Onsen often stop near the waterfall and also have a stop for the Blue Pond area. In practice, many visitors get off the bus near Shirogane Onsen, walk the short distance to the bridge viewpoint for the waterfall, and then return to the bus stop to catch the next bus toward Aoiike. The ride from the waterfall area to the Blue Pond bus stop is short, but buses are not very frequent, especially outside peak tourist seasons, so it is important to check the timetable in advance and allow some waiting time in your schedule.
Walking the full distance from Shirahige Waterfall to Shirogane Blue Pond is technically possible if you are fit and the weather is good, but it is not always recommended. The road is a mountain road with no wide pavements, and cars sometimes pass at relatively high speed. In summer and early autumn, some travellers do choose to walk parts of the route to enjoy the forest air and the quiet scenery, but even then you need to be careful and wear comfortable shoes. In winter, walking along the road is much more risky because of snow, ice and low visibility. For safety and comfort, using a car, taxi or bus between the two spots is usually a better idea during the cold months.
When planning time for this small transfer, it helps to think of Shirahige Waterfall and Shirogane Blue Pond as different scenes within one compact nature area, rather than as two separate day trips. Many people spend only fifteen to thirty minutes at the waterfall, especially if it is cold or windy. They park near the Shirogane Tourist Center, walk to the bridge, take photos of the blue river and white streams of water, and then return to their car. After that, they drive straight to the Blue Pond, where they may spend a longer period slowly walking the loop path, looking at the colour of the water from different angles and taking many photos. Because the drive itself is short, you do not lose much time moving between the two places and can enjoy both without feeling rushed.
Another advantage of this pairing is the way the two landscapes complement each other. At Shirahige Waterfall, you look down into a narrow gorge where a blue river flows between steep cliffs and dense forest. The water appears suddenly from the rock and drops in thin white lines, creating a very dynamic scene. At Shirogane Blue Pond, on the other hand, the water is calm and still, with standing tree trunks rising from the surface and the colour spreading like ink. Seeing the intense movement of the waterfall first and the tranquil surface of the pond afterwards creates a satisfying contrast in your day’s impressions. Many travellers say that this combination of wild energy and quiet beauty is one of the reasons they recommend visiting both locations together.
Season also affects how you move from Shirahige Waterfall to Blue Pond. In summer and early autumn, the road is usually dry, visibility is good, and driving or taking the bus feels light and easy. In winter and early spring, snow can be heavy, and the road may be narrow due to ploughed snow walls on the sides. If you are driving in winter, you will want to check weather and road reports, use proper winter tyres, and allow extra time for a slow and careful transfer. The reward is that in winter both the waterfall and the Blue Pond area often have special illuminations, so even the short journey between them feels like moving through a winter fantasy landscape.
If you are building a one-day plan around Biei, it is very natural to set a route that starts from the town or from Asahikawa, visits Shirogane Blue Pond, then Shirahige Waterfall, and finally finishes with a hot spring soak at Shirogane Onsen. The short move from the falls to the pond fits neatly into this flow and makes the most of your time in the Shirogane area. As long as you keep the short distance in mind and check transport options before you go, you can connect Shirahige Waterfall to Blue Pond easily and enjoy both of these famous “Biei Blue” sights in a relaxed and memorable way.
