(c) Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourist Association
- TOP
- Interests
- Nature & Amazing Views
- Rivers
- Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall
Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall
A river fed by hot springs from Mt. Iou, one of the world’s rare sulfur volcanoes
- Closest station
JR Shiretoko-Shari Station
- Access
From JR Abashiri Station, take the Kushiro Line for around 45 minutes to JR Shiretoko-Shari Station, then either take the Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner for about 45 minutes or the Shari Bus Shiretoko Line for about 60 minutes to Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal, and finally take a taxi (reservation required) for around 40 minutes.
*When the shuttle bus is being operated, take the Shari Bus Shiretoko Line from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station for around 70 minutes to Shiretoko Nature Center. From Shiretoko Nature Center, take the dedicated shuttle bus for roughly 40 minutes to Kamuiwakka, and walk for around 7 minutes.
- Opening hours
Kamuiwakka Hot Falls Climbing (approx. 90 mins.): 9:00–16:00 from July to September (reservation required)
- Price
Kamuiwakka Hot Falls Climbing: 2,200 yen for adults, 550 yen for children (3,000 yen for adults and 750 yen for children if taking the special shuttle bus)
Great Stuff to See and Do!
A mysterious place called "water of the gods" in the Ainu language
photo:(c) Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourist Association
On the Shiretoko Peninsula, there is a place where hot springs gush out and flow as a river. This is the Kamuiwakka River, which originates from Mt. Iou, part of the Shiretoko mountain range. “Kamuiwakka” means “water of the gods” in the language of the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido, and refers to an area about 10 km from the Shiretoko Goko Lakes, along a forest road surrounded by primeval forest. Mt. Iou is the only volcano in the world that spews molten sulfur, and is one of the world’s three most unusual volcanoes. About 400 to 500m upstream from the entry to the Kamuiwakka River, approx. 70°C hot springs flow into the waterfall basin, which has attracted attention as a mysterious place that acts as a natural open-air bath.
Activities to truly experience the power of the Earth
photo:(c) Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourist Association
One of the activities that allows visitors to fully experience the charms of Shiretoko is Kamuiwakka Hot Falls Climbing, a climb up the river while crossing several small waterfalls. This activity is only available in the summer, and requires advance reservations. The journey is approx. 400m one way, with an elevation difference of about 80m, and the water temperature rises as you make your way upstream, from around 25°C at the starting point to about 35-38°C at the end. Climbing up the river, being surrounded by primeval forest, and getting splashed by the warm water is an experience that enables you to truly connect with the mysteries of the Earth and that can only be experienced here.
