A waterfall tour where the sound of water cleanses the soul

The Osaru River flows through the Iburi region of Hokkaido. As it gathers the pure waters of Mount Shiraoi and heads toward the Pacific Ocean, this river is dotted with breathtaking views that will make you instinctively pull over and gaze in awe.
This time, we visited “Shiraginu no Toko,” “Otaki Niagara Falls,” and “Sankai Falls.” Each is a renowned waterside spot where you can fully immerse yourself in the “grand nature of Hokkaido.” We came back feeling refreshed after soaking up plenty of negative ions.

Waterfall Tour of the Osaru River (Hokkaido)　Kawatabi Hokkaido YouTube
URL　https://youtu.be/2vqQFTENNGA

◆Shiraginu no Toko — Natural Art Created by the River

The first place we visited was “Shiraginu no Toko.”
The sight of crystal-clear water flowing gently over the pale beige bedrock that stretches across the riverbed is just like a sheet of white silk spread out before you. You can’t help but understand where the name comes from.
If you listen closely, you can hear the gentle sound of water caressing the rocks. Young leaves rustling in the breeze. Cool air filled with the scent of spring. Peering into the river, you’ll be amazed by the clarity of the water.

◆Otaki Niagara Falls — Hokkaido’s “Little Niagara”

Next, I headed to “Otaki Niagara Falls.”
Just hearing the name might sound a bit exaggerated. But the moment you stand before it, you’ll be overwhelmed by its sheer power.
White water cascades down from the waterfall, which stretches across the entire width. Spray flies up with a thunderous roar. It feels like you’re bathing your whole body in the energy of nature.

Especially during this snowmelt season, the water volume is abundant, making the waterfall even more impressive.
What surprised me most, however, was how fresh the air felt. According to the local information board, the concentration of negative ions in this area is extremely high—a staggering 70,000 per cubic centimeter. The moment I took a deep breath, I felt as though my entire body was being cleansed from the inside out.

There is a large parking lot on-site, and from there, you walk about 800 meters along a wood-chip path through the forest, enjoying the fresh air, until you reach the falls. Visitors were arriving one after another.

◆Sankai Falls — The Thundering Sound of Water Right Before Your Eyes

Our final stop was “Sankai Falls.”
True to its name, this beautiful waterfall cascades down in three tiers and has long been a beloved scenic spot.

Looking down from the bridge, the water plunges forcefully against the rock face, sending up a spray of white mist. Strangely enough, standing amidst that overwhelming roar, I felt a sense of tranquility.
It’s said to be spectacular not only during the fresh greenery of spring but also during the autumn foliage season. I found myself wanting to see this waterfall again, next time amidst a forest dyed in shades of red and yellow.
There is a large parking lot here as well, with a café right next to it

◆The claim that it’s “healing” was true

Information boards on-site displayed the negative ion levels at each location. During this visit, I was exposed to a total of 130,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter across the three spots.

＠＠Shiraginu no Toko: 10,000 ions/cc
＠＠Otaki Niagara Falls: 70,000 ions/cc
＠＠Sankai Falls: 50,000 ions/cc

When compared to urban areas, which have levels of 100 ions/cc or less, the difference is overwhelming. Of course, numbers alone don’t tell the whole story, but the “sense of well-being” and the “feeling of my mind going blank” that I experienced while standing in front of the waterfalls were definitely real.