I went to see the first day of the Shirahige Falls light-up event in Biei/Shirogane Onsen!

I went to see the light-up of Shirahige Falls in Shirogane Onsen, Biei, on its first day!

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: Last updated: September 30, 2018

Table of contents

1. What is Shirahige Falls?

2. Illumination of Shirahige Falls

3. Preparations for going to see the Shirahige Falls light-up.

4. Accommodation near Shirahige Falls

5. How to get to the Shirahige Falls light-up

Final thoughts

Biei - Shirahige Falls The Shirogane Onsen area in Biei, famous for its "Blue Pond," is also known for another spectacular sight: Shirahige Falls. Did you know that this scenic spot has been illuminated since 2015?

So, this time, I'd like to share my experience of going to see the light-up on December 4th, the very first day of the event, despite the heavy snowfall.
(*Implemented from November 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018)

1. What is Shirahige Falls?

Shirahige Falls is a waterfall located in Shirogane Onsen on the Tokachidake side of Biei. It is an unusual waterfall where groundwater from Tokachidake springs up from a crack in the bedrock halfway up the cliff, creating a waterfall (and a very dynamic one at that!). The river that flows down from this waterfall is the Biei River, also known as the Blue River, a mysterious river that displays a vivid blue color.

Biei - Shirahige Falls The beautiful winter scenery of Shirahige Falls and the Blue River, adorned with frost.

Also, about 3 km downstream from this Blue River is the famous "Blue Pond."
Therefore, for those who want to enjoy the Blue Pond to the fullest, it would be essential to see the Blue Pond, the Blue River, and the Shirahige Falls as a set of three.

2. Illumination of Shirahige Falls

So, let's take a look at what it actually looks like.

Biei - Shirahige Falls

This is the illuminated Shirahige Falls in Biei. The white waterfall, the surrounding frost-covered trees, and the blue Biei River (Blue River) create a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Biei - Shirahige Falls

This is the beautiful blue version. The light-up pattern changes every two minutes or so, so you won't get bored.

Biei - Shirahige Falls

Above the waterfall, there are more trees covered in white ice, and together with the bridge above, they create a beautiful scene.

3. Preparations for going to see the Shirahige Falls light-up.

Shirahige Falls is only a 1-2 minute walk from the center of Shirogane Onsen, so no special preparations are necessary.

However, winters in Shirogane Onsen, located in the mountainous area of Biei, are very cold (temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius or even below -10 degrees Celsius), so be sure to dress warmly from head to toe.

If you don't plan on taking any special photos, the tour itself should only take about 10 minutes.

4. Accommodation near Shirahige Falls

It's already dark by 17:00 PM when the Shirahige Falls light-up begins. Let's stay at Shirogane Onsen and enjoy it.
The closest accommodation to Shirahige Falls is Hotel Park Hills. It's a large hotel with many rooms, and during weekdays in winter, you can stay in a room for under 10,000 yen per person for two or more people (prices may vary depending on the date and availability).

Exterior view of Hotel Park Hills

You can also enjoy the Shirogane Onsen, which is a free-flowing hot spring (although a small amount of water is added as the source temperature is 51 degrees Celsius).

Park Hills Hot Springs

Other
Daisetsuzan Shirogane Kanko Hotel
Yumoto Shirogane Onsen Hotel
・Forest Inn Biei
There are hotels and inns such as the ones listed above.

Another thing to be aware of is that during the winter, the road leading from Shirogane Onsen towards Tokachidake Onsen is closed due to snow.

Tokachidake Onsen, which is relatively close to Shirogane Onsen, also requires a detour to the center of Kamifurano during the winter months (more than 90 minutes one way), so please do not stay at Tokachidake Onsen if your purpose is to see the Shirahige Falls light-up.

By the way, this is Shirahige Falls the following morning. Please enjoy comparing the view at night and in the morning.

5. How to get to the Shirahige Falls light-up

From the center of Biei, head straight along the prefectural road towards Shirogane Onsen. It takes about 3-40 minutes by car (depending on road conditions).
Enter Shirogane Onsen, and after passing Hotel Park Hills, turn left. Shirahige Falls is about 100 meters ahead.

Shirahige Falls

While there is parking available for a few cars near the bridge, it is recommended to use the public parking lot in front of the Shirokane Tourist Center, which is about a two-minute walk from the bridge.

To the right of this Shirokane Bridge (also known as the Blue River Bridge), you'll find the Shirohige Waterfall.

There are also local buses to Shirogane Onsen from Asahikawa Station and Biei Station (please be sure to check the schedule as the number of buses is limited).

Please note that during the winter months, the road from Shirogane Onsen towards Tokachidake Onsen is closed due to snow. It is not possible to pass through this area.

Final thoughts

So, what did you think of the "Shirahige Falls Light-Up," which was first held in 2015?
Don't underestimate this as just a waterfall light-up; you're sure to be moved by its power and beauty, which will exceed your expectations. I highly recommend you go and see it for yourself.

Blue Pond Light-up (Photo taken on the same day, showing the illuminated Blue Pond)

Additionally, from November 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, the "Blue Pond Illumination" event will be held concurrently at the "Blue Pond," which is about a 5-minute drive from the hot spring town.
If both events are being held concurrently, be sure to enjoy the illuminations at both locations, and then warm your (presumably) chilled body in the hot springs of Shirogane Onsen. It will surely be a memorable and wonderful experience.

Shirahige Falls (Shirahige Falls) Light-up
November 1, 2018 - April 30, 2019 (tentative)
For inquiries, please contact the Biei Town Tourism Association.
TEL +0166-92-4378-XNUMX
http://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/

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