Biei Scenic Spot/A Must-Visit in Winter: Dreamlike and Beautiful Scenery #Shirahige Falls
Hokkaido in winter is a love-hate thing. This time I came to Biei, Hokkaido, where there is a dreamy and beautiful wonderland - Shirahige Falls (白ひげの滝). It has different scenery in each season. I chose to come here in winter.
Transportation Tips: Because Shirahige Falls is located in Shirokane, Biei Town, Hokkaido, driving is the most convenient way. There is a free parking lot in the Shirokane Hot Spring area, which is only a 5-minute walk away. However, in winter, the snow is sometimes too high, so it is recommended to take public transportation for safety. From Sapporo, you can take the JR Limited Express Kamui (789-1000 series) to JR Asahikawa Station, then transfer to the Furano Line to Biei Station, and then take the Dohoku Bus Biei-Shirogane Line and get off at "Senior House-Shirogane Onsen".
Shirahige Falls is located in Shirogane Onsen Village, Biei Town. The waterfall has a drop of 30 meters and is 600 meters above sea level. The waterfall cascades down from the cracks in the rocks, and its name comes from the fact that the water flows like a white beard. The entire scenic spot takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to stay. Shirahige Falls is the source of the Blue Pond, another famous attraction. The deep pool of the waterfall is the same dreamy blue as the Blue Pond, and is loved by everyone.
After arriving at the Platinum Hot Spring area, take a short walk and you will see the waterfall when you walk up the iron bridge. It is very suitable for traveling with children or elders except in winter. Because Shirahige Falls can only be viewed from the iron bridge and it is impossible to get close to the waterfall, this may be safer for both nature and tourists.
In spring and summer, the waterfall is lined with green and yellow leaves. In autumn, the valley turns into yellow and red maple leaves. In winter, it is covered with ice and snow like a fairyland. Even some tributaries of the waterfall are formed into azure blue icicles. There are fewer tourists on weekdays and more holidays. The snow-covered dead branches are particularly charming with their isolation from the world. Nature's wonders are respected.
It should be noted that there are no shops or restaurants at the waterfall site (except for the Platinum Hot Spring area), no toilets or trash cans, and no tickets are required. In winter, the road is basically invisible due to heavy snow, but there is a path walked by tourists, which is very wet and slippery. You should still pay attention to safety when traveling in winter. #familytravel #BieiShirahigeTaki #Biei #Hokkaido #Sapporo #Asahikawa #100TravelWays #NaturalScenery