Shiretoko-Shari, Hokkaido
Two white cascades, right before your eyes In autumn in Shiretoko, climb the steps and follow the sound of the falls
Oshinkoshin Falls lies along National Route 334, and a flight of steps from the car park brings you close to the water. On an autumn trip, I’d love to feel the spray among the leaves.
A morning beneath the autumn trees, gazing up at the twin cascades.
AutumnEarly October · morning
Spray on my cheeks, the falls roaring around me
On an early October morning, I turned off National Route 334 and pulled into the car park at Oshinkoshin Falls. I could hear the water from the moment I got out of the car, and it grew louder as I climbed the steps. The instant I caught sight of the white water beyond the wooden railing, I stopped in my tracks. I’d only just driven along the coast, but here the sound of the falls filled the air.
Looking up at the wet rock, I saw a narrower stream on the left and a broader one on the right. Even though it’s one waterfall, the two sides look so different that I kept shifting my gaze between them. That split partway down is where the name “Twin Beauty Falls” comes from. I meant to follow the stream on the right, but the one on the left kept catching my eye as it hit the rock and splashed back. I could hardly look away.
When the wind blew my way, I felt a cold splash on my cheek. “Oh! I just got splashed!” I said, lifting a hand before looking up at the falls again. I had a sweater on under my dusty pink jacket, but the water against my face still felt cool. I’d pictured the falls from a distance, so being this close made me so happy. Here, I could feel the falls on my skin as well as hear them.
The trees above and beside the falls had taken on their autumn colors. Water came rushing through the leaves, streaming over the wet rocks. Inside the railing, I adjusted the bag on my shoulder and watched it for a while. After lowering my camera, I felt as though I could see the little splashes and swaying branches more clearly.
As I walked back down the steps, I was already thinking about having autumn salmon for lunch in Utoro. Apparently, the restaurant at Utoro-Shirietoku Roadside Station serves seasonal dishes featuring Shiretoko salmon. When I put my hand to my chilled cheeks in front of the falls, I found myself looking forward to a warm meal even more. I want to experience both the force of the falls and the flavors of the season here in Shiretoko today.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Autumn Salmon in Utoro
The Shiretoko Shari Tourism Association highlights seasonal dishes at Utoro-Shirietoku Roadside Station. I’d love to have an autumn salmon dish for lunch after visiting the falls.
Highlights
Two cascades with different shapes
The falls split into two partway down, which is why they’re known as “Twin Beauty Falls.” Looking up from the path, I felt spray on my cheek and couldn’t believe how close I was to the falls.
A waterfall at the gateway to Shiretoko
This is one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, along National Route 334 on the way to Shiretoko. Stop during your drive and take in the sound of the water.
Route & Trip Info
From JR Shiretoko-Shari Station to the falls
- Drive time
- About 30 minutes
- Route
- Along National Route 334
I’d love to pair a coastal drive with time at the falls.
It’s about 30 minutes by car from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station. I’d like to follow National Route 334 and pause at the falls along the way.
More Spot Guides
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